Women to Know Feature: Lacy Gadegaard-West
Laced Hair CEO and Founder Lacy was selected for Women to Know's 2026 Honoree Class - a once-in-a-lifetime honor endorsing high caliber women in business, philanthropy, and leadership! We're incredibly proud of Lacy for this achievement, and feel so grateful that both her dedication to trailblazing in the hair industry and giving back along the way are receiving the recognition they deserve.
Read the full article below!
"Hairstylist by trade and CEO by accident, Lacy Gadegaard- West built a nationally
recognized beauty empire from the ground up. As a successful salon owner and the founder of Laced Hair Extensions and Laced Hair Care, she revolutionized the market with premium, high-demand products trusted by top stylists worldwide. Driven by a passion for education, she launched Laced Academy, an elite training program that has certified and empowered thousands of extension artists globally. Her ultimate impact, however, is philanthropic; through the Laced Hair Foundation, she provides life-changing support to women in need, providing wigs and extensions for women and children suffering from hair loss.
My mother has influenced me the most. As a single mom for a few years, her incredible work ethic and drive to provide for our family taught me resilience. She is a true angel on earth, always inspiring and speaking kindly of everyone. 25 years ago, some parents weren't thrilled about their daughters being hairstylists, but she supported me from the start. Her constant belief that I could pursue whatever career I wanted gave me the confidence to truly succeed.
To me, women empowerment means lifting others up and instilling the unwavering confidence my mother gave me. As a beauty brand owner, I see empowerment as a daily mission. For 25 years, I have used my craft to transform lives. Today, helping women suffering from hair loss reclaim their identity and find newfound confidence is the ultimate reward. True empowerment is providing the tools, support, and deep love that allow every single woman to feel beautiful, resilient, and absolutely unstoppable. Inspiring the next generation of female leaders starts with action. Through my training academy and white label program, I mentor aspiring entrepreneurs, helping them launch successful beauty brands. This vital mission is deeply personal. As a proud mother to four children, three boys and one daughter, I strive to lead by example. I want my sons to champion strong women, and my daughter to see that with passion and resilience, she can break barriers and achieve every single beautiful dream.
The best advice I ever received was that I can accomplish absolutely anything I set my mind to. It started with just a powerful belief from my supportive clients and my mother. As a small town girl from Utah, that foundation changed my entire perspective. It taught me to look at the world differently, simply seeing amazing opportunities come my way and boldly taking them. That mindset transformed my life, proving that any dream can become a truly beautiful reality."