We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Get to know Laura Frazier (@hairzillaa). She is a hairstylist, Redken artist and owner of Hair Lab in Charleston, SC.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Laura Frazier (LF): I've hiked four mountain ranges (Rockies, Grand Tetons, Smokey and Blue Ridge) with my chihuahua who also loves hiking, and we plan to add every year!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
LF: I went to college for fine arts first, and, one semester until graduation, I really wasn't sure what I wanted, but I planned to be an art teacher. Then, my college friend asked if I would go to the beauty school across the street's open house, and I was sold. Everyone looked so cool and creative – It was the first time I wanted to be a part of any group! They played this amazing interview with a woman about how her local salon (literally) saved her life, and that was it, I was sold. My friend was not – She ended up at my college and became a very successful nurse!
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
LF: Last year I was nominated for a NAHA!
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
LF: Change nothing.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
LF: THE BLOWOUT IS BACK! As a native New Jersey girl, I am so excited to ditch the curling iron and bring back that big, beautiful blowout bounce to my chair!
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)?
LF: There is no right way or one way to do something. Gather as much info as you can, and make decisions that work the best for you.
BLP: What inspires your work?
LF: In the salon and on sets, music definitely moves me in shapes and colors. I also have seasons where I listen to only one band or one genre; and I cannot tell you why, but it's a weird thing I do. Until I find why I'm fixated on it (through art or hair), I have to keep listening.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
LF: There is no industry like ours. Nothing is comparable; and that's so wild and inspiring to me. I think our industry is such a beautiful melting pot of different folks, and, at the core, that's why it is not like any other industry.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
LF: I think more folks should get on their state boards and change a lot of things, starting with what students are taught in their schools. The government decides the curriculums, and the schools have to run the tightest ship down to the minute of what the government requires, leaving little time for things like business courses, industry etiquette and different ways and paths to hairdressing, etc.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
LF: Oh, I'm gonna win that NAHA!
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
