About Me

I’ve been in the cosmetology industry for eight years, licensed for six. While my journey here wasn’t exactly traditional, it became apparent pretty quickly that this is where I’m meant to be.

Before I ever picked up a color brush, I worked with horses. I loved caring for them, but one thing about horses is they have to eat – rain, snow, or sleet. After realizing it wasn’t for me, I accepted a receptionist position at a salon. From my very first day, I fell in love with the energy, creativity, and sense of community that filled the space.

Soon after I accepted the position, I approached a stylist and asked for her thoughts on attending cosmetology school. She told me, among other encouraging words, “I get to spend my days making people feel, look, and embody confidence and beauty.” Eight years later, those words still guide everything I do, and they are the inspiration behind Ulterior Motive Beauty.

Ulterior Motive Beauty isn’t about hidden intentions – it’s about having a deeper purpose. With my true goal of making sure every guest leaves feeling confident, refreshed, and genuinely cared for, looking beautiful is just the beginning.

When I’m not behind the chair, you’ll find me at the gym, enjoying good food and drinks with my husband, or embracing my new adventure of becoming a homesteader. My husband and I share our home in Hagerstown and a dream of owning land, riding horses, growing our own food, and living a slower life.

In the meantime, you'll find me at my salon home Illuminate Beauty Studio, specializing in dimensional color transformations, bombshell blondes, rich, vibrant reds, vivid fashion colors, and detailed, textured haircuts, creating customized looks that compliment your lifestyle while enhancing your natural beauty.

I can’t wait to meet you, welcome you into my chair, and help you discover intentional confidence, rooted in beauty.

With love and encouragement,

Lexi Gramm

Ulterior Motive Beauty, LLC