Alexis Karpiak
Life Story in 3 Sentences:
I was born in Calgary but grew up in Hawaii and Arizona. I thought I was destined to become a lawyer, but I ended up in hair school instead. My biggest piece of advice, don't open a salon with your best friend!
What does artistic success mean to you? Has that definition changed over time?
As a baby stylist, artistic success meant sticking to the rules and following the book. Now, it's about trusting my art and the process, no longer questioning it—just owning it!
What non-hair-related passions or interests influence your creative process?
The gym plays a big role in my creativity. It allows me to shut off the outside noise and clear my mind, giving me the space to have creative thoughts and new ideas for hair!
If you could give your younger self one piece of advice as an artist, what would it be?
Don't be so hard on yourself—you've got this!
Is there a particular moment in your career when you felt like you'd truly found your artistic voice?
Working with Eluvier from Mas Studios was a pivotal moment. He gave me complete creative freedom to style hair however I wanted, and some of those styles were even published in small magazines around the world. That experience truly solidified my artistic voice!
What's a project or creation you've worked on that you're particularly proud of, and what made it special?
My Hairbrained submission. It was a turning point where I rediscovered my love for hair, especially when I had the privilege of spoiling one of my good friends, Corlia. It felt special because she truly deserved it, and I'm so grateful for our lasting friendship, as well as Jules for capturing the fun, the blonde and the love!
How do you hope to leave a lasting impact on the hairdressing community through your artistry?
I want to inspire other hair artists to feel comfortable and authentic in their own skin. It's easy to get caught up in the pressure to post a certain kind of photo/video, but I'd rather be remembered for being genuine, funny, and always giving my best.
Why the Hairbrained Awards?
Why not?
Any upcoming projects or announcements?
My heart is too big to stay solo—stay tuned!
You can find Alexis on Instagram at @alexiskarpiak