Today we’d like to introduce you to Karinna Barley.
Karinna, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey in the industry began over ten years ago, but I have had a passion for hair for as long as I can remember. Much of my childhood was spent cutting and coloring the hair of my Barbie dolls. I first experimented with cutting my own hair when I was nine years old. I will never forget my dad’s reaction when he walked into the bathroom. After taking a look, he chuckled and said, “Wow, that’s actually not bad.” My curiosity expanded into color shortly after that, and to this day I joke that my knack for color corrections sprouted from the mistakes I made on my hair in my teens. I began hair school immediately after high school. I will never forget the first piece of advice given to me: you truly have to have a passion for hair in order to be successful. Through many long hours both behind the chair and in continuing education classes, that passion has led me to where I am today. I live for creating a look for someone that not only makes them feel beautiful on the outside but ignites their individuality and confidence on the inside.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I have never fit into a certain mold and hair was my way of truly expressing my creativity. I began my career at a well-known salon in the metro Atlanta area, and while it was a great stepping stone, I struggled with finding my place. I didn’t fit in and felt very limited in the art I could create. I established a clientele and became one of the top stylists after just a few years, but the environment was very repetitive and lacked the opportunity for growth past a certain point. My drive was diminishing, but I feared the risk of leaving the only place I ever knew. Overcoming that fear was a heavy obstacle, but I cannot express how grateful I am for the day that I decided to do it.
Just B Hair Salon – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Education is our culture. Whether our classes are taught by our owner, global Redken Artist Brayden Pelletier, or other top educators in the industry, we are constantly provided with the best education. I enjoy all aspects of hair design, but color is my J A M. I’m a hair nerd; the science behind hair color fascinates me! I specialize in corrective color, vivids, and, of course, redheads. Aside from color, I absolutely love formal hair and makeup. If you have a special event or a wedding coming up, I’m your glamour guru. I recently became certified in tape-in extensions, as well.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success, for me, goes hand in hand with happiness. If you love what you do and have a true passion for it, success will follow. Comparing your success to the success of others is a waste of time and damaging to the soul. The only person you should be competing with is yourself. Trust the process.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1611 Satellite Blvd
Duluth, GA - Website: justbhairsalon.com
- Phone: 770-545-8720
- Email: karinnamuah@gmail.com
- Instagram: @karinnamagic
- Facebook: facebook.com/karinnamagic
Image Credit:
Headshot: Kat Luzny, Wedding Photo: Josh Dunham
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