Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylia Lundgren.
Hi Kaylia, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I was a child my mother went in for her first emergency heart surgery. I had no indication of whether I would get to see her again or if that was goodbye. That is a feeling I hope no one ever has to feel. Since that first surgery, she has had two additional heart surgeries and is going in for her fourth in a week. My whole life my father has worked two jobs so that our family of seven could make ends meet. As I got older I began to learn the extent of our circumstances. Due to lots of medical debt, I knew I wouldn’t have the financial support from my parents. To me, it seemed like college was no longer an option. When I was a sophomore in high school, I discovered I could go to hair school for free so long as I was still a high school student. So my Junior year I doubled my class load. I took both my Senior and Junior classes throughout the year and then went to summer school just to attend hair school for free because free was all I could afford.
It was during hair school that I realized my passion for Entrepreneurship. I loved the idea of reaping the rewards from hard work but instead of working for someone else, I’m working for myself. It is a way to solve real-world problems with business ventures. I knew then that I wanted to study entrepreneurship at a university and would do whatever it took. I began filling out college applications, not knowing how I would afford school but took a leap of good faith. I was accepted into Brigham Young University (BYU) and with just three months left of hair school, I was scheduled to graduate from both hair school and high school at the same time.
My plan was to then work at a salon during the summer to save up for my first year of college. But then covid-19 hit. Both schools were shut down and I lost my chance to save money for school that summer. A month later I was able to go back to hair school. Unfortunately, I was a month behind so I began going to school 50 hours a week in hopes to make up for lost time. I actually happened to graduate from hair school two days before BYU started. It was a miracle I finished in time.
My very first class at BYU was an entrepreneurship boot camp. We had two weeks to create a business presentation about a potential idea that could be successful. I loved doing that so much I started to make several MVP’s (Minimum Viable products) of potential businesses during my free time. I actually took coding classes and coded a salon scheduling software MVP to present to investors for potential seed funding. But none of my ideas made it past the ‘idea stage’.
I later heard about a program that BYU offers called Sandbox. They take students from different backgrounds and give them the resources to create real tech companies. I wasn’t very familiar with tech other than the salon software I had made but I figured it would be a good learning experience so I jumped on the opportunity and applied. I thought that the hardest part would be getting in but once accepted into the program the hardest part was actually coming up with a business idea that was good enough…until my mother had a stroke.
She actually had three strokes in the span of a week. While in and out of hospitals we ran into a problem. Due to my mother’s extensive medical history from different providers the hospitals didn’t know enough to be able to treat her condition. She was admitted to different hospitals each time so they weren’t able to communicate what was going on and important information wasn’t shared. We nearly lost her because of it. While she is okay now, this inspired the idea for my tech company that I hope will be used to save lives. The company is not public yet so more cannot be said but I am ecstatic for it to be released. I have a newfound passion for using business to help others in need.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think anyone’s path in life is a smooth road but I have definitely learned a lot along the way. Covid-19, my mother’s medical conditions, mental block and other challenges all played a big part in where I am today so I wouldn’t change a thing. A few of the challenges I have most recently faced are watching my mother struggle physically and the news of her need for another heart surgery. As well as finding a life balance. Between doing hair more than full time, being a full time student and starting a tech company I don’t have much additional time and other areas in my life are lacking attention. I don’t think anyone’s path in life is a smooth road but I have definitely learned a lot along the way. Covid-19, my mother’s medical conditions, mental block and other challenges all played a big part in where I am today so I wouldn’t change a thing. A few of the challenges I have most recently faced are watching my mother struggle physically and the news of her need for another heart surgery. As well as finding a life balance. Between doing hair more than full time, being a full time student and starting a tech company I don’t have much additional time and other areas in my life are lacking attention.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am currently a licensed cosmetologist working in a salon based out of Provo, Utah and I specialize in coloring. I am also a stylist that cuts hair at the Provo Missionary Training Center for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I also do freelance work on social media platforms and marketing for a few local businesses. I most recently started working on a tech startup dealing with healthcare administration. I am also a student at BYU studying Entrepreneurial Management.
I think I am most proud of how far I have come at such a young age. I am only 20 so being able to have a career in hair and also open up more opportunities is a big deal to me.
What sets me apart from others is probably how hard I am willing to work and that I also like to have genuine connections. The best way to do so is to talk to people. To ask random people about their lives and learn unique things about them. I have a goal to meet at least three new people a day and that has helped me understand that everyone has a story and there is more beneath the surface.
What matters most to you?
There are so many things I am passionate about such as hair or business. As well as hobbies like snowboarding, running, and trying new foods. But what is all that if you don’t have people to enjoy it with? I have come to realize that without my family, and friends my passions won’t matter. Behind every successful business/businessman is a team of people supporting them. They’re mostly considered the silent partners but they are the reasons so many businesses and people are successful. I have created really genuine connections and being around people is where I thrive. The support I have received from everyone around me has pushed me to do things out of my comfort zone that has allowed me to learn and grow. I am an extrovert to my core and that is why meaningful connections matter the most to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://studio1030.byu.edu/
- Instagram: @Kaylialundgren | @hairbykaylia
- Facebook: @kaylialundgren
Image Credits
Aspen Media Works
