We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Meet Teryn Tucker (@teryn.tucker.hair). She is a haircutting specialist and independent educator based in Orlando, FL.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Teryn Tucker (TT): I grew up on a sheep farm! Little did I know all those years of sheep shearing was preparing me for my future!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
TT: While living in Los Angeles, I transitioned from being on stage as a dancer to behind the scenes as a makeup artist. I was finishing my very first fashion show as a makeup artist when I was unexpectedly handed extensions to take to the hair lead. I decided to go with it! I jumped right in - holding hair for stylists, assisting with products and embracing every minute of this random opportunity. I called my parents the next day and told them I need to learn how to do hair. I was accepted into Vidal Sassoon Academy two weeks later and fell in love with the history, craftsmanship and theory of haircutting. To this day, I’m beyond grateful this potential makeup artist was mistaken for a hairdresser.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
TT: Watching people I’ve mentored become incredible hairdressers driven by a want to succeed. Making the decision to specialize in haircutting after coloring hair for 16 years. When I chose to step away from color and focus solely on haircutting, not only was there growth in my craft, but growth in my passion.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
TT: Bring on the BOUNCE! I love that roller sets have found their way back into salon and home styling routines. They’re timeless!
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
TT: Locate your “point of difference” as a stylist and embrace it. Create freely and fiercely. Share your work without overthinking. Stay consistent with connection.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
TT: You are going to question your talent and purpose often. Work through the doubt and keep showing up, no matter what. The road to mastery is paved by what you do when no one else is watching. Be honest about what intimidates you and study 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)?
TT: Learn the basics and stay humble enough to revisit them throughout your career. Stay curious! Learn what you don’t know, and pass on your knowledge to the next generation.
BLP: What inspires your work?
TT: Culture, stories, collaboration, design, individual style and family.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
TT: Tuning into people’s uniqueness. From growth patterns and texture, to lifestyle and hair goals, every person in my chair is a new adventure. I welcome the opportunity for us to navigate the uniqueness together!
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
TT: In addition to diversity and inclusion based on ethnicity, gender and hair type, it’s important to create an inclusive space that welcomes artists and clients of all abilities. By embracing ability and neurodiversity education, our industry can tap into more talent, foster more creativity, and ensure people feel understood, valued, and seen.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
TT: To be trusted as one of the most versatile haircutting specialists in the world.
