10 Women We Want to be When We Grow Up

What do you want to be when you grow up? Who do you look up to or want to emulate? What qualities in a person make you drawn to them? These are things we have been asked our entire lives.

With 90.7% of our industry being female/cis female, out of a total workforce of over 582,000 people, it’s hard to not have a list of #hairheros a mile long. These women have each made a personal impact on our person, whether it was from a fan-girl moment on the red carpet with Sue Pemberton that left us literally speechless or Tabatha Coffey pulling out your new “nana heels” from your DSW bag and inspecting your choices before a show.

All of these women have incredible traits that we can only hope will rub off on us somehow. You can see why these are people we constantly gush over. Plus… if you know us at all by now, then you know there’s more than 10 on this list *wink.

Debbie Webster

Boss babe extraordinaire! If you’re looking for a mentor to look up to, or qualities in a person to emulate… you found the right lady. CEO has been a part of her job title longer then we’ve known her and she has quickly become the person we constantly say “I want to be Debbie Webster when I grow up”. Why? Because she has set a humble example to us by ALWAYS being kind, making time for these two nerds at any event, holding open metaphorical doors for us to walk through and always having a smile and open arms to greet us with.

At times, it feels like Debbie is our cheerleader with her sweet messages in our inbox and a “yes” to go along with our crazy ideas we’re always presenting her with. If we gave out awards, Debbie would be our MVP.

Caroline De Sousa

Caroline is 100% the woman we dreamt of growing up as while we watched Clueless on inflatable chairs in the 90’s. She brings to life all of the qualities we desired: fashionable, confident, gorgeous. It is easy to be sidetracked by her beauty and style but she is also a force to be reckoned with.

Caroline is the cofounder of wildform, a wig company that is smashing conformity to traditional gender roles and embraces the idea of living your truth.

Vivienne Mackinder

The queen mum of hair herself, Vivienne Mackinder will forever be the epitome of class in the hairdressing world. We love her grace coupled with quick wit that surprises audiences.

Vivienne has devoted her life to being an extraordinary hairdresser and delivers some of the finest education that can be found. Surrounded by powerful and successful men early in her career, she took control of her destiny and made a name for herself that will never be forgotten.

Jenny Strebe

Jenny Strebe taught us it is ok to step into your power as a woman. Being assertive isn’t being a bitch… no matter how many archaic stereotypes deem it so. Jenny taught us there is power in taking control of your life and business.

We admire Jenny because she is open about the struggles she has had; the insecurities and self doubt. Watching her rise above everything and successfully launch her own line in a space that would never be called easy, inspires us. She remained true to her ideas and brought her vision to life even when they told her she couldn’t.

Traci Sakosits

Traci Sakosits balances career and motherhood seamlessly proving that you can indeed have it all. Whether she is at the skate park with her mini or watching on the sidelines of the soccer field, Traci is fully present in parenthood.

When we see Traci, we see a women who has taken control of her career and achieved incredible things. A woman who makes time for her family with the same voracity she displays in her craft. For us, Traci is the living, breathing example of balance.

Sue Pemberton

It takes a lot to make a Hair Nerd speechless, but when you get to meet Sue Pemberton for the first time (as a baby nerd fresh out of Cosmo school), it can make your eyes go wide and the words just stop… even when you’re on the red carpet trying to interview her. We admire Sue for many reasons, but the main reason is her openness and soft, inviting energy.

When she saw our eyes go wide and couldn’t make words she instantly gave us a big hug and a quick “you’re doing great”. Among a world of male hairdressers that Sue built her career within, she has always been able to stand out from the crowd and show that she is an incredible artist m. Talent will take you far, but a genuine, loving heart will take you farther.

Janine Jarman

For us, Janine is our financial guru… she preaches the importance of saving and investing in yourself. She has been methodical and meticulous in her business and truly built an empire for herself.

Not afraid of hard work and the less glamorous details of being a bi-coastal salon owner/educator, Janine continually inspires us to dream big and be smart about our business moves.

Faatemah Ampey

You never. have to wonder what is on Faatemah Ampey’s mind. She is outspoken and courageous in a way that leaves us in awe of her. Faatemah’s authenticity inspires us to be who we are meant to be not who society deems we should be.

We love her ability to embrace who she is and dismantle stereotypes along the way… no matter the implications. We aspire to one day be as unapologetically ourselves.

Tabatha Coffey

We haven’t gotten the opportunity to hang out with Tabatha the way we’d like, but that doesn’t mean she isn’t oozing qualities we admire. Her confident demeanor paired with her take charge attitude, wrapped up inside a knowledgeable and stylish package makes a great recipe for the types of hair nerds we wish to be.

Lucie Doughty & Lisa Botts

Look up the definition of power couple in the dictionary… their picture should be right next to it.

If you’ve ever had the pleasure to be around either of these incredible humans, then you already know how loving and kind they are. Some of our favorite moments have happened with these two, from hanging out on Venice Beach to having late night laughs over a home cooked meal and getting plenty of puppy snuggles from their adorable dogs.

Our hope is that we can learn to be as happy, kind, creative and grounded as these two are.

There are so many other names that can be added to this list. Like Kristin Rankin, who is leading a much needed change in the industry with helping people understand inclusive pricing structures and creating safe spaces for the LGBTQIA+ community, as well as everyone else. Cassie Kurtz is creating a voice for female barbers and groomers, making sure that a large minority of our industry is getting their rightful chance to be heard. And people like Zoie McClouskey, whom is at the forefront, working with our future making sure, at all costs, they are getting a fighting chance out the door.

It’s women like this that make us so incredibly proud to be a part of this industry and carving out our own path to make room for the future to have a voice, a platform and a place to call home.