Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Phillips.
Katie, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
The beauty industry has always fascinated me. From a young age, I remember that I loved going to salons. I even asked my mom to get me a mannequin head so I could play with hair. A career in the beauty industry was never really an option though, as my priority was getting a college degree. I was always successful in school. However, I found that I wasn’t happy. After my freshman year of college, I told my parents that I wanted to drop out and go to cosmetology school. They encouraged me to give college a fair try and finish my degree. So again, I found cosmetology a fleeting option as a career path. Since I was going to stay in college, I had to choose a major. Nothing felt right until I found what was closest to the beauty industry I loved: fashion! I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising with a minor in business. I then had an opportunity to take an internship in San Francisco. I thought that if I moved to this awesome city working for a major fashion retailer, I would finally feel like I had found my path. Even though I loved being away and experiencing new things, I still didn’t feel like I had a sense of purpose. I needed to get back to Texas and figure it out. My mom, knowing me better than anyone, kept mentioning the Paul Mitchell School in Dallas. I took a tour and immediately knew that this was where I needed to be to help me transition to do what I was called to do.
After completing my hours and getting my license, I knew I had finally found my fit. I got an apprenticeship right away and I had the opportunity to learn from a top stylist in Frisco. Since then, my career has continued to soar. I continue to learn and grow every day but I have discovered that my success is due to the love I have for my clients and the passion I have for my craft. Years into my journey, I still find myself in awe and am so grateful for what I get to do for work. I have the opportunity to be creative and make women feel beautiful every day.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to success is rarely smooth! When you go into a competitive industry where you continuously strive to be the best, it’s not always easy. However, on the other hand, if you’re doing what you were made to do, things work out along the way. Some challenges could include working long hours, temporarily placing your personal life on the back burner, and possibly having to step way out of your comfort zone to accomplish your goals. An example of one of my struggles is that I was easily good at school work but quickly realized that I wasn’t a natural at doing hair. With hair, I had to really pay attention to my instructors, learn from accomplished stylist, and develop my skill through practice. That’s where passion and purpose kick in. I learned a lot in cosmetology school, but it was when I was in a real-life setting and had to perform that I learned the most. Failure was the very last option. You work for what you want. I paid attention to the professionals I worked under and alongside and continue to perfect my craft learning from various stylist. My advice to those young women starting their journey and chasing a dream: Take the first step, learn from your mistakes, WORK HARD and enjoy the journey! Passion is foundational for success but only when combined with a strong work ethic and motivation.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
An anonymous quote reads, “When a woman walks into a room, her hairstylist walks with her.” I view myself as an artist and all my canvases just happen to be walking around everywhere! I welcome any hair color/cut to sit in my chair, but one of my specialties is blonding and balayage. A highlight client myself, I genuinely understand what these women are looking for in the end result. My experience with blondes and those wanting to go lighter is really what I’ve chosen to specialize in. From natural and subtle to extreme and bright, I enjoy working to give whatever look the client comes in wanting. I love the seamless transition from a natural darker root to brighter ends that balayage gives, but I also enjoy using a highlighting technique to give a dimensional blonde that brightness all over. Understanding color, how the hair lifts, different levels, tones, and shades is key. Continuing to educate myself on current trends and techniques allows me to be prepared for whatever my beautiful clients may want. As the owner of a small business, I am most proud of my client retention and building those relationships. I pride myself on the fact that I was able to build and continue to develop a strong clientele. I believe customer service is extremely important and I strive to give the best care to every client. By doing this, I set myself apart and make sure the client wants to keep coming back because they enjoyed their time in my chair as well as the results of my work.
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
Leadership is not about power and position, but more about influencing and being intentional in changing lives. The hair industry is primarily female, but male-dominated. Some of the greatest influences globally are talented male hair stylist. The real barrier is the assumption that our competition is another female stylist. What we should be doing is working together and empowering one another to compete with the stereotypes of the hair industry. Sometimes stylist, women particularly, are not viewed as “professionals”. However, we touch lives daily. Giving us the platform to be leaders in the way that we positively and professionally conduct our business.
Pricing:
- Haircut $65
- Gloss + style $85
- Partial highlight + haircut $220
- Full highlight + haircut $240
- Balayage $235+
Contact Info:
- Address: Studio One Eleven
Phenix Salon Suites
12021 Dallas Parkway #600
Suite 111
Frisco, TX 75034 - Website: www.studiooneleven.com
- Phone: 940-447-2422
- Email: klphillips90@yahoo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairby_katiep
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hair-by-katie-p-1648251658785243/
Image Credit:
Katie Phillips
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