We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Kate Kwasniak (@she_runs_withscissors). She is a hairstylist and booth renter at Blank Canvas Salon in Londonderry, NH.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Kate Kwasniak (KK): I love thrifting, from clothing/accessories to home decor.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
KK: I was actually going into music education, but I wasn’t sure if college was for me. My cousin at the time had just graduated cosmetology school, and I had always loved hair/makeup/fashion, so I decided to try that avenue out first. Here we are 20+ years later, and now I work in the same salon with her.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
KK: My proudest accomplishment in life is my girls! I do everything for them and put my all into my career as well for them. I want to show them that they can have anything they want in life, and if down the road they choose to have a family, they can indeed do both!
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
KK: I’m a lover of long hair, but I do love the different bob haircuts, whether it be blunt or super textured. For color, I’m all over the color blocking and also the ribboning/chunkier look for blondes/brunettes. This also so much fun when creating vivid looks!
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
KK: I think the biggest thing I can say is be yourself and share what you love! Share the hair that makes you happy and also what you want to have in your chair. Also, show who you are as a stylist but also as a person outside the salon. Make sure to interact/share stylists and brands that you love on social media. Tag them in your posts, and comment their work as well! That way you are creating your community and support!
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
KK: I think the biggest advice that I would give to the younger version of myself starting off in this industry is to take risks and be you! This took me soo long to do, but once I did later in my career, so many things fell into place. Put yourself out there!
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)?
KK: Biggest tip I have is to take models! This will not only let you try new things but also give you plenty of content for your socials. Also, it helps push you out of your comfort zone or if you are having a creativity block.
BLP: What inspires your work?
KK: Things that inspire my work are my daughters' toys and aesthetics. They are all such fun colors and patterns. Also, I’m a sucker for sunsets and sunrises!
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
KK: I would have to say that my salon home keeps me passionate and motivated. I work alongside 20+ people, and they are so supportive, creative, talented and beautiful humans! I’m so grateful to be able to work alongside them all!
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
KK: To know that we all started out doing the same thing to create beautiful hair for our clients and have them feeling better when they leave our chair. To know that even though we all are in the same industry, it’s ok that we take different paths and no ones is lesser or greater than the others. So whether you are a hourly stylist, own a salon, an educator or influencer, we are doing what we love and what is right for our path! Community over competition!
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
KK: I’m not a long term girlie. I kinda just go with it and know things can change depending on where life takes you! I think if I had to be set on something it would be to be able to spend half my time behind the chair and the other half educating.
