We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Caitie Kennedy (@caitie.colors). She is a regional educator with Redken.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): How did you get your start in the industry?
Caitie Kennedy (CK): I knew from a young age that I was going to be a hairstylist. Right after graduating high school, I went to cosmetology school and hit the ground running.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
CK: My proudest accomplishment is when people approach me and say that my content has HELPED them – helped them understand formulation or ingredients or helped them laugh. That is why I make the content I make.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
CK: My favorite hair trend is people having FUN with their hair. I feel for years it’s been “long perfect blonde hair,” and now I’m seeing people embrace the chop, trying new shades and colors and letting a bit loose with their look.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
CK: Stay true to yourself. Stay true to your voice. Don’t get lost in the analytics and chasing a viral post. Make content you like, you are proud of and you think will benefit your audience. Do that, and you’ll be fine.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
CK: Keep fighting, pushing and trying to be the best version of you. Don’t listen when people whisper behind your back because you are the only one in the salon practicing on mannequin heads in down time. Don’t be afraid of being a “try hard.” I promise it’ll be worth it.
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)?
CK: Stop being so afraid of green! Green is truly an amazing corrective pigment. It does neutralize red, but what does it do to orange? MAKES BROWN. I use so much green in my formulations.
BLP: What inspires your work?
CK: My work is inspired by science and theory. I absolutely love the nitty gritty of what we do. I love experimenting with color theory, and I love learning more about ingredients and the components that we work with. But above all, my work is inspired by others. I became an educator for a reason. That reason is to teach stylists from a place of love, care and compassion. I want to make my attendees so comfortable with me that they can ask the questions they really need without fear of judgment.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
CK: I eat, sleep and breathe the hair industry. I love this industry for its wide diversity and ability to shift and change. I get out of bed every day for the stylist who tries to better themselves and their career. They are everything to me.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
CK: I, for one, am incredibly excited to see this monumental shift in our culture with the rise of Millennials and Gen Z. Gone are the days of “I suffered, so you too must suffer.” The new stylist is honed into their business. They want a better work life balance and more freedom. I find that the salon owners of yesteryear who refuse to change are the ones struggling right now. I’m seeing growth of the new age commission salon that offers flexibility and individuality starting to thrive, and that’s so exciting to see.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
CK: To continue to grow in any way that feels right. I love teaching, but I also love creating education programs, helping salons to grow and being in the middle of it all.
