Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Nemes.
Caitlin, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My Journey as a hairstylist started about 12 years ago. I felt that I was lucky since I knew this was one of my passions in life and I knew early on this is what I wanted to do. When I was young, maybe about ten years old, I set up a salon in my basement. There was a hair styling station, a nail station, and even a little boutique area. My friends came over and we did each other’s nails and hair, this went on for a few weeks! Then once high school began, I started cutting my friend’s bangs in the bathroom in between classes, doing highlights after school, and getting my friends ready for homecoming and prom. It was clear from the beginning that this was more than just a career path, it was what I loved to do.
I started school at Douglas J Aveda institute in royal oak, MI immediately after high school graduation. I was such a nerd in beauty school, I loved every minute of it. 1500 hours to be exact. After graduation I assisted for about 2.5 years before I got my own chair. I worked for a stylist who was one of the best in the Metro Detroit area. We worked 12-hour days non-stop, sometimes with no breaks. It wasn’t easy but it was a learning experience, and she was a huge part of where I am today.
Moving to Austin was one of the best decisions I have ever made, I love my salon and every single one of my guests that come to see me. I have also met some of the most amazing people. The city has brought so much opportunity, getting featured in “Brides of Austin” Magazine, auditioning to be JVN’s Assistant for the Netflix Show “Queer Eye” and finally opening up my own business as an Independent contractor at Bex + Co Salon. Being on my own as felt so rewarding in so many ways, I love having full control of my business, giving a high-end luxury salon experience for every person. I have learned that being a hairstylist is so much more than a great haircut. It is about the connection you make with your guest and how you make them feel when they are in your chair. After so many years of learning from the best, I feel that you never stop growing and this is only the beginning. I cannot wait to see what else my hair journey has in store!
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?
One of the biggest struggles for me, I would say was moving cities twice, not knowing a single person, and building a clientele. With my last and final move to Austin, I built a full book of business in two years. Then my life took a turn when my husband and I found out we were having a baby. After 12 weeks of caring for my newborn daughter, I was so excited to get back into the Salon. With only working for two weeks, the pandemic hit, and I was sent back home and on unemployment again. Covid was a struggle for a lot of small businesses, including hairstylists. I was so worried about bringing the virus home to my family, I had to step away from the chair again. This past year has been the hardest struggle in my career to say the least but a year later, I am so grateful to be fully vaccinated and back behind the chair.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in women’s cut and color and extensions. My color techniques are more natural and lived in. My most popular service is Balayage which us a free hand-painted lightening technique that gives that natural, sun-kissed look. My clients love it because they can get more longevity out of their color and go longer in between appts. On top of that, adding extensions can change a person’s look dramatically! You can add more length, volume, and even color to any style! Not to mention, it is super fun service to do.
I think what sets me apart from others is that I really listen to exactly what my client’s needs and goals are. Connecting with them and building a relationship throughout their hair journey!
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
What drew me to Austin was the Live Music. I have been singing and performing since I was ten years old. I tried out for American Idol when I was 17 and moved through a couple of rounds of auditions for The Voice. In Chicago, I sang in a cover band and thought moving to the live music capital of the world would take it to the next level. I had a couple of gigs within the first year of being in Austin, then after six months, I got pregnant with my daughter. I still sang and went to open mics for as long as I could but after a while, it was getting hard to breathe when I sang, plus I was exhausted from growing a human. Even eight months pregnant at my list gig on 6th street was a blast! I love music and plan to sing again soon but just trying to focus on my business and raising my daughter for now.
Pricing:
- Womens Haircut $75
- Mens Haircut $55
- Balayage – $200 and +
Contact Info:
- Email: caitlinscutandcolor@gmail.com
- Instagram: @caitlinscutandcolor_atx
- Other: www.vagaro.com/caitlinscutandcolor
Image Credits
Hailey Polidori
