Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey McCarroll.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kelsey. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I always found myself as a young girl admiring hair, and thought it was so cool what could be achieved just in the realms of styling! My mom used to always put our hair up in cool twists and braids, with fun bows and ponytail holders! When my fascination with styling reached some level of boredom, I ended up cutting my own hair in 5th grade. You read that right, into a sassy bob. The hairdresser we went to told me I actually didn’t do that bad of a job! Talk about boasting my ego! I started asking about color, and eventually, my aunt frosted my hair for me (in one of those awful caps)! Then, came temporary hair color, and full on Bettie Page bangs and platinum hair in 8th grade. I enjoyed helping my friends get dolled up and taking pictures of my creations (as well as on myself, cue 35mm and self-timer). I was in one pageant in high school, quickly realizing I enjoyed helping everyone backstage more than I cared about my final look. I loved seeing the joy on people’s faces, it made me happy.
Fast forward to making the decision of what to do with your life. I was told that being a “beautician” wasn’t really a solid career in the south Texas town I grew up in. I never got a fulfilled feeling from most places in my hometown, so I thought maybe it was just a hobby. I pursued college but changed my major every year. I couldn’t quite figure out where I fit in. I decided to start researching again and found the beautiful Aveda Institute in San Antonio while I was in my 3rd year of college at UTSA. I knew about Aveda from a family vacation to Canada. We visited a spa in our hotel and I was so entranced by the people and aromas, I bought a couple of things that are now still current staples. The environment just felt right – my dad was also happy they kept a “grading system” so he would know I’d have to be studying. I put my foot down and made it my mission to go to school there and do big things. I finally had found the key to unlocking the door of my hair journey! I graduated in 2007 and made my way up to North Texas. I have had quite a journey within my career and have recently switched salons, but have always stuck with Aveda. Changing salons isn’t easy, but I know I’ve found a home in Tangerine!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I started at a salon originally in New Braunfels, TX. It was a small town with a booming Aveda salon! I got most of my basic training there, but young me couldn’t figure out how to balance the work and party life. I was let go before my 90 days were up. Trying to figure out what to do, and in a natural fashion of running away from problems, I moved to Fort Worth and started with a brand new salon. I still didn’t feel at home there, and it wasn’t a good fit again. I was gone in three months. I was so broken down that maybe again hair wasn’t my thing behind a chair. I immediately got a retail job with Aveda at a mall. It was great being able to stick with the products that I had grown to love. I quickly was depressed again and hid it very well. I gained a lot of weight and had poor life habits. I found myself going back to all my cosmetology info and cutting some coworkers hair. It was then I decided I needed to try again. Third time’s a charm, right?
I left Aveda retail after almost two years and went back to the same salon I worked for in New Braunfels, but in a location up here (Las Colinas). I was there for six years before we merged with our Arlington location. I ended up having a baby and the drive got to be too much. Anyone who is a parent knows what kind of emotional rollercoaster that is, so I found myself trying to figure out what was going to be my next step. I was one of the lead educators, had developed some great friendships, and had built up some great vacation time that was hard to walk away from. I ended up connecting with an old coworker who works for Tangerine and just felt like it would be a good move for me. I interviewed and did a technical. I felt like it was just home. I have been there since March 2018 and don’t regret the move. All of my coworkers are amazing individuals as well as a cohesive team. I walk into work feeling invigorated and excited for each day. I feel like my value is recognized, as well as developing some pretty awesome friendships!
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Tangerine Salon – what should we know?
Tangerine is a pretty amazing company. The owners, Brandon and Janet Hensley, have built such strong and grounded foundations, it’s hard to beat from an employee standpoint. Brandon does not do hair, but Janet does. I think it’s great to have someone on each side of the podium running a salon business. Tangerine has had numerous awards and recognition, all which you can find on our website. We are also the trusted salon of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. We have also just grown to FIVE locations! Behind the chair, I love being able to complete a look start to finish. It’s always been a passion of mine to start with the canvas and be able to present the final masterpiece to my clients! I am great at blonding, reds, brunettes, balayage, ombré, and everything in between when it comes to color! I enjoy being able to refine persons cut and style as well, in order to enhance the color we have just painted on! What’s really neat is when you come in, you are presented with a card to choose your beverage and a complimentary added service! We offer a hand massage, neck and shoulder massage, mini facial or a seasonal experience. We want you to be able to relax and enjoy getting your hair done, instead of thinking it’s a chore. I am also a certified color educator with Neill Corp (Aveda). I am very passionate about helping others on their journeys behind the chair. It goes back to the beginning when I said I loved to help people. It still stands very true, and I am honored to be able to share my knowledge! I am very proud to call Tangerine my home and appreciate the level of expertise the company carries on a daily basis.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I feel like being a good listener is one of the key elements to being a great hairdresser – you really need to dig deep into open-ended questions to make sure you are covering all bases. Really being able to shut yourself off and truly open your ears and eyes to a client is one of the biggest blessings you can have in order to start not only an exemplary hair service, but a long-lasting relationship of serving them behind the chair.
Contact Info:
- Address: Preston Hollow Village Shopping Center
7949 Walnut Hill Ln.
Dallas, Texas 75230 - Website: tangerinesalon.net
- Phone: 9723939200
- Email: mccarrollkelsey@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Feather and Twine Photography
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