We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Lindsey Holmes (@land_of_ozz). She is a hairstylist and colorist at XO Salon in Pittsburgh, PA.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Lindsey Holmes (LH): My favorite activities outside of hair are reading mystery novels, caring for tons of indoor plants and collaging; my guilty pleasures are watching some dramatic reality tv and adding to my (admittedly large) shoe/boot collection :)
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
LH: Incidentally, I started my professional life as a middle school language arts teacher. A few years in, I was feeling very burnt out and decided I needed to switch careers. I talked to my own hairstylist a lot about how she felt about her career and was so inspired, and I remembered being interested in cosmetology back in my own middle school days; however, I was talked out of it and steered toward college. I decided to take the plunge, left teaching, enrolled in beauty school, hustled and found an amazing mentor to assist, so I could learn as much as possible as fast as possible. I have always been someone to pour my whole soul into my work, and I’ll never stop.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
LH: I’m most proud of how quickly I built up my skills and clientele in a relatively short period of time. I have an amazing, supportive husband, but I’m also proud that the work I do also allows me to be financially independent. I’ve been doing hair for four years, and I’m so proud and grateful to be gaining recognition from brands and beauty publications as well!
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
LH: Color blocking! I think it’s a fun and dramatic look, whether with natural tones or with creative color. I also love big, dramatic hair and that more people are embracing those looks!
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
LH: Just keep posting, and make sure to take photos in indirect natural light to show off your work the best. You don’t need a fancy camera, but learning some basic photo editing skills is very helpful as well. When building clientele, using local hashtags so that potential clients can find you on social media helped me build my book very quickly.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
LH: To not be so afraid to make a change, challenge the status quo and truly go for what you want. When I was younger, I followed well-meaning advice from people who didn’t understand or respect the beauty industry, and I wish I had explored it sooner despite being steered in another direction. That said, all experience is good experience, so I have no regrets and who knows if I’d be where I am today without having gone on that journey!
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)?
LH: Invest in your education. There is no better way to get inspired, network and build your skills than by continuing education after beauty school. Go to hair shows, classes, learn online – whatever interests you, so you can enhance your skill set and make friends!
BLP: What inspires your work?
LH: Other creative people and artists. I get lots of color inspiration not only from other hairstylists, but also photography, paintings, fashion, nature and even interior design. I love taking an aesthetic and running with it!
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
LH: My clients and my coworkers and friends in the beauty industry. I’m so lucky to be able to say I love the people I work with and all of my clients. Seeing everyone else’s passion and creativity, no matter their focus, always inspires me.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
LH: I would love to see more business and finance education specifically for hairstylists become a more emphasized part of our foundational education. In cosmetology school, some elements were briefly covered, but specific business and finance courses would be so beneficial, especially considering how many different avenues this industry offers.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
LH: To become a six-figure stylist. I know it’s absolutely possible, despite what many statistics say is the “average hairstylist salary.” I know first-hand of many stylists that have achieved this and more. This industry really allows you to build the livelihood that you want, and I have been growing steadily toward that goal since I started just four years ago. I want to be an example to other stylists that your hard work will not only pay off in an emotionally fulfilling career, but also a financially fulfilling one.
