We are spotlighting the winners of Beauty Launchpad’s 30 Over 30 contest, sponsored by Denman Brush.
Here, you will get to know Akela Douglass (@akelashair). She is the owner of Got Roots Color Bar in Sacramento, CA. She is also a national educator.
Q&A:
Beauty Launchpad (BLP): What is a fun fact about you?
Akela Douglass (AD): I am also a former international pageant winner - Ms. World Universal 2021!
BLP: How did you get your start in the industry?
AD: I actually started in the industry because of pageants. I couldn't afford professional hair and makeup, so I learned how to do it myself.
BLP: What is your proudest achievement in the industry thus far?
AD: My success in competitions. I was the very first Natural Texture Artist of the year for the 2020 Beauty Envision Awards, 2021 Creative Artist of the Year and Silver Craft Artist in the International Trendvision Awards.
BLP: What advice would you give to the younger version of yourself just starting out in the industry, looking back on your whole career?
AD: To trust your instincts, never stop learning and don’t be afraid to raise your prices.
BLP: What is your current favorite hair trend?
AD: I’m really into classic styling, so I’m loving the current Mob Wife trend.
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)?
AD: The industry is very very small. Never burn bridges. Always conduct yourself in a professional way. When making changes, always leave on good terms. You never know who you will cross paths with later in your career.
BLP: What inspires your work?
AD: I’m inspired by my clients and models. I spend a lot of time on the consultation because it brings me joy to create something unique to just them.
BLP: What is something that keeps you passionate and motivated in the industry each day?
AD: I love educating and mentoring. It’s so fun to see those lightbulbs go off and lend my knowledge to the next generation of stylists.
BLP: What changes would you like to see the industry make in order to grow/change/evolve/be better than it was before?
AD: I would love for all stylists to start to learn and embrace how to work with all hair patterns. Hair is hair and anyone should be able to walk into any salon and be well taken care of.
BLP: What is a career goal you have for yourself?
AD: To have several locations of my salon and be one of the top educators in the country.
To see the full list of winners, read Beauty Launchpad's May/June issue.
