We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 25 Under 50K contest, sponsored by Platinum Seamless.
Meet Tessa Scissorhands (@tessascissorhands). She is a hairstylist and educator based at Technicolor Salon in Scottsdale, AZ.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Tessa Scissorhands (TS): I’m a huge nerd, and I love to learn! I’m currently in school to get my Masters in Beauty and Wellness!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
TS: Honestly, I ran face first into renting before owning a salon. I have a “f^%£ it. We’ll do it” type of mentality, and the fear of failure keeps me going.
BLP: What is your proudest accomplishment?
TS: Becoming the founder of Technicolor Education and hosting classes in my own salon! Winning some awards has been fun too, but really it’s teaching and connecting with our community.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
TS: I love that everyone has the ability to express themselves individually with hair, so I more so love that it’s on trend to be you. I’m not a huge fan of “trendy” hair. I feel that trends come and go so fast, and most of my clients want something that lasts longer than a week.
BLP: What is a tip you have for your fellow stylists who are looking to grow their following on socials?
TS: BE YOU. No one else has that super power. Don’t try to be anyone else.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
TS: I’m a huge “it happens for a reason” person, too. So, It’s okay. It will get better, fast. You’re gonna grow faster than you think in more wild ways than you think.
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)?
TS: Apply oil first before you blow dry the hair. It will change your life.
BLP: What inspires your work?
TS: My clients! Ah! I love them so much, and they let me be creative and funky and fill my cup.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
TS: My fellow industry peers. They keep me accountable and relatable, and I love connecting with everyone at hair shows and industry events.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
TS: I would love to actually see our industry prioritize community and collaboration over competition. I think we say that phrase a lot, but I’ve seen it not be implemented, and this industry is actually rather small. I believe so fiercely in community over competition that I try to educate within it all the time and reach out to others and connect.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
TS: Oh, you’ll have to sign an NDA for me to tell you that.
