Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Terrell.
Hi Kristen, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up in Paris, a small town in northeastern Texas. Growing up, I admired my Uncle Richard who was a hairdresser in Dallas. He was a true artist in all aspects of life. Besides being a talented hairdresser, he was also a musician and painter. He would light up any room he walked into. Unfortunately, I lost my uncle at a fairly young age, and that drove me away from that passion for many years. It was not until after high school when my aspirations were reignited. I worked part-time at my mom’s candy store and a tanning booth connected to a hair salon. I decided to move away to peruse my dreams of becoming a hairdresser. Cosmetology school was another adventure of its own. After graduation, I worked with an amazing group of ladies in a commission salon. We eventually moved as a group into a salon suite setting that played out over the next few years. Five years quickly went by, and I chose to move into the city to work at an upscale salon where I resided for the last 13 years. I left a salon that offered me friends of a lifetime, education, opportunities on a reality show, a position as a mentor, educator & team leader. The brief description of the start and duration of my career brings me to where I am now. I recently decided to take a leap of faith to pursue self-employment. I do not have many explanations other than my intuition played a major role in the timing the decision was made. As I have grown and gained wisdom, I have realized this inner feeling has never led me astray. It at times takes an inner pep talk like a saying I typically lean to “I am a fish & fish don’t sink, they swim.” Once the leap of faith was done, I gained a sense of pride for myself I have never experienced before outside of laying eyes on my son for the first time. This life has brought me prosperity and been fruitful, but my family is now what drives me. This new chapter in my career offers me to continue to follow my passion & be more available to watch my son grow. “To live in the present & be able to look back & know that while I blinked & he is grown. I hope to also say but I saw it all. I soaked it in. I was there for it, and it was great.” -Emily Roussell. Cheers to my fellow stylist & boss babes. May you know one, may you raise one & may you be one.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’ll never forget what my father said when he asked what I wanted to do in life, I responded with “I want to do hair, but I want to be rich.” He simply replied, “Do what you love, perfect your craft & work hard; the money will come.” With that, I may not have understand the full meaning of that statement in that very moment, but it is all much clearer now. I will never be able to claim monetary wealth in some folks regards; however, I am rich in so many other ways. I am rich joy by doing what I love every day, rich in support of genuine clients that turned into friends and eventually family, rich in a career that offers endless opportunities and excitement, and rich in a means to provide for my family. I keep my first year’s W2 hanging in my office that has served as a reminder over the years to always drive me to do more, learn, and perfect my trade. That first year was the most difficult and certainly not a smooth road. I began my career in a time of economical recession. There were weeks my paychecks were around $100 for those 40-hour weeks. These times were only navigated by having a second source of income, so I waited tables in the evening to make ends meet. Most of my early days were spent watching my other fellow stylists, who would over time, end up being my mentors. They consisted of a group of ladies that honestly taught me all the basic fundamentals of the industry. They elaborated the subject of color theory which unfortunately was undertaught in my cosmetology school, and showed me the ropes to overcome the first few years of obstacles endured in my career. Over the years in this ever-changing industry, I have hit different plateaus, insecurities related to other stylists’ work, and trying to find a solid work/life balance. Through it all, I have always pushed forward and can look back to say I have a great deal to be thankful for.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in blonding services, balayage, natural highlights, fine hair, textured cuts & Keratin smoothing treatments.
My salon gives me the opportunity to offer guests with an intimate setting vs. a commercialized experience. It also gives me the ability to individualize each visit for each unique client down to their music preference. I take pride in being able to offer a one-on-one experience which allows me to provide my professional services in an extremely focused environment. I offer in salon & online retail while focusing on Kevin Murphy. I chose this luxury line to showcase my work while providing the best ingredients.
What were you like growing up?
As a young child, I was caught cutting my Barbies, baby dolls, and even the dogs’ hair with kitchen shears. I would put bows and clips in my dad’s hair when he napped on the sofa. In the summertime, I would pretend ‘salon” and offer shampoos on the pool steps. I always begged my mom to perm, style & braid my hair. So, looking back on my personality to where I am now… I was destined to be a hairstylist.
Pricing:
- Full Highlight – Starting at $190
- Balayage – Starting at $300
- Transforming Haircut – $115
- Keratin Smoothing Treatment – $350
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Blondes_and_beyond
