We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Get to know Nadia Vassell (@nadiavassellsalon). She is a hairstylist, entrepreneur and owner of Nadia Vassell Salon in Soho, NY.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Nadia Vassell (NV): When I opened the salon in 2010, I didn't write a business plan.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
NV: My journey into the hairstyling industry started quite unexpectedly. I was a gym enthusiast, spending a lot of time working out and staying fit. By chance, I met a talented hairstylist who eventually became not just my hairstylist but also my mentor. She saw my passion and potential, and I started assisting her. This hands-on experience was invaluable, teaching me the fundamentals of hairstyling and the intricacies of the industry. That chance encounter ignited a spark in me, setting me on a path that led to an incredible career in hairstyling.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
NV: Reflecting on my journey from a small rural community in Montego Bay, Jamaica to owning a prestigious hair salon in Soho, NYC fills me with immense pride. My proudest accomplishment is not just about establishing Nadia Vassell Salon but also about creating opportunities for others. Providing employment for seven people and other contractors and building a space where professional women feel empowered and proud to be a part of is incredibly rewarding. Every day, I see the impact of my work on my team and clients, and it’s a testament to the hard work, resilience and dedication I’ve poured into my career.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
NV: I'm loving the resurgence of natural textures and embracing one's true hair. The move towards low-maintenance, effortlessly chic styles like lived-in waves and textured bobs is so refreshing. It's all about enhancing what you naturally have with a bit of flair and sophistication.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
NV: Social media has revolutionized the way we connect and do business. For hairstylists, it's a powerful tool for storytelling and customer engagement. Start with a compelling profile—choose a memorable username, use your logo as the profile picture and include essential contact information. Showcase behind-the-scenes moments and clear calls to action like "Book Now." Engage with your audience by sharing valuable content and building a strong online presence.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
NV: Believe in yourself, and find a mentor who can guide your career and provide valuable insights. I had to figure it out on my own, and it wasn’t easy. Network as much as possible, and stop worrying about what others may or may not think of you. Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and focus on your growth and success.
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)?
NV: You have a customer for life when you are consistent, show up on time and avoid moving from salon to salon. Throughout my 22 years as a hairstylist, I’ve rented salon chairs in three different salons before opening my own. You lose clients by bouncing around. If you want to be successful, you have to give this your all.
BLP: What inspires your work?
NV: Seeing the happiness on my customers' faces and their loyalty when they keep rebooking with me is incredibly rewarding. Knowing that my customers will walk down the street and receive compliments on their hair is what drives me. It's not just about doing hair — It's about making people feel confident and beautiful. That’s the true inspiration behind my work.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
NV: What keeps me passionate and motivated in the industry each day is its ever-evolving nature. New techniques and trends are always emerging, especially on social media, showcasing beautiful hair colors, innovative coloring methods, braiding styles and advanced hair extension techniques. These continuous improvements keep things fresh and exciting, motivating me to constantly invest in and improve my craft to stay at the forefront of the industry.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
NV: One significant change I would love to see in the industry is a shift towards more collaboration over competition. The beauty industry thrives on innovation and creativity, and I believe that by working together and sharing knowledge, we can achieve greater heights. Supporting one another and fostering a sense of community can lead to groundbreaking advancements and elevate the entire field. This collaborative spirit can drive positive change, inspire new trends and ultimately create a more inclusive and dynamic industry.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
NV: A major career goal for me is to expand my salon and product line on a global scale. I envision creating a brand that stands for excellence in hair care and styling, offering top-notch services and products tailored to diverse hair types and textures. Beyond just expansion, I aim to establish educational programs and workshops that empower aspiring hairstylists worldwide. By sharing my knowledge and experience, I hope to inspire and mentor the next generation of hairstylists, fostering a global community dedicated to excellence in hair care.
