We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Get to know Kourtnee Jinright (@thecolourchemist). She is a hairstylist and content creator at The Colour Chemist in Jacksonville Beach, FL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kourtnee Jinright (KJ): I’m fluent in American Sign Language.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KJ: My dad randomly came up to me one day and thought, with me being a visual learner plus my personality, that I would make a great stylist. I truly never in my life thought about it, but it was a way to do something to see if it would be fun. It ended up being the best decision I’ve ever made.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
KJ: My proudest achievement is going on my own and becoming a business owner. I truly love running my own show, showing up for myself and clients and giving my clients a real experience.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
KJ: If I could give myself some advice to my younger self looking back, I would tell her to not pay attention to what others think, and it’s okay for everyone to not like you. I spent way too much time worrying about what other people thought, scared to speak up and terrified to set boundaries.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
KJ: My favorite hair trend currently is embracing your natural color and texture while enhancing it with something that is lived in. I will forever be in love with balayage.
BLP: What is a valuable hair tip that you want to share with your fellow stylists (whether it’s a business tip or something related to styling/working with hair)?
KJ: Never assume what people can afford. Don’t ever look at someone and expect something out of someone. Be confident in what you are charging, and be okay with not being for everyone.
BLP: What inspires your work?
KJ: Every time I go to a class, I’m so inspired. Hair by Lexi, Adrienne Dara, Jacob Kahn and Linson have been my inspiration lately. I really admire their hard work/dedication and attention to detail while bringing their fun personalities to the table.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
KJ: Something that keeps me passionate is by setting proper boundaries with my work hours, not people pleasing and continuing my education. I truly love what I do.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
KJ: I would love to see more change when it comes to accessibility. If someone comes in and they are hard of hearing or deaf, I would love to see stylists go the extra mile and learn to communicate in different ways. Example: Texting, learning ASL or even a good ole pen and paper.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KJ: A career goal I have for myself is to open a salon suite for other small businesses one day and to hit one million on socials. Our bodies are only able to do this job for so long, so it would be nice to be able to have that other income for when you’re able to step away from the chair one day.
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
