Today we’d like to introduce you to Lauren Kilp.
Lauren, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Even since my early childhood, hair and beauty was always a part of my life. My mom would come into my room and find me coloring my own hair with highlighters or whatever I could get my hands on. I was the girl who always did her friends hair whether it be cuts, styles, or color (box-eek!). I’ve always been artistic and I believe that shows through my work today.
I love love loved cosmetology school and I looked forward to going every day. Which was a big difference from a lot of the other girls that were there because it wasn’t what they really wanted. I graduated the first out of my class and immediately took my state boards. I started my career in Newton, Ma and I’ve been here since!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My journey wasn’t always easy. When I was growing up I was told I should go and get a degree from college before doing anything else. So through a lot of pressure, I did that – and I HATED it! I was miserable. I just couldn’t stay somewhere that I was so unhappy. Something just didn’t feel right.
So I ended up making one of the hardest decisions of my life, to leave college. I got a lot of flack from people who I thought I was close to. “Friends” that told me they couldn’t believe I “gave up” so soon and that I didn’t give it a chance. It was beyond hurtful. How could they not see how depressed I had been? But I had to stick through it.
Not too much long after I enrolled in Empire Beauty School and ended up being the best decision I could have made for myself. My road through salons wasn’t always easy either. My first job was at a big salon and I got to see lots of different types of people. After a year and a half, the owner decided to close her salon and all the employees dispersed. I ended up staying with my current boss until she found a place to open her own salon. I assisted for a very long time. Longer than anyone else has heard of.
There was no place for me to build when she was still looking for a place to open. I had days where it felt like I was going nowhere and I felt hopeless. Again, I was so close to giving up, but I was too passionate and driven at this point. I ended up sticking it through until she could open where I’m currently working and I haven’t looked back since. My experience over the years has made me grow as a stylist and I believe I have a better understanding of clients to provide the best service possible.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about M.Castelli Studio – what should we know?
I am super passionate about hair, specifically blonde. I would say about 90% of my clientele is blonde! I love every variation and technique for it. Anything from balayage to foils to bleach and tones. Blonde is my specialty! But that doesn’t mean I enjoy other colorings as well. I love a nice, rich brunette or Auburn as well as a good fashion color.
I’m comfortable doing all aspects. I also take a lot of pride in my haircuts. Every cut and every line has a purpose. I think a lot of stylists will just cut the hair to cut, without having the intent behind it. Cutting hair needs precision and thought. I think that’s what makes me stand out against the crowd. I’m a mega perfectionist and my clients love that!
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My mom has always been my biggest supporter. She always wants what’s best for me and all she wants is to see me succeed. She’s been a huge motivator along the way when I’d feel down about being stuck and going nowhere. She pushed me through the tough times and I really give her credit for putting up with me.
My current boss is another huge motivator. She has kept me positive and moving forward throughout the past 8 years that we have worked with each other. She has imparted so much wisdom to me about this industry that I honestly feel prepared for anything.
We have a very close relationship and I believe that makes us the best team for the studio. We both know each other’s clientele and people appreciate the conversation that we have with everyone. They can feel the closeness and friendliness of the salon which I really believe keeps them coming back.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1209 Chestnut St Newton Upper Falls, MA 02464
- Website: Www.mcastellistudio@gmail.com
- Phone: 6172448444
- Email: m.castellistudio@gmail.com
- Instagram: m.castellistudio
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/mcastellistudio/
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