The Future of the Beauty Industry Depends on You (Yes, You)

By Tamara Reid, CEO Inside Industry Consulting

Can we be super honest for a quick minute? Leadership in our industry isn’t just about owning a ‘seven-figure’ clinic, signing off on budgets, or being on stage at expo. It’s about legacy. It’s about who comes next. And right now, we’ve got a window - one that could shape the future of the professional beauty industry for the better… or close it, if we’re not paying attention.

There is an entire generation of future founders, therapists, educators and experts looking up at us right now. Watching how we treat each other. How we show up in rooms. How we respond to pressure. How we cheer (or compete) when someone else wins.

And whether we like it or not, they’re building their idea of what “success in this industry” looks like based on what we show them.

So I’ll ask you straight: what are we teaching them?

We Don’t Need More ‘Girl Bosses’. We Need Leaders.

If you’ve been in this game a while (whether you’re a clinic owner, product founder, educator, BDM or podcast host) you’re already in a position of influence. But influence doesn’t always mean impact, and they’re not the same thing. Impact happens when someone you’ve never met feels more confident because of what you shared. It happens when a young therapist feels safe to ask questions because you welcomed them into the conversation instead of brushing them off. It happens when you take 5 extra minutes to explain the why behind a decision, not just the what.

I know it’s easier to say “I’m too busy” or “they don’t want to listen anyway.” But that narrative? That’s tired. And it’s not leadership. If we want this industry to feel different (more collaborative, more united, more human) we have to be different. It starts with us. Now.

Gatekeeping Isn’t Leadership.

Let’s talk about the quiet competitiveness that sometimes creeps into our space. The “oh, she copied me” energy. The “but, she’s come out of no-where!” chat. The DMs that start with “just so you know…”

Here’s the truth: no one’s taking your place. Read that again.

There is enough room for every good educator, every brilliant therapist, every ambitious brand owner. Our value doesn’t decrease just because someone else enters the room. In fact, when we hoard knowledge or block opportunities to keep someone else small, we’re not protecting our position - we’re weakening the entire industry. Because if the next generation doesn’t feel seen, safe or supported here? They’ll go elsewhere. Or worse - they’ll show up in this space with that same scarcity mindset we passed on. And then we’ll wonder why nothing’s changing!

Leadership Doesn’t Need a Contract or a Course

Let’s squash the whole leadership = mentorship thing while we’re here. You don’t need to be someone’s official mentor to show up with generosity. You don’t need to launch a program or a shadowing day or a 12-step journey to be impactful.

Sometimes leadership looks like:

• Forwarding a job ad that would suit them.

• Commenting on a thread that isn’t getting much traction

• Offering honest (but kind) feedback on a post they’re nervous to share.

• Letting them practice their pitch, or their consultation, or their class intro.

• Saying “you can do this” and meaning it. It can be that simple. And it’s never too late to start.

What You Normalise, They Adopt. This bit might sting a little - but it’s important. If you’re:

• Burnt out and glorifying the 5am wake up

• Running a team but never investing in them

• Showing off success without sharing context

• Critiquing other educators behind closed doors

…then don’t be surprised when that becomes the blueprint for the next wave.

Young therapists and future leaders are always watching. They pick up on our tone. Our patterns. Our energy. So what we choose to normalise today becomes their benchmark tomorrow.

If we want an industry that’s built on care, confidence and community, we need to model it. Loudly. Clearly. Consistently.

The Power of Invitation

One of the most powerful things you can do for someone up-and-coming?

Invite them in.

Into the room. The table. The group chat. The partnership.

So many clever cookies are standing on the sidelines, not because they’re not talented, but because they don’t feel welcome. Or worthy. Or ready.

But when someone they respect says, “Come with me,” something shifts. They borrow your confidence until theirs catches up. They start to believe they have a seat at the table - because you made space for them.

Let’s do more of that.

What We Build with People Will Outlive What We Build For Ourselves

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I do want to help, I just don’t know how”—you’re not alone. Not every leader had someone guiding them. Many of us figured it out the hard way. But that’s even more reason to create a softer landing for the ones coming up behind us.

Maybe it starts with sharing your story more openly. Or hiring someone less experienced and training them up instead of choosing the ‘safe’ candidate. Or passing the mic to a younger educator at your next event.

Whatever it is, make it intentional. Because what we build together (across generations, across industry segments, across egos) is what will keep this industry thriving long after we’re gone.

And that? That’s legacy.

Let’s Keep the Community Over Competition Flame Burning

This phrase has been used so often it risks becoming cliché. But it’s still the goal, isn’t it?

Community over competition isn’t just an aesthetic for Instagram tiles. It’s a daily choice. A mindset. A commitment to lead with generosity even when it’s inconvenient.

And I get it. Not everyone will operate this way, heck there have been times where I haven’t shown up this way. But we don’t need everyone. We need a few strong voices. A few bold leaders. A few mentors who are willing to go first.

If you’ve ever wished this industry felt safer, warmer, more united - you’re the one who can help make it that way.

So: how are you showing up?

Not just for yourself. Not just for your business. But for the future of this industry?

Let’s raise our standards. Let’s widen the path. Let’s be the blueprint.

We’re not just shaping brands here.

We’re shaping humans.

And that? That’s the most important work of all. @tamarareiddd @insideindustryconsulting