Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Smith.
Hi Katherine, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
With a background in fine arts, I knew I was not going to be able to work a job that was not creatively stimulating. I had just finished a semester at college and was bored and directionless, so my mother suggested I go to cosmetology school. Once there, I realized there was a whole world of art I had never been exposed to, and thus began my two decades of learning, growing, teaching, failing and succeeding.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I was so fortunate to meet a woman when I moved to Kyle 11 years ago that took a chance on trusting that I could handle the salon. For the next 5 years her and I created an amazing salon that won best in hays 5 years in a row. However, I knew I was wanting to do more. I had been so lucky to have the mentors and educators I have had, I noticed there was not that same support for stylists in school or when they get out, I saw lots of girls getting stuck in assisting positions that lasted way longer than necessary. I felt an obligation to use my platform to help make the transition from school to stylist much easier.
The hardest thing was finding and building the amazing team I have now. I have learned to trust my instincts because everyone has an opinion and you will not always be able to make everyone happy; which is a hard one for me. Also, when you put a lot of time and training into these stylists and believe in them, when they leave or give up because they don’t believe in themselves; that’s always difficult.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Throughout my career, I have been able to train with and take classes from some of the most creative, imaginative, intelligent and interesting stylists and educators. Without that and my time at Kent state studying fine arts, I don’t think I would be the stylist I am. Having the freedom on a canvas and in my sculptures, has given me more confidence in exploring hair. Which I then turn around and teach to my team. Who are the studio, and make it shine the way it does.
Without the team I have, I truly don’t know if we would be what we are, a place for everyone to come and feel at home and heard. We truly believe that looking great starts with feeling great.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
You are capable of anything; the first step is always the hardest. Trust yourself but listen to those who may know more than you. Remember, everything is about growth. It won’t all happen at once no matter how hard you try, so don’t burn yourself out.
And keep dreaming big
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mystudiotwelvetwentyeight.com/
- Instagram: @studiotwelve.twenty.eight
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fbjch6GFw/?mibextid=wwXIfr
