Name: Joshua Trotter
Place of Business: Dream Hair Salon
Location: Olympia, WA
How did you get started working in the industry?
I actually began my journey in a very different world. I was a ballet and modern dancer, and dance was my entire identity—until I suffered a leg injury that ultimately ended my career. Losing dance felt like losing myself. I took time to rediscover who I was outside of that dream, moved to Portland, and became a full-time showgirl. It was a chapter of freedom, self-expression, and survival.
Eventually, life pulled me back home when my grandmother became very sick. I moved back to care for her, and when she passed, it stirred a memory I hadn’t thought about in years—my 8th birthday party. My grandmother’s birthday was April 8th and mine is April 6th, so Easter was always our celebration. That year, she let me do her hair and makeup for the party. I used every color I could find—she probably looked like a clown—but she wore it so proudly and said, “Oh, you’re going to be a beautician someday.”
I, of course, responded with a little sass. Since I spent so much time at my grandparents’ house and my grandpa always had John Wayne westerns on, I said, “No grandma, I’m going to be a cowboy.”
That memory stayed with me. And that year, I decided to take the leap and enroll in beauty school.
It wasn’t easy. I thought I would be great at it, but the fear from my dance injury followed me—the fear that something would happen again and I’d be forced to quit. That fear turned into self-sabotage. Instead of finishing school in the typical 13 months, it took me about 16. I struggled with showing up—sometimes late, sometimes not at all.
But I didn’t quit.
When I finally graduated, I cried like a baby in front of the entire school. Most people had no idea how much that moment meant to me. It wasn’t just a certificate and license—it was proof that I could start over, push through fear, and finish something I once thought I’d lose. I was so incredibly proud.
What evolution within your work makes you excited to see more?
What excites me most is the evolution from simply doing hair to creating real impact. I love seeing our industry shift toward deeper connection—education, mentorship, emotional intelligence, and purpose-driven leadership. Watching stylists step into confidence, ownership, and self-worth truly excites me. When our work becomes about transformation—not just appearance, but how someone feels when they leave the chair—that’s where the magic lives.
What role has the LGBTQ+ community had in your work?
The LGBTQ+ community has been foundational in my life and my work. It has given me chosen family, safety, creativity, resilience, and unconditional love. This community taught me how powerful it is to show up authentically and lead with heart. My work is rooted in creating spaces where everyone feels seen, celebrated, and safe. The courage, expression, and love within the LGBTQ+ community continue to shape how I lead, create, and care.
What advice do you have for our community to utilize what you do even more?
Come as you are—and communicate. Ask questions, explore, trust the process, and allow yourself to be guided. The more open and honest you are, the more impactful the experience becomes. We’re here not just to provide a service, but to partner with you in feeling confident, aligned, and beautiful in your own skin.
Who or what inspires you?
I’ve been inspired by many leaders across many industries. I believe in being a sponge—absorbing what works from everyone I learn from and adapting it into my own leadership style.
The people who have inspired me most are my chosen parents, Erin and James Jones. They lead with heart and spirit in everything they do. They are always working at their craft, not just to build themselves, but to serve others first. Everything they do begins with I CARE.
I’m also deeply inspired by people in general—the kindness, love, and humanity they bring to the table. Hair is about giving. It’s about making someone feel beautiful, confident, and at home in their own skin. That is a gift I’m truly honored to be part of.
When it comes to the beauty and fashion industry, where would you advise someone to start if they haven’t focused on it before?
Start with curiosity and education. Observe, ask questions, and immerse yourself in the culture of the industry. Find mentors, take classes, and allow yourself to be a beginner. Focus on fundamentals—craft, professionalism, and consistency—then let creativity grow from there. Passion paired with discipline will always outlast raw talent.
What is a must-do or must-have that you think everyone should do or have?
Everyone should have self-belief—even on the days it feels borrowed. And community. No one succeeds alone. Having people who see you, challenge you, and support you is essential to both personal and professional growth.
Do you have any simple steps or things people can implement into their routines?
Yes—consistency and intention. Start small. Show up on time. Be present. Listen more than you speak. Take care of yourself the way you’d take care of someone you love. Daily habits create long-term transformation.
What is your biggest mistake in the beauty/fashion industry, and how did you learn from it?
My biggest mistake was thinking it was all about me—how I could overachieve, hit numbers, and reach financial goals on my own. I’ve learned that real success comes from teaching, inspiring, and investing in the people around you.
The stronger your team is, the better life becomes—and the more effective, efficient, and fulfilling your salons and work will be. Leadership isn’t about standing above others; it’s about lifting them up.
