Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Elizabeth.
Hi Kayla, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I have always loved doing hair but never thought it would end up being my career. I appreciate separating beauty and vanity so I was concerned about being sucked into what social media emulates as perfect beauty. With that in mind, I decided to do some research.
I visited multiple schools and all were incredible but when I first stepped into the Aveda Institute, I knew this was the school for me. I fell in love with their focus on helping people feel good on the inside with massage, smelling amazing oils, and proper consultations all before we even start on their hair. They focus on caring for the planet and all who dwell on it. I was HOOKED!! We joke that we are the “yogis” in the stylist world.
After school, I followed my dream to Park City. I was a scared new stylist working in a brand new salon. The beginning was more difficult than I imagined. I often asked myself if all of this was worth it. Through the doubts, I kept at it with hope and creativity holding me together.
About 4 years later, I was one of the top requested stylists and held the record in sales. My team, during this time, are who shaped me into the stylist I am today. I owe them so much! If I ever were to work with a team again, I would want to be with them.
I then moved on to work for two other salons, one of which I managed. Covid taught me a lot about who I am and what I want in my professional future. It was time to start my own business which leads us to where I am today! Lunette Salon is my very own studio salon!
I felt I had circled around and started from scratch all over again since I decided to finally do what I really love (hair cutting and styling) and drop what I never fell in love with (hair coloring). I wanted to specialize and if I didn’t have the support from others, I would have supported myself having faith that it is entirely possible.
I asked the same question. Is this all worth it? I am happy to say, after just over one year, that yes! This is all worth it. I am happy. I feel capable and powerful! I have many goals and am happy to be working towards them.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. I honestly don’t believe that will ever change. All good journeys are bumpy! In the beginning, I struggled with confidence.
In the middle, I struggled with big decisions and change. Worried I might make the wrong turn. And now, I struggle with Imposter Syndrome.
I was excited to officially call myself a business owner and entrepreneur but I get those fleeting thoughts telling me I don’t know enough or haven’t created enough of a stir in my community to be called that.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a haircut and style specialist. Specifically in blow-dry styling but I also find great joy in styling for photoshoots! I have become known for creating sustainable, fashion-forward haircuts. I have two main goals for every client friend.
#1: They enjoy the grow out. Rather than hate their hair once it grows a half inch, I want them to have fun with each stage. I want them to return to my salon not because they hate their hair but because it needs a healthy trim, reshaping, or a fun change.
#2: They don’t have to style their hair for it to look good. Unless you have a super geometrical shape, I think a good cut looks fantastic all on its own. Styling is a great way to be creative and express yourself further but I don’t feel it should be necessary.
Those are luxuries some don’t even realize they want until they have them. I want everyone to feel good in their natural hair just as I hope everyone feels good in their own skin.
I am most proud of doing what I love; haircutting and styling. I have great respect for hair color but I never fell in love with it. No matter how hard I tried. When I talked to other stylists about specializing in haircutting, I usually got the same response.
“There is no way you can make money that way.” Or “but most people care about their color over their cut.” and so on. Then I found people who did it. They are rare but they exist! Stylists from California or New York who made it! I was determined to be amongst them… and now I am.
I am also happy to announce that most really care about their cut and are happy to FINALLY find a specialist!
What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Stop competing against others and start competing against yourself.
I’ve always been competitive. Whether it was national dance competitions or silly games with my family. When I was in hair school, I was teased a bit for doing well. They would complain if I displayed my project first because they didn’t want to go after it. What they didn’t know is how much I looked up to them and how talented I thought they were. It got lonely.
Through this experience, I realized one of the greatest lessons of my life. There was a very important similarity between me and them. We are ALL competing against me. They competed against me and each other while I was completely focused on how I could better myself.
Any time I find myself being intimidated or feeling less because of other people’s work, I take a breath and start to compete against myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: lunettesalon.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becoming_kayla/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SalonLunette/
