Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Magee.
Hi Kelly, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I didn’t grow up dreaming of being a hairstylist. I actually thought I’d go to art school as I’ve always been an artist at heart. But life had other plans, and my dad suggested beauty school. I went in unsure… and ended up discovering a passion I didn’t even know I had. It wasn’t what I expected, but it felt like purpose found me.
I started in a commission salon, but pretty quickly realized I needed more freedom. I wasn’t built to follow someone else’s rules—I wanted to create something on my own terms. I worked multiple jobs while slowly building a clientele from scratch. I’ve moved to Austin twice since I took a break to move back to Arkansas after having my daughter. Eventually, I knew it was time to come back to Austin—this time, on my terms. I’ve restarted my business more than once and it definitely isn’t for the faint of heart, especially as a single mother.
Today, I run a private studio built around calm, connection, and intention. It’s not just about hair—it’s about creating a space where people feel truly seen and cared for. Every detail reflects how much I value the experience, and how deeply I want people to leave feeling confident, understood, and like themselves again.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s definitely been a journey—and not a smooth one. Between moving states, rebuilding my business from scratch, and being a single mom, I’ve had to hustle hard. In this industry, when you move, you start over completely. There’s no salary, no guarantees—you have to make it work or you don’t eat.
People often only see the final product, not the grind behind the scenes. This work is physical, emotional, and nonstop. It’s managing the business side, the creative side, your own energy, building client relationships, and in my case—mom life, too. There were moments I didn’t know how I’d make it through, but those hard seasons shaped me. They taught me resilience, and they gave me a purpose deeper than just hair.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
At the heart of what I do is confidence and care. I specialize in customized color, extensions, hair loss solutions, customized scalp treatments, and natural curl work—but more than anything, I’ve created a space where women can be themselves without pressure or judgment.
A lot of my clients are going through hair loss, big life transitions, or just want to feel good about their reflection again. Not everyone feels comfortable in a loud, busy salon, especially when they’re vulnerable about their hair. That’s why my studio is private—because that experience deserves to feel calm, safe, and supportive.
I’m always learning—constantly researching, adapting, and customizing every detail based on who’s in my chair. No two clients are the same, and I believe the approach shouldn’t be either. What I’m most proud of is the trust I’ve built. Clients know I’ll show up fully for them, every time, with zero judgment and 100% intention.
What matters most to you?
People. Connection. Integrity. At the end of the day, what matters most to me is making people feel better than when they walked in. I take a lot of pride in the technical side of what I do—but what drives me is how my work makes someone feel.
I’ve been through enough in life to know that small moments of care can make a big difference. Whether someone’s going through something hard, reinventing themselves, or just needs a moment of peace—I want to be that safe place. That’s why I do what I do.
Pricing:
- Every service I offer is personalized. My pricing reflects that. Most of my services start around $200 and go up depending on the service chosen, complexity, or treatment type—but it’s never one-size-fits-all. I always start with a consultation to understand what someone really needs. Then we build a plan that fits their lifestyle, budget, and goals. It’s never about selling the most expensive option—it’s about finding the right solution. And if someone is unsure where to start, just reach out. I’m happy to talk through it.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hairbykellytate
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kelly.magee.129
- Other: https://www.vagaro.com/kellytate
