Today we’d like to introduce you to Kortnee VanCleave.
Hi Kortnee, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Everyone is expected to know what they want to do for the rest of their lives before they turn 18 and graduate high school. I’m not sure about you, but I didn’t know just how many career options I had available to me at that age. They taught us history, math equations and even how to dissect a frog but very little about what it actually means to be an adult and navigate a career path.
I went to college thinking I wanted to do something in psychology. I was that girl who loved forensics and solving murder mysteries, so I chose college classes that lined up with that interest. However, during the second semester of freshman year, I had this gut-wrenching feeling I wasn’t on the right path.
On my drive home from this wake-up call, I had another gut-feeling – one I couldn’t ignore. One I had never even entertained as a career path before but it was so strong I knew I had to explore. A few weeks later I toured Paul Mitchell and instantly felt at home. Within 30 seconds of the tour I knew I was in the place that would give me the skills, confidence and foundation to build what is now my business. A business that now houses my creativity, love for art and passion for helping people.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The beauty industry is hardly a “smooth” one to navigate. Between the ever changing trends, learning how to run a business, becoming a Mom and experiencing COVID there have been some heavy-hitting lessons along the way. Lessons that I take from business and implement into parenting. My favorite one being grit.
There have been so many opportunities for me to throw in the towel and decide to go work for somewhere else because it would be “easier” and the pay would be more predictable and stable, but I never gave up and it paid off in ways I never could have anticipated.
I now run a business that provides my family and I a comfortable lifestyle, I don’t have to ask anyone permission to take a day or even a week off of work to be with my family, and a both of my kids get to see the freedom that being an entrepreneur can provide.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a hair stylist that specializes in lived-in color and creating beautiful, low-maintenance hair that fits seamlessly into my clients’ lives. I’m known for truly listening to my clients, understanding their goals, and finding solutions to their biggest hair concerns rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach.
Early in my career, I had an experience as a client that shaped the way I do business today. I discovered that the color line being used on my hair was intentionally chosen because it faded quickly, requiring more frequent appointments. That experience never sat right with me, and I promised myself I would never prioritize profit over my clients’ best interests.
Since then, I’ve invested countless hours researching techniques, testing color lines, and refining my craft to create results that not only look beautiful but also last. As a busy Mom myself, I understand how valuable time is, and I love helping women achieve hair that grows out softly and allows them to go longer between appointments without sacrificing how they look or feel.
What I am most proud of is the trust my clients peace in me. My goal with every appointment is to help women feel refreshed, confident and more like themselves. I believe great hair is more about a cut or color – it’s about making someone feel seen, cared for and beautiful.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
Honesty, grit and the love of learning.
Pricing:
- Cut – $95
- Lived in color/blonde – $275
- Balayage – $220
- Full Highlight – $195
- Partial Highlight – $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.topknotstylist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top_knot_stylist/
