With the beauty industry rising to new highs, the faces behind its success have clearly redefined the industry in no time. More than ever the industry is seeing the experts turning into entrepreneurs, building startups and innovating space through sustainability and trends. In 2021, the industry witnessed numerous changes, some fizzled out, but others expanded their reach, thanks to the experts who have transformed the face of the “beauty norms” through their disruption and unwavering commitment. Amidst all these flourishing experts, we have pinned down the top 30 personalities disrupting the beauty industry in 2021 who have set their strong foot in this space.
Dr. Ayoub Sayeg
A well-respected plastic surgeon since 2002, Dr. Sayeg received his medical degree from the University of Toronto and served his general surgery residency at Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D. C., followed by that he completed his plastic surgery residency at Wayne State University/ DMC. He then successfully completed cosmetic and Breast Fellowship at Charlotte Plastic Surgery Center, Charlotte, NC, as well as Facial Cosmetics at the prestigious Manhattan Eye, Ear, Throat Hospital.
He has done medical missions to La Romana Dominican Republic as well as Tanzania, Africa. He also invented PEBAM a revolutionary minimally invasive breast augmentation surgery procedure and received a patent for the same.
He is one of the leaders in the country for permanent acne scar removal filler Bellafill® (formerly Artefill®). Dr. Sayeg is a trainer and a center of excellence for Bellafill.
Dr. Sayeg is currently the medical director at 63 Laser & Skin Clinic®, a Chicago-based advanced skin, laser, and cosmetic surgery center that customizes all services to each and every client, known as Chicago‘s most affordable cosmetic surgery center.
Jessica Rocha
Jessica Rocha is a female entrepreneur, who at a young age has reached a high standing in the beauty world. At only 27 years of age, she is an owner of her own beauty salon and has her own skincare line along with classes to teach other young people aspiring to enter the beauty community. Jessica has become an inspiration for many women around the world for her successful business, being able to work with celebrities and influencers.
Manal El Hage
Beauty is the combination of shape, color, and form, the dream that we keep following all our lives; and during our lives, we meet with few artists of beauty, “the guardian angels” that help us fulfill this dream…
Manal El Hage, one of the best of these Guardian angels, a natural-born artist with loads of experience in the beauty section, being part in many international beauty events, from New York Fashion Week, Cannes Festival, and Dubai Fashion Show to name a few, a University lecturer, coach and beauty idol, TV figure and a regional phenomenon in the beauty section.
Utilizing her influence to motivate her surroundings and followers to seek their beauty and well-being, Manal is driven passionately in her mission to help her clients pairing with their goals, reaching a sense of awareness that helps them enjoy each step of the journey.
Her latest success stories were the nomination and winning the award of “Young Entrepreneurs BeingShe International” for 2021 in the United Arab Emirates.
Oussama Alaoui
“When I see the smile in my patient’s eyes after our reconstructive journey, it removes all the fatigue.” Dr Oussama Alacui
Dr Oussama’s artistic expression is not only limited to the beautiful smiles he creates, as an avid photographer he uses his photography skills to capture his clients’ smiles and their newfound confidence, taking striking portraits and close-ups in his studio. The close-ups are sometimes combined with calligraphy, or repeated in fractal-like patterns to create inspiring works of art.
Dr Oussama’s passion for photography travels with him wherever he goes, and many of his black and white photographs have been exhibited as they document everyday life through the poetry of form and the human condition.
Dr Alaoui obtained his degree in Prosthodontics from Damascus University 2000-2004, he then completed his Diploma of Aesthetic of Smile from Louis Pasteur University Strasbourg France 2005-2007.
Olga Modlinskaya
Olga is an aesthetic nurse injector with over four years of experience. She has been trained in the United States and Europe. Her mission is to empower women in all sects of life and to help them feel beautiful. Patients come to her because she is an expert in the Russian lip technique. This technique allows lips to look natural and full of volume with only one syringe. Olga is well known for holding training sessions for injectors who are interested in learning about the Russian lip technique, and she attends yearly training sessions as well. She also specializes in cheek, jawline, chin, and botox injections. Olga is well trained in PDO threads which is a non-surgical facelift that is done directly in the office. Olga continues to spend her time empowering and helping others gain self-confidence through her beauty techniques.
Gor Amirbekyan
Gor Amirbekyan is a highly qualified Plastic Surgeon who is skilled in performing and interpreting a wide range of medical examinations. With his years of experience and skills, he has established himself as a recognized professional in the industry.
He also demonstrates superior patient handling abilities while ensuring the comfort of the patients and educating residents and students about different medical procedures. Gor is a highly skilled professional in plastic reconstructive surgery and a range of surgeries such as rhinoplasty, septoplasty, otoplasty, blepharoplasty, face lifting, abdominoplasty, mammoplasty, Brachioplasty, femoroplasty, liposuction, and lipofilling.
He is aiming towards making waves in the beauty industry with his proactive approach and offering exceptional services to his clients. To offer his clients the best services, he focuses on communicating efficiently with them with his excellent verbal and non-verbal skills. According to his clients, he possesses a friendly and positive demeanor that makes him great at strong interpersonal relationship-building skills.
Nicole Blankenship
The South’s most sought-after permanent makeup artist, pro makeup artist, and your new personal beauty insider. Nicole Blankenship is your go-to beauty insider for immaculate cosmetic tattoo artistry, education, advice in aesthetics, makeup and skincare.
Nicole has an immeasurable heart and passion for empowering her clients, educating fellow artists, and helping beauty professionals become more confident in their business. She knows a thing or two about beauty and business. With over 12 years of pro-industry experience as a makeup artist, trainer for multiple L’Oreal luxury makeup brands, an extensive waitlist, celebrity clientele, and press releases to show for it, she leverages her expertise and passion for helping others to try and make a difference in thousands of women’s lives.
She has built quite the following and clientele in a short amount of time, 4 years to be exact. What sets Nicole apart from her competitors is not only her unparalleled artistry but capitalizing on the customer experience and building the relationship, which is the reason she is booked 4 months in advance, and as of July 2019, has just opened a 1500 sq foot studio in the heart of downtown Dallas. Nicole speaks at conferences nationally, and internationally, and travels the world to learn from the most talented artists and trainers in the permanent makeup industry. She has recently had the privilege to present her technique and knowledge to hundreds of aspiring artists at the Worldwide Eyebrow Festival in Rotterdam and America The Beautiful in Las Vegas
Sabrina Bradley
Sabrina is renowned for her unique Holistic aesthetic style as a Facialist and Skincare expert with 20 plus years of Hands-on experience.
Incorporating ancient skincare practices with today’s new-age technology. Her knowledge about Skincare comes with years of passion starting back in her teenage years. Learning ingredients and chemistry was actually Therapy for Sabrina. Building relationships through her unique healing methodology from the inside out.
Top Rated throughout Los Angeles as a True Hidden Gem to the City.
Her ultimate goal is to educate the importance of maintaining a healthy daily skincare Routine between professional treatments as a Lifestyle.
Lana Barker
Lana Barker is a professional makeup artist and hairstylist with a Master’s degree in Business Management and more than 10 years of experience in the beauty industry.
Lana proves every day that anyone can have a big family and successful career at the same time. She inspires many daily. She is not only a full-time working mom of 5 but also a successful makeup artist and hairstylist who was a finalist in 5 categories in the Makeup Artist Guild Pacific Award (MAGAP) in 2020 and finalist in the High Fashion Editorial Makeup Artist of the Year category in the Australian Beauty Industry Award (ABIA) in 2021.
She was also published in many magazines worldwide. Runs educational masterclasses and collaborates with many brands around the world.
Moreover, due to the pandemic over the last two years, Lana enrolled herself in a Psychology Degree to expand her knowledge in understanding and supporting her clients.
Dr. Malda Aldaoudi
Dr. Malda Aldaoudi is an international aesthetic & dermatology specialist from the Middle East who helps people to look and feel their best.
Based on her ethos of celebrating and embracing natural beauty, Dr. Malda’s passion for the art of ‘face sculpting’ has led her to achieve the most comprehensive results in the medical field. With more than 20 years of successful practice, Dr. Malda has built a strong reputation and is a member of many prestigious academies as well as advisory boards around the world. She regularly shares her knowledge and expertise through various training programs, workshops, and media appearances.
A passionate entrepreneur, public speaker, and humanitarian, Syrian-born Dr. Malda continues to define the boundaries of a modern Arab woman. Currently, she is one of the main shareholders of the highly successful Eternel Clinic in Dubai that offers the best-in-class range of self-enhancement and medical treatments.
Chelle Neff
Chelle Neff has been a leader in the U.S. salon industry since founding Urban Betty in 2005 and has more than 20 years of experience creating innovative practices in the salon and beauty worlds. Neff has successfully grown Urban Betty’s revenue year after year and today has two salon companies that house more than 70 employees. For four years consecutively, Inc. 5000 named Urban Betty as one of the fastest-growing privately held companies.
Due to its continued success, the salon is expanding and opening a third location in 2022 and launching an Urban Betty product line in the fall of 2021.
Gosoon Alhaidari
Gosoon Alhaidari is the founder of A Phi Lashes, a beauty salon focusing on eyelash extension and making your eyes beautiful. She is helping her clients achieve their beauty goals with her effective approach and making them feel empowered for their choices. Gosoon is certified by Phi Academy and is leading the industry in helping people beautify their eyes with the help of the latest advancements in the beauty industry. Her business goal is dedicated to creating a platform for individuals where they can be heard and their beauty goals can be achieved efficiently while providing a safe and comfortable environment.
Juliana Peixoto
Juliana is pioneering the concept of consumer-led beauty with her entrepreneurial spirit and high-quality techniques. Even though she founded Make Blink 18 years ago, she still continues to focus on her customers rather than following a model that involves experts dictating customers on how and what to do to fit into today’s “beauty standards.” Everyone who has ever visited Make Blink is treated with bubbles and their special coffee selection while their team leaves no inch to impress clients with a warm environment. Widely regarded as the team of most trustworthy experts, Make Blink Studio has impressed clients with their attention to detail, passion and expertise. Juliana’s amicable and determined personality often reflects in her works. While Make Blink has been inspiring their clients to embrace the power of their own skin, they have successfully created 15000+ happy clients and continues to grow by partnering up with other businesses to promote Circular Economy and support female-led businesses.
Anzelika Punko
Anzelika Punko is an aesthetic doctor with a background in psychotherapy and nutrition. She is the founder of Prosperity Minds that is dedicated to treating beauty issues with smart, safe, and effective solutions.
Anzelika went on to specialize in aesthetics, moved by its power to uplift and create immediate, positive change. She has a reputation as an intuitive and highly skilled practitioner. She always developing new techniques, attending new training, and doing research in health and beauty. She is delivering personalized treatments and tailored approaches. Her unique diagnostic approach encompasses psychological, aesthetic, and anatomical markers to find the ideal treatment for every individual. Her greatest achievement is the trust and loyalty she is inspiring in her patients.
Shauna Magrath
Shauna Magrath is the founder of BEAUTYINK® based in Vancouver, Canada. She has 25-years of experience as an award-winning FX Makeup Artist with Emmy Honours and also being 1 of 3 qualified CPCP Trainers through the Society of Permanent Cosmetic Professionals. From the beginning, Shauna knew that her destiny was helping those who are suffering from Breast Cancer by providing 3D areola tattooing, scar camouflaging, and traditional cosmetic tattooing for men and women. However, she is aiming towards going beyond this and helping more than just her clients. She wants to give back to the world with her knowledge.
As of July 7th of 2021, she made history by sharing her Manual SMP™ technique in a London World Conference, and Shauna also launched the first online SMP Prep Class (SMP Essentials™) to help new students have a solid fundamental education in Scalp Micropigmentation. As a pioneer in cosmetic tattooing & education, she thrives to fill the voids by going above & beyond to support her students & her clients.
Judith Blanco
Judith is a driven, passionate, and innovative businesswoman who has committed herself to create a community for women of color to grow a successful business in the beauty industry. Her expertise is in branding, marketing strategies, customer service training, financial planning, and setting attainable business goals.
Judith began her journey as a lash-technician in her home after leaving a highly respectable career in finance and is now the owner of a thriving beauty lounge located in Bowie, MD, where she employs and trains young women looking to create generational wealth for themselves and their families. As a mother of two, she is aware of the importance of representation and being an exemplary example of a woman of color in business.
The Judith Blanco Beauty Lounge offers luxury experiences to all, provides exceptional customer service, detail-oriented training for budding lash-technicians, and a stunning professional atmosphere.
Brad M Gandolfi
Dr. Brad Gandolfi is a New York City-based plastic surgeon committed to exceeding clients’ expectations, both in the operating room and in the patient experience as a whole.
His dedication to his clients and his craft has allowed him to quickly become a leader in the field, specifically in cosmetic surgery of the face, breast, and body. He believes every encounter has an impact on the overall success of the service, and thus puts effort into all the details to make each client’s experience exceptional.
Board Certified in both Plastic Surgery and General Surgery, Dr. Gandolfi spent 13 years in medical education that took him across four states and many prestigious institutions in his quest to build a unique perspective in plastic surgery. His educational achievements have led to lectures across the world and papers published in prestigious medical journals such as Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, The Journal of Pediatrics, The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, and The Journal of Hand Surgery.
Dr. Gandolfi commits considerable energy into professional and volunteer organizations, including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, and Operation Smile medical missions
Marlene Bishikwabo
Marlene’s motto is to help people reach their highest potential in whichever area she gets involves in. In the case of beauty and wellness, helps people reach their highest potential beauty and that first in their natural self; skin, body, health before the artificial be it makeup, hair, nails, etc. These changes increase people’s self-confidence and positivity while dealing with their daily activities.
She is a chartered management accountant and an entrepreneur. Her vision is to create her own empire with many enterprises in different domains and ensure she excels in each one.
As one of her first enterprises is a Beauty spa with a vision to bring in her country specialties from abroad that is not accessible yet – given the progress in the beauty and wellness world, her aim has been to keep up with the progress and be differentiated among other spas in her country. She chose for the spa to specialize in aesthetic, permanent makeup, and slimming programs and keep upgrading as the beauty industry progresses.
She is a local TV figure, often invited to speak on beauty and wellness and educated on the importance of self-care, on local screens. Her creativity and innovative approach to beauty progress from an amazing journey. From the first engagement to the finished result, her perception and knowledge instill confidence while encouraging curiosity. She has a professional approach while being friendly and making sure you feel at home and in safe hands.
Arlene Treisman
Arlene Treisman is the founder of The Beauty Concierge International in Los Angeles 2010. Hailing from South Africa, Arelene was working in the Marketing, Branding, and PR capacity for Warner Brothers in Grey Phillips.
She was driven by her entrepreneurial spirit when she moved to the USA as a young woman. She established herself in the fashion industry as a trendsetter by founding Universal Levi Denim.
After taking the fashion world by storm, she met Dr. Jason who taught her about every aspect of ageless beauty enhancements.
Her extensive experience and eye for aesthetics help her in preparing tailor-made solutions for her clients according to their individual requirements. She has collaborated with countless surgeons, and beauty experts to create a vision and guide each person to the completion of their goals in all areas of beauty and helped them achieve their realistic beauty expectations.
Her passion reflects her true desire for bringing out the best in every person by integrating beauty and style. Her impressive clientele and successful journey are a true testament to the passion and dedication that she uses to help her customers achieve their own idea of beauty.
Bianca Davis
Bianca Davis is the founder of J’adore, a beauty venture focused on using the most natural techniques. She is trying to incorporate natural routines and treatments into the beauty industry to help her clients achieve their beauty goals in an effective manner.
J’adore Microblading Studio is based in Central Florida with multiple locations on the east and west coast! They are known for their impeccable Microblading, Semi-Permanent Makeup Technique Services, and their National Certification Academy!
Kate Kozlovich
Kate has been helping people feel more confident and luxurious through her expertise in the cosmetology industry. A top-level specialist with an open heart, she loves to pass on her years of knowledge for creating a difference in someone’s life. While living her 5 years of experience in the industry, she has become a prominent professional in Belarus and around the world. As a stylist, Kate’s name is synonymous with style, care and awesomeness which has helped her secure various titles in the hair extensions industry. Renowned for being three times winner of the First International Championship of Eurasia in hair extensions, a judge and speaker in the same championship and a board member of Hair Extension Association, Kate has quickly elevated to a position of a trainer and mentor. She has twisted more than 390 thousand bonds and helped 3.2+ clients look irresistible. Her coaching has helped countless individuals become stylists and get their foot into the industry in no time.
Bita Ardakani- Akrawi PA-C, MPH, MEP-C
Bita Ardakani– Akrawi PA-C, MPH, MEP-C, owns and operates Naples Skin Clinic, a medical spa in Naples. She is a national and board-certified Physician Assistant specializing in medical cosmetic and dermatology procedures since 2009. She is an educator and trainer for injectables and thread lifts. Bita provides general dermatologic care for patients of all ages with a special interest in dermatology surgery, cosmetics, and laser procedures. She also has a passion for helping patients who suffer from acne and aging skin.
Bita PA-C is certified in plasma-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, advanced dermal filler injections, and advanced neurotoxin techniques. She is certified in the artistry of injections called arquederma. She has extensive experience in all dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, Belotero, Versa, Radiesse, Sculptra). She Developed the BitaLift a trademarked nonsurgical facelift with threads. She obtained her aesthetic training through Allergan Inc., Galderma, and Merz aesthetic. She has been trained by well-known dermatologists, cosmetic surgeons, and plastic surgeons in Florida and Beverly Hills, California.
Christina Mendolia
As a bald woman in a society where it’s not the beauty norm, Christina’s mission has been to show the world otherwise. Her goal in life is to help people feel comfortable in their own individual beauty and to break down what everyone perceives as “normal”.
She dove headfirst into all things beauty-related including skincare and makeup. It helped her feel more confident in her skin. From that point on, Christina knew becoming a Licensed Esthetician would allow her to help others feel just as confident.
Not only did makeup help her confidence, but body modifications such as tattoos and piercings really took her a step further. This led to her decision to also pursue a tattooing career as well! Being different in beautiful and always will be!
Cristen Oscar
Cristen Oscar is the CEO & Founder of CoCo Geanell Enterprises, LLC & the visionary behind Crowned By Design which is a cap product with interchangeable velcro patches. CoCO Geanell Enterprises, LLC provides mentoring on beauty & self-development.
Aside from this, Cristen currently serves in the United States Army Active Duty. She is also a Licensed Cosmetologist and has been for 10+ years.
In her spare time, Cristen enjoys drawing, reading, writing, & cooking. She is also a coach for her local YMCA youth boys and girls basketball teams.
While mentoring people on fashion for photo & video shoots, conversations shaped the purpose for designing Crowned by Design. The Vision behind this product is for the expression of how you are feeling at that very moment if it’s for 10 minutes or 24 hours.
Self-happiness and awareness is her goal with every person she interacts with on this journey called “LIFE”.
Terryn Hall
Terryn Hall, the Australian owner of One Seven Cosmetic Tattooing & Training has been hailed WA’s ‘home of Feathertouch’.
Creating her own business only 3 years ago, Terryn has built a community of clientele sporting either One Seven feather touch brows or starting their own businesses and enjoying the lucrative life of clinical beauty.
Within One Seven as a brand of its own accord, Terryn has created a line of Microblading tools, brow pencils & many other artistic utensils to support her craft, students & clients alike.
Once a licensed real estate representative, her transition to beauty was not an easy decision, she explains “4 years ago I was an employee on minimum wage within my industry”; now Perth’s eyebrow powerhouse “is only just starting” and has grown her business into an annual quarter-million-dollar success train!
Megan O‘Brien
Upon seeing how harmful plastic razors were to our environment, one entrepreneur decided it was time to make a change in the shaving industry. Megan founded the company Be Good. Earth in 2020 with one main goal in mind: to make sustainability more beautiful.
She created an e-commerce company that sells sustainable and zero-waste razors that are designed to last for years. The safety razors are made out of metal, and stainless-steel blades are recyclable in most municipalities. The goal was to encourage people to ditch disposable plastic razors and make a more sustainable, long-term switch. Her company also sells hand-crafted shave bars, which are locally handmade, and other eco-friendly beauty accessories to enhance your shave routine.
Since launching in 2020, her small e-commerce company has seen significant growth in its first year of business. Their goal is to expand internationally, with hopes of landing more retail space in large chains.
Jen Cayle Gaum
Jen Cayle Gaum is an International Makeup Artist + Educator and Skincare Expert with over 20 years of experience helping women GLOW from the inside out. Recognized as “Best Makeup Artist” by Allure Magazine, she built her reputation working with the biggest brands and names in makeup, skincare, and dermatology. She is the founder of Sam & Maddy Makeup (named for her kids) and is known for her trademarked technique, the Flushed Yoga Glow™. Jen’s philosophy is about using “makeup as a tool” to empower women. As a makeup artist, an advocate for women, and a mother to an almost 9-year-old daughter, she is on a mission to disrupt the harmful beauty industry narrative of masking, hiding, and fixing by embracing and enhancing every woman’s unique, authentic beauty — igniting her clients’ confidence so they can face the world like the Wonder Women they already are!
Kristen Graham
Kristen– the owner of Salon Honey + Sage is originally from New York worked as a session celebrity + Runway stylist, with a background in business, decided to make her own moves. She desired to pass on that knowledge to future stylists when she opened her Salon. It became wildly successful, bringing in just under 1 million her first year of business. The success of the business is due to Constant education and coaching stylist to become their own personal successes. You must grow educators inside of the salon + you must do the dirty work and provide lots of accountability. Combining business and coaching makes for the most successful environment.
“ I love figuring things out, if you can’t get it right the first time try try again.” – Kristen
Charlene Hatfield Nutter
Charlene, started in the industry as one of the first lash extension artists and educators in the New England Area.
As a business owner, educator, and entrepreneur, EyEnvy Beauty Studio grew its presence in New England with locations in NH and Maine, with another location opening next year, despite the challenges businesses face in the current economy.
In 2015 she expanded her services and began offering Permanent Makeup for brows, eyeliner, and lip blush, offering her customers additional services to enhance their natural beauty.
Charlene keeps up to date in the ever-changing beauty industry with her continuous education and understanding of the needs and wants of her clients, that is what makes her a standout amongst her peers in the region, offering her clients the most current services and training in the industry.
Yvonne Hager
Yvonne is a Master Colorist, Educator and Salon Owner. She helps grow artists and helps her clients achieve beautiful hair colors.
Yvonne has been in the beauty industry for over 20 years. She started her career at the very young age of 16 and she has had extensive experience in many different aspects of the beauty industry. Yvonne received some of the best training, was a National Educator for Davines, worked in film and worked with different celebrities, worked as a Fashion Editor for local magazines, and in 2010 opened her first salon, Lure Salon.
As a salon owner, Yvonne has managed to provide artists with personal growth and thriving careers. She loves to see artists blossom and it’s that love and passion that has to lead her to open her new salon!
Lure Co+Op is a beautiful salon designed by renowned designers, Swoon Studios in Dallas. This new workspace is opened in September 2021.
The COVID-19 pandemic created new ways of working, and Yvonne felt there was a void in the industry for artists that had been displaced and needed more flexibility in a workspace. Therefore, she created the hybrid salon workspace. In a hybrid salon workplace model, artists have the flexibility to work in the salon, out of the salon, and focus on other interests or life situations.
Whatever the reason, the goal of a hybrid salon workplace is to balance the needs of individual artists with the ability to collaborate and be productive in a shared physical space.
Yvonne is excited about this new venture and looking forward to what the future holds!
Final Thoughts
There has been a global shift in the way businesses in the beauty industry are created. The industry is brimming with these leading personalities and their trailblazing, trend-setting, and game-changing approaches. When stumbling upon their works and experiences, we often realize how these tastemakers and insiders have changed the industry and made this world a little more beautiful and confident for all of us!
