Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Faulkner.
Kayla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Hi!! I’ve been in the hair industry for 13 years! I sort of got thrown into the industry when I took over an assisting job for a friend, and never had any idea I was walking into my dream career! I have worked at three different salons and have done every role there is in a salon from management, receptionist, assistant and stylist! I did an apprenticeship at Dyer & Posta Salon nine years ago. I honestly never wanted to do hair, so I was fine being a “lifetime” assistant until my boss pushed me out of the nest and was on my own. I fell in love with the industry because of the clientele. I love talking to people and hearing their stories all day. My little motto is that any client I have sit in my chair, I expect to become friends with her!
As far as the job itself, I did not go to hair school, I actually went to school for marketing. But I did do the apprenticeship at Dyer & Posta where I learned from the best of the best! My favorite parts of the craft are styling and color. I love blondes and I love braids! The more messy and boho, the better!
Great, 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?
Has it been a smooth road? No! Lol! What’s a smooth road?! My 2-year apprenticeship ended up taking 6+ years because I got pregnant with my daughter, now 8, and I took a little detour with my career for a bit. Doing hair is always a challenge, it’s never ever the same thing every day! I have lost sleep over being disappointed by my work at times. I have also celebrated small victories in making clients feel beautiful! I have cried with clients, I have seen some clients pass. I have had to say goodbye when they move across the country. I have been yelled at by clients, and I’ve been praised. It’s a very emotional job at times, lol!
But one of the hardest things I had to do for my career is to build a clientele. It takes a good year or two before you actually make a decent living doing hair. You don’t just go on the floor one day and bring home the big bucks. It takes time, patience, and TONS of trials and tribulations. It’s a constant learning experience and I have to make sure I’m ahead of the game with my education and creativity! But the REALLY HARD part of the job? Trying to explain to a client that the dream hair they want in a photo is actually a wig. Ugh.
So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well-positioned for?
Honestly, I’ve never looked at any opportunity as one I couldn’t achieve. If something is stopping you from what you’re wanting, then get it out of the picture. The sky’s the limit.
Pricing:
- Braided styles $65+
- Basic foil & balayage $135+
- Hand tied extensions $1000+
Contact Info:
- Address: 600 Chastain Road
- Website: kaylafaulkner.com
- Phone: 7705141620
- Email: kaylafaulkner10@gmail.com
- Instagram: Kayla.hairstylist
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