Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn Fedorko.
Kaitlyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m the stereotypical college drop-out entrepreneur. I started off with a declared major of Fashion Merchandising, got bored and switched to Chemical Engineering, then failed engineering calculus and decided to take some time off. While doing some soul searching, my mother suggested I look into hair school. I had expressed interest in it once but grew up in a family that could offer to send me to college.
I asked the stylists at the salon next to my work at the time where I should enroll in hair school, and since they were a Redken Elite salon they suggested The Salon Professional Academy – which is a Redken school. I enrolled immediately and began my journey into the beauty industry in January of 2012.
I am very grateful for my education at TSPA! Not only did we learn more than the basics of doing hair, but we also took classes in business, chemistry, electricity, and anatomy. We learned how to build a clientele through the competitive salon level system which prepared me for my first salon job. This is when I learned I was able to combine all of my interests into one career. Fashion + Chemistry = happy Kaitlyn! Doing hair turned into the creative outlet I craved.
After all 1500 hours, I graduated in January 2013. I had started my first salon job ironically at the salon that referred me to TSPA in August of 2012. Now, on to the next challenge: Apprenticing. I like to compare my apprenticeship to Andy’s time with Miranda in the iconic “The Devil Wears Prada.” Except for a lot less glamorous. More laundry and doing dishes and running to get hungover stylists Pedialyte, staying late to put together IKEA furniture for the salon and running back to the color bar on a Saturday with five formulas to mix. Although, this is where I grew most. Not only as a stylist, but as an adult as well. We had many opportunities for continuing education, brought on by the best Redken had to offer. I could go to any class during my apprenticeship and the owner would gladly pay. We had classes in the salon at least once every quarter.
During the beginning of my time at the salon, right after graduating, I won a contest through Redken and TSPA to assist the Redken Master Stylists on stage at Symposium 2013. This education convention kicks off with a massive hair + fashion show that I got to be a part of in Las Vegas. Redken flew me out, paid for my hotel, and TSPA gave me a per diem. I then got to take two days of classes about everything from new trends to design and hair color. After such a glamorous introduction into the industry, I went back to my apprentice job that same week to be sent out to home depot to get screws. (True story.)
After four years of working my way up to a Senior Stylist, I started my small business Style Alchemy Studio. My studio name came from my love of fashion and chemistry. I loved the idea of my clients being able to leave looking and feeling completely different than when they walked in. It was terrifying leaving the comfort of a large salon to doing EVERYTHING by yourself. Thankfully, I was able to do so with an investment from my Dad and the support of my family, friends, and clients.
I loved how Alchemy was a sort of magic at the time, and I feel like hair color is magic as well. Alchemy was a sort of chemistry, where experiments were held mixing metals trying to create gold. I feel like an Alchemist in my salon, mixing chemicals to make you feel your worth. I do decorate with beakers and test tubes as well as mix color with a scale. We have to be precise and scientific!
I started in a small suite in Plano, a year later moved into a larger suite, and then a year later moved to my current suite in Dallas. My goal was to always end up in Dallas, but starting in Plano, I had to build my business towards doing so. I love a new challenge, and as soon as I conquer one, I’m looking towards the next. Thanks to my Dallas girls, I was able to build enough Dallas clientele to be able to justify moving south!
I advertise my specialties of Dallas Blondes and vivid colors on Instagram, where I get a majority of my new clients. A lot of my Dallas Blondes are involved in BvB, a local philanthropy that raises money and awareness for Alzheimer’s disease (#TeamBlonde forever!). The best thing I accidentally did was to start a blonde competition with a group of competitive girls. We are currently seeing who can be the blondest by Spring! I love getting my clients involved with my social media as well. They started #WarOfTheBlondes!
I would encourage anyone who wants to quit their 9-5 secure job to do so. We live in a time with so many possibilities to be able to be self-employed. With a lot of hard work and dedication, you really can achieve your goals! I’m thankful for my dad and my husband who help keep me accountable on my business goals. I would not be where I am today without them!
As a stylist, it’s important to know your worth. Invest in continuing education to make yourself the best stylist you can be. That can be as simple as watching educational videos online or taking some time to practice something new on a mannequin. Push yourself outside your comfort zone – it’s the only time you make mistakes and learn. And that’s okay!
Working for myself has easily been the most difficult yet most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I’m beyond thankful for all of those who have helped me get to where I am today! I can’t wait to see where Style Alchemy Studio goes and I hope y’all follow along for the journey.
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?
It has not been a smooth road! There are always hiccups along the way, things you don’t expect. That’s also part of the excitement. Every curveball is a new challenge that you can look back and say, “Hey! I conquered that! I can handle what’s next.”
I am ALL FOR Women Entrepreneurs. The only way we can swing the balance is to get more women leaders. I think the traditional stereotype of a ‘leader’ is changing, and I’m excited to be a part of it! I think the key is to start. It’s scary, but just jump! Of course, prepare yourself for success. You only get out what you put in. Set aside time to work towards your goals. Get organized and surround yourself with support. I found the Dallas Girl Gang to be a great support group! Please find them on social media if you’re looking to start your journey. There are women in every industry to help find new jobs, offer advice, or even to find like-minded friends. Encouragement is needed along the journey to keep going, and they offer a safe place to share struggles as well.
I am so inspired by the number of women I see online, of all ages, working for themselves and encouraging others along the way. Of course, there is a lot of negativity online, so stay away from that noise. Be your unique self and your tribe will find you!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a color specialist. I love blondes and vivid colors- also known as unicorn or mermaid hair. I would say Blondes are the staple for my brand, but I love the creative outlet of vivid color. I am Redken Color Certified- which means I had to take a test at the Redken Exchange in NYC to say that they back my color knowledge. I am proud that I am avid in continuing education to bring my clients the latest and greatest trends. I love to push the envelope and get my clients outside of their comfort zone.
Rose Gold is the perfect example. Once you start with that tone, you want a little pinker, then you add some purple… and GGWP (gamer for good game well played) you’re a vivid client. A lot more workplaces are accepting vivid color in the office, so it’s the perfect time for me to be in the industry. I am VERY JEALOUS!!!!! That schools are now allowing vivid colors, from a very subjective 25% of their hair to any color all over.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Women in all industries have inspired me in my life! Of course, my mother was my first inspiration as a child. She is strong and fierce in supporting and loving her family. Her hard work inspired my work ethic, for sure!
As a child, I was obsessed with medieval times. Don’t make fun, okay? I loved books about warrior princesses and leaders. From an early age, I wanted to prove I was as good as the boys, if not better! I also idolized Nancy Drew. She was brave and independent!
Frida Kahlo is another inspiration, for obvious reasons. I love her art as well as her message. Zoe Buckman is another activist artist that I recently found, and her work is not so quiet. I’m also hoping BANKSY is a woman or a collective that includes women.
Women in music also have inspired me my whole life. I mean, Belinda Carlisle wore a freaking trash bag as a dress and rocked it! The Go-Go’s were one of my early favorite bands, only to later find out what badasses they were for their time. Meg White is another inspiration because I’m a drummer as well! And The White Stripes are iconic. I love Ellie Goulding and first found her while I was in hair school. She is an advocate for saving the planet and animals. She uses her spotlight for good and is such a great role model for girls and women these days.
Pricing:
- Blonding Services Start At $225-250
- Vivid Colors Must Have Consultation
- Women’s Haircut $56
- Free Text Consultations – (214) 952-2257
Contact Info:
- Address: Iconic Salon Suite, Suite #17
5301 Alpha Rd. #34 Dallas, TX 75240 - Website: stylealchemystudio.com
- Phone: (214) 952-2257 text only!
- Email: stylealchemystudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: @StyleAlchemyStudio
- Facebook: facebook.com/stylealchemystudio
Image Credit:
Kyle Sterk Photography, Sean Whitmore Photography
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