Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Blackshear.
Hi Katie, 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?
I started cosmetology at 16 because they offered at my high school. I’ve always been into fashion and art since a young age, back in the day before cell phones my mom would make me go draw or do something when I was bored so I would practice different looks all the time in my room and then in middle school years I would do hair at formals and events to make money.
I grew up poor and it was something I had a natural ability for so when they offered cosmetology in high school I naturally did it so I could graduate and have a job for when I went to college.
I also grew up in a small town in southeast Texas so I wasn’t exposed to the world of hair, I just knew I enjoyed self expression and fashion. I started out my first salon as a booth rental stylist while I attended community college. I have learned a lot and let’s just say as a stylist of over 12 years now, That was a terrible way to start out. I had no guidance and no real direction but after 1 year of college I decided to start doing hair full time. I eventually started at a salon in New Braunfels and then San Marcos and was now in a bigger town exposed to more education!
Fast forward over 10 years later , a lot of life lessons a few cities and a lot of hard work later I built my clientele up and eventually ended up in Austin,tx. I worked independently for a few years with my best friend and then when she moved to another city I found myself ready to change my career. I’m a bit of an introvert most of the time so change can be scary for me but I knew I wanted to keep growing and learning and to get more involved with the community.
You can now find me at StrangeBird Salon in east Atx
I’m a haircutting specialist and now educator. I love my job because I get to create for a living and bring joy to all my clients.
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?
It was never easy for me haha. I grew up in a religious household with differing views so I’m not sure if some of my family still even consider my job a “real job” at this point. I also came from nothing and had to figure it all out on my own. I had no guidance a finances or how business or how the world works, I honestly had no idea who I even was!
I was also super shy when I first started out in the industry and had no idea what boundaries were. I had so many lessons along the way but they have only made me stronger and more passionate about my career and I feel like I’m just getting started in a way.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in haircuts that move with you.
I use all cutting tools and love anything from romantic soft layers, shags, pixies, bobs, mullets. I really love it all. I try to customize every haircut to each clients vision and I love collaborating and coming up with the right haircut for you. I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve build with all of my clients over the years. I think what can set me apart from other stylist is I look at your whole lifestyle and fit the maintenance of a haircut accordingly because a haircut is individual to each client.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Always stay humble, be hungry for growth, set boundaries, always take care of yourself along the way, trust yourself, protect your peace, and having community is so important.
Pricing:
- New client appointment $195
- 1-on-1 styling classes $130
- Haircutting classes for other cosmetologists (inquire @ strangebird salon)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Strangebirdsalon.com
- Instagram: @katieblackshearbeauty
