Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlyn Atwell.
Hi Caitlyn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My story starts at the Aveda Institue Atlanta in 2018. I was 17 when I moved here from my small hometown in Alabama, to pursue my goal of becoming a hairstylist. After graduating from cosmetology school in 2019, I planned to take 6 months to center myself before starting in a salon. Then, the pandemic hit, and I ended up working odd jobs until mid 2021, which is when I decided to move back to Atlanta again, and immediately started at my first salon. I worked there for a year as an assistant, but realized there wasn’t much room for growth in that space. I then found an opportunity to work for a salon in Decatur, where I would work for the next three years. During that time I built my clientele, and learned so much from an amazing group of artists, who I’m lucky to still call my friends. Although I had an amazing experience with this salon, I felt like I needed a work environment that worked better with my sensory issues. I have ADHD and primarily struggle with auditory over-stimulation. So, you can imagine being in a busy salon with multiple hair dryers running at once was a lot for someone like me. That’s when, in March of 2025, I decided to open my own business – a cozy private salon suite! My suite has become my safe space, where I can better accommodate my own needs, as well as the needs of 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?
The first “set back” I experienced was definitely the pandemic, which hit shortly after graduating from cosmetology school. I ended up moving back to Alabama at this point, which was never in my plan, however in hindsight, I am grateful that I had a support system to fall back on at that time.
The next struggle, was definitely my first salon job experience. While I did meet amazing artists there, the intense hustle culture made it very difficult to learn while assisting. The owner also regularly made negative comments about my body, and the bodies of other employees. I was 21 at this point, and it really had an impact on my self esteem at the time. I have since been shown that this isn’t (and should never be) industry standard, and that you can find your community within the hair world.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in copper/red hair color, and low maintenance, easy-to-style haircuts. I really struggled to learn how to work with red hair color in the beginning of my career, which only pushed me to understand it more. Now, it’s my absolute favorite color to create for my clients.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
When looking for a mentor, you have to find someone who teaches YOU well. Understand your own learning style, and then seek out someone who seems to teach in a way that works with it. For example, I am a visual person, and when I am learning something new, I need to physically watch them do it a couple times, and then I want them to watch my attempts, and correct any mistakes I make in the moment. Not every stylist has the capacity to train their assistants in the same way, so definitely ask as many questions as you can think of during the interview process – What are your education opportunities with them? How often will you be receiving education opportunities? What will the training look like?
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.keepsakesalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keepsakesalon?igsh=cWJvYnBhdGgxcmhr&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://keepsakesalon.glossgenius.com/
Image Credits
Ashley Rockstar Photography
