Today we’d like to introduce you to Kirsten Welsch.
Hi Kirsten, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started ATX Color Studio after experiencing firsthand how confusing personal style can feel when you are trying to figure it all out on your own. I had taken every online color quiz I could find, and I kept landing on “Summer” because that was the result I wanted to be true. Eventually, through professional training, I learned I was actually a Spring, which is warm and the complete opposite of what I had assumed.
That experience really shaped the way I see color analysis. I realized how easy it is to guess based on preference, lighting, makeup, trends, or what we have been told about ourselves. I wanted to create a studio where women could get clear, accurate, personalized guidance instead of trying to diagnose themselves through a phone screen.
I became double master-trained and certified through the International Image Institute, and I now use a 23-season color analysis system at my studio in Bee Cave. ATX Color Studio serves clients throughout Austin, Bee Cave, Lakeway, Westlake, Dripping Springs, and beyond. I also have clients who travel and fly in specifically to have their color analysis done with me, which has been one of the most meaningful parts of building this business.
I offer in-person color analysis, virtual color analysis, group events, parties, closet services, and mentorship and support for fellow color analysts who want to grow their skills and businesses.
What started as a personal interest has grown into a full business centered around helping women feel more confident in their clothing, makeup, hair color, and shopping decisions. Over time, it has also grown into a platform for education, not only for clients, but also for other color analysts who are looking for guidance, community, and practical support as they build their own businesses.
At its core, my work is about helping women see themselves clearly. Color analysis is not about putting someone in a box. It is about giving people language, direction, and confidence so they can make choices that feel aligned with who they are.
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?
It has not been a completely smooth road, but I also feel very grateful that ATX Color Studio took off quickly and has been supported so generously from day one. There has been a lot of interest, a lot of excitement, and a lot of encouragement, especially from women here in Texas. One of the most meaningful surprises has been how kind, open, and supportive people have been as I have built this business.
I also came into ATX Color Studio with a lot of experience from previously owning my own wedding planning company in Costa Rica. While wedding planning and color analysis are very different industries, they are both service-based businesses, and that background gave me a strong foundation. I already understood how important the client experience is and how much thought goes into creating a service that feels intentional from beginning to end.
One of the biggest challenges has been educating people on what professional color analysis really is. It has become very trendy online, which is wonderful in many ways, but it also means there is a lot of confusion. Many people think it can be done accurately through a quick app, a filter, or a quiz. Part of my job has been helping people understand the difference between guessing your season and having a trained analyst evaluate your undertone, intensity, depth, and contrast in person.
Another challenge has been keeping up with the growth. When a business grows quickly, you are constantly improving systems, refining the client experience, creating educational content, updating your website, answering inquiries, planning events, and thinking about what comes next. It is exciting, but it also requires a lot of focus and intention behind the scenes.
Overall, I feel very fortunate. The road has not been without challenges, but they have been the kind of challenges that come with building something meaningful. They have pushed me to create a stronger studio experience, clearer education for clients, better systems, and mentorship and support for other color analysts.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
ATX Color Studio is a personal color analysis studio based in Bee Cave, Texas, serving clients throughout Austin and the greater Austin area. I specialize in helping women understand the colors that naturally harmonize with their skin, hair, and eyes so they can make more confident decisions with clothing, makeup, hair color, and shopping. I also offer virtual color analysis for clients who are not able to visit the studio in person.
I use a 23-season color analysis system, which allows for a more nuanced and personalized result than the traditional 4-season approach. During an in-person session, clients are professionally draped to evaluate undertone, intensity, depth, and contrast. From there, they receive guidance on their best colors, metals, makeup tones, hair color direction, and how to actually use their palette in real life.
What sets ATX Color Studio apart is the level of education, personalization, and client experience. I am double master-trained and certified through the International Image Institute, and I care deeply about making color analysis feel clear, elevated, and practical. My goal is not just to tell someone their season. It is to help them understand why certain colors work, how to recognize them when shopping, and how to build a wardrobe that feels aligned with who they are.
ATX Color Studio offers in-person color analysis, virtual color analysis, group events, parties, closet services, and mentorship and support for fellow color analysts. Clients also travel and fly in to work with me, which has been one of the most meaningful parts of growing the brand.
What I am most proud of is the trust I have built with my clients and the community around this work. Color analysis can be fun and beautiful, but it is also incredibly practical. When someone understands their colors, they do not waste money on pieces they never wear, they can shop with more intention, choose hair colors that actually flatter them, and avoid drawers full of makeup they never use.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
One resource that has been really impactful for me is Jamie Sea, @jamieseaofficial. I love the way she teaches business owners how to sell, market themselves, and fully own their work while also understanding the role of nervous system regulation.
As a service-based business owner, so much of your work is not just about the service you provide. It is also about how you communicate your value, create boundaries, make decisions, stay grounded, and continue showing up while your business grows. Jamie’s work has helped me think about business in a way that feels both strategic and sustainable.
I also still love listening to Candice Coppola’s podcast, The Power in Purpose Podcast. Candice was my wedding business mentor when I owned my wedding planning company in Costa Rica, and I learned so much from her about building a service-based business, creating a strong client experience, and thinking like a CEO. Even though her work is not directly related to color analysis, I still take a lot from her perspective on entrepreneurship, marketing, and building a brand with intention.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://atxcolorstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atxcolorstudio
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atxcolorstudio
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@atxcolorstudio
