Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitney Kilpatrick.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Whitney. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Growing up during the age of YouTube, allowed me to explore my passions at a young age. I gravitated towards mostly beauty industry videos. After learning every braid and countless hours of Smokey eye tutorials I quickly fell in love. And lucky for me in my sophomore year of high school my district started a cosmetology school. Knowing that I didn’t have a college fund, I decided I could do hair while going to college. In 2015 I’d be apart of the first graduating class from the Shears of Steele Cosmetology Academy. I started my career in a commission salon as an apprentice. This was the first time I saw a group of women making a wealthy life for themselves working behind the chair.
I was truly inspired because up until this point I had believed what a lot of my friends and family had said about the beauty industry. That it’s unreliable, that I’ll kill my body, and that I couldn’t even make as much as a college graduate. When I saw all that the beauty industry had to offer I decided to jump all in! I started taking as many classes as I could, traveling to New York and Las Vegas soaking up everything. I was on fire with passion! This allowed me to crush records, and build a beautiful clientele. In March of 2019, I made the biggest leap of my career and decided to go into business for myself and start my salon suite in downtown Fort Worth at Novak Hair Studios!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There have definitely been challenges! One of my first big obstacles was figuring out how to prove to the people around me that they were wrong about the Beauty industry. It was a desire to show that I could create a wealthy lifestyle for my family. That included work-life balance and the opportunity to make as much or as little as you want. I take every opportunity to lead by example so that I can inspire someone who has always loved a trade or craft but has been told they needed a “real” job or a college degree to be successful. So that they can take the leap of faith to follow their passions.
It was also challenging going from a commission salon where for the most part you would come in do your job and go home, to becoming my own boss, it presented me with a learning opportunity! Now I wear so many hats, especially on the business side of things. But it makes it all the more rewarding!
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I have a beautiful suite inside of Novak Hair Studios in Downtown Fort Worth! I am a passionate hairstylist, that thrives on creating a customized look that works with my client’s lifestyle and preferences. When I see live in balayages, blonde-a-holics, or red heads on my books I get a little flutter! I’m most proud that I am able to serve the sweetest community of women in the DFW area, by making them look and feel more confident! What sets me apart is my nerdy need to know the way too much about the science of hair color. I can guarantee when you sit in my chair I’ll give you a mini-hair lesson about any part of the process and I am always dedicated to finding the solutions to all of your hair needs.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Success to me is very broad. I believe success has many forms and is different for everyone. But for me, I find it special when you find your genius and can use it to serve the people around you. I have learned so much from my mentors, Redken Educators, and my hairstylist community on social media. The beauty industry is always changing so there is always something new to learn! My wonderful husband is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and he also holds down the fort when my work schedule gets crazy. I owe everything to my client’s past, present, and future! I’m so thankful I get to meet so many women from all walks of life. Thank you for always trusting me!
Pricing:
- Full Balayage starts at $183
- Haircut and Style out $58
- Highlighting starts at $145
Contact Info:
- Address: 250 W. Lancaster Ave #110
- Website: Novakhairstudios.com
- Phone: 8175924247
- Instagram: @whit_kilpat
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/whitkilpat
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