Why doing hair led to a viral merch empire 💥

What if your next merch idea isn’t random—it’s your whole brand?

This week's Hairdustry x Beauty Launchpad collab celebrates bold stylists building more than just client lists.
Meet Lex Ruggiero (@lexruggiero)—creator of @hotgirlshair—who turned a spontaneous thought into a sell-out merch line that changed everything.

🎙 Co-Host: Gabby Bach @gabbymarieedits
🎙 2nd Co-Host: Sophia Smith @bysophiasmith

You’ll hear:
– How one selfie and a TikTok blew up her brand overnight
– Why she trademarked on day one (and how she handles knockoffs at the airport 👀)
– The real reason being an independent stylist unlocked her creativity
– How systems (and self-trust) helped her scale both hair + merch
– Why “hot girls hair” is more than a vibe—it’s a movement

And it all started with a shirt she made for herself.
But it turned into something way bigger.
Therefore, if you've got ideas and the guts to chase them—Lex's story will light a fire under you.

🎧 Complete Podcast Video available on your @spotify App @spotifypodcasts
Your Day Off Podcast: Season 8, Episode 28 – Lex Ruggiero – Hot Girls Hair

#hotgirlshair #stylistmerch #beautylaunchpad #independentstylist