Daily Inspiration: Meet Kelley Arehart

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelley Arehart.

Hi Kelley, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Becoming a hairstylist was not something I ever saw myself doing as a child, but whenever I run into people from my youth, they’re never surprised to find out that’s what I do for a living. In fact, I was sent to the principal’s office exactly one time as a first grader in Catholic school. I got busted putting makeup on girls and doing their hair during recess. The principal said to my mother, “It’s a shame we had to stop her. She was doing a pretty good job.” I began working for a photographer right out of high school. After filling in for a sick stylist one day, it occurred to me that I had some natural talent. My grandmother was the one who urged me to consider going to “beauty school.” I felt home. Doing hair flowed from my fingertips. Twenty years later, I’ve honed my skills and thickened my skin, and I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else. Making connections with clients brings me such joy, I know I will be fulfilled doing this until my hands don’t work anymore. 😉

Alright, 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?
Hair school was a breeze. I picked up on everything quickly. I connected with clients. I felt a confidence that I had never felt before. After graduating, barely 21 years old, I waltzed into one of the hottest salons in town and scored an apprenticeship. It didn’t take long for me to feel completely out of my element. Hair school and working at the big show were two wildly different animals. Saying the woman I worked under had a strong personality is an understatement. She was aggressive and pious, but successful and confident. Although I was briefly enamored with the high profile scene I had just stepped into, I was incredibly intimidated. I won’t lie, it took time to feel self-assured as a plus sized woman in the beauty industry in Dallas, Texas. I almost walked away from the industry altogether after the woman I had devoted myself to learning from for a year and a half referred to me with a slur for a heavy person in front of the entire salon while I quietly ate my lunch in the break room. Yikes. It took some time for me to feel like I had a place in this world of aesthetics. A dear client of mine told me, “Kelley, like attracts like. You keep being yourself and the right kind of people will come to you.” She was right. I focused on elevating my skills and improving my consultations, and my career took off.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Fun fact, I named my business The Beauty Operator as an homage to my sweet grandmothers. They never could quite remind themselves to call me a “hair stylist.” It’s one of the greatest joys of my life to have been their “beauty operator” in the final years of their lives. Doing both color and cut was always important to me. I did start as a colorist, but as I moved into another chapter of my career, I was able to do both. I took this opportunity to sharpen my skills in cutting/styling. I was selected to represent the salon I worked in as a fledgling stylist to take a class with Bumble and bumble in New York City. It was such an honor. I learned so much.

I pride myself on keeping up with the trends, but I never hesitate to go old-school when needed. I was greatly influenced by many other skilled stylists throughout my near 20 year career. Many of whom were trained in a different era. Sure, I can do your ombré and your balayage, but has someone who used to do editorial work for Vogue in the 70s ever taught you how to roll a perfect perm?

I have done weddings all over this state, I have teased hair for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders and I’ve even done avant garde updos by candlelight for a fashion show after we blew the power out backstage. But I am most proud of the relationships I’ve built. I wouldn’t have anything to gloat about if I didn’t have my rock star clientele. Making people feel beautiful is so rewarding. I truly believe that when people feel good, they “do” good.

I think if anything set me apart from others in my industry, it would be lack of ego. I’m confident in my abilities, no need to question that.

However, I pride myself on my listening skills. The physical act of executing a hair service is just a percentage of my job detail. Having an understanding of why my client is sitting in my chair is pivotal. Do they have a job interview? Do they just wanna look fly for the weekend with my signature blow out? Maybe. Maybe they’ve come for hair maintenance, but they also need a shoulder to cry on or someone to celebrate a milestone with. Whatever it is you need, The Beauty Operator is here for you.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Despite my big smile and interviewing skills, I’m actually kind of shy. I learned early in my career how important the consultation is. For new clients, I have to make people trust me within 3-5 minutes. I have a series of questions I ask to break the ice, and I warm up to people very easily. But if you ran into me out in the wild, I may turn pink in the cheeks!

Pricing:

• Womens Haircut $85
• Men’s Haircut $40
• One Process Color $90
• Highlights $125-160
• Brazilian Blow Out $200

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: The-Beauty-Operator.com
• Instagram: Thebeautyoperatordallas

Image Credits
Christopher Kuntze