We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Meet Priscilla Alicea (@thy_stylist). She is a master stylist and salon suite owner of Thy Stylist Hair Artistry in Old Bridge, NJ.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Priscilla Alicea (PA): I’m only 5’1”.
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
PA: Watching my mom do hair at home my whole childhood. I would shadow and assist her for years before I was old enough to enter beauty school.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
PA: Opening my own salon suite and having my mom as my first official employee.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
PA: A beautiful foliage with good placement and no root tap or root smudge.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
PA: Be YOU! Figure out who your target audience is and post content directly for that person. Find your own rhythm, post consistently and stay true and authentic to who you are.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
PA: Not every client is going to be the right fit for you, even if you do amazing hair, but the right ones will be so supportive in all of your dreams and will be with you for many many years.
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)?
PA: Never be afraid to take the leap or follow a dream because you are afraid of losing clients. We evolve and grow and our clientele does as well. What clientele you “lose” you will outgrow, and be blessed with new ones who will grow and evolve with you.
BLP: What inspires your work?
PA: The end results of the hair and my clients reaction, but also the genuine friendships and bonds I build with my clients.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
PA: Continuing my education with my fav hairdressers and beauty pages online that push me to try new things and step out of my comfort zone.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
PA: Putting our focus back on our clients and providing exceptional service, as well as results. Without our supportive clients, we have skill with no one to work on.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
PA: I would love to start to provide in person and online education to my hairdresser following very soon!
