Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Lauck.
Hi Chloe, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up, I was always extremely artistic. I drew constantly, so much that I have a permanent callous now on one of my fingers. I was always stained with ink and loved getting inspired by all kinds of art. From my older sister’s paintings, to my mom’s collection of cult films, and my dad’s music taste— I owe a lot of my influence to my family. I also excelled in school and because of that, my parents encouraged me to pursue Dentistry. I enjoyed science and wanted to make them proud, so I happily obliged. Then Covid happened during my sophomore year of college. That event really gave me time to think. And made me realize that I was meant to do something creative for the rest of my life. I realized Dentistry was about the furthest I could be from the art world.
I never set out to be a hairstylist. I ended up going to hair school as a last ditch effort to find some direction in my life after some other things didn’t pan out. It’s funny, because another skill that I happened on by accident is DJing vinyl— I never set out to do that either. And now I love it. I think the things meant for us have ways of finding us in this life.
Fast forward to when I was nearly done with hair school and I finally felt like I was meant to be in the beauty industry. There was something really beautiful and special in the way I was able to connect with people like never before when I did their hair. I felt like there was always this wall up between me and other people for most of my life. Like even though we were making conversation, they weren’t really seeing me and I wasn’t able to fully see them. Suddenly all those walls came down. I still don’t understand how or why, but I’m so grateful that they did. I think it’s because for the first time I was able to be my authentic self out in the world.
Ever since then, I fell in love with hair. With the connection piece, yes, but also with the art, the craft of it. It’s a transformative act. Alchemy almost, like an energy exchange. It’s giving someone a service and a look they want, and I also get something out of it too— by getting to be creative in the decisions and execution. It’s like a collaborative art piece on someone’s head.
Fast forward a little more to today, and I’ve just finished my year apprenticeship at Hair + Industry in the design district. I can’t wait to keep expanding my knowledge and craft and meet even more amazing people to do it with.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Like with anything worth doing, there’s been challenges. Most of mine came from trying to find my identity as an artist, and also as a person. Coming from a very conservative town, queer hairstylist isn’t exactly on the list of careers that people typically choose from. I struggled for a long time with trying to fit myself into boxes that just weren’t for me. Being around other creatives in hair school really opened up the possibilities for me. It finally helped me get over the fear of just being myself.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I do cut and color, but cut will always be my first love. I love bringing out people’s natural texture, and giving them creative and out of the box cuts. I’ve just dabbled in my first little collection and photoshoot, and putting everything together with a clear vision and then executing that has to be what I’m most proud of. It tested my artistic skills and my ability to lead. It came out really amazing, thanks to my models and photographers.
I think what sets me apart from others is my unique eye for design and details. As well as my ability to make my guests feel safe with me. They trust me to bring their vision for their identities to life. Hair should tell a story, and I think my work does that.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Do your own thing and do it authentically. That’s the only way you’ll find the people who are meant for you! One of my teachers from hair school, Heather, is the reason I was able to find my awesome mentors Austin and Samantha. She approached me out of the blue one day and introduced herself, then said I should reach out to Hair + Industry because she thought it would be a good match. I immediately fell in love with the work they were doing. Now I get to be a part of it.
Pricing:
- Haircut – $70
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairandindustry.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairsterical?igsh=Ynhjb2Y4MXBoNnc%3D&utm_source=qr
Image Credits
Austin Heimbach and Kae Meier
