Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Donovan.
Kaylee, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I have always had a passion for the hair and beauty industry and knew that after graduating high school that was the exact path I wanted to pursue. I loved how you could be so creative as well as making someone feel so beautiful at the same time. I started my first job behind the chair when I was 18 in Portsmouth, NH and a few years later realized it was time to build my own brand. I had found a true passion for color and extensions and knew that in order to really explore those things I had to step out on my own. I started renting my first chair at the age of 22 and that’s where the real growth took place!
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?
I absolutely experienced challenges in my journey and still do! I would say my biggest struggle in this was taking the leap of self-employment. It really was up to me to provide for myself and that was super scary. The first year was the toughest because there was so much pressure I put on myself to become the best I could be to make me stand out to clients. Endless hours a week behind the chair, spending my free time advertising and educating myself, and networking and researching to find out what products would be the best for my clients. Everything that i do at work is carefully thought out to ensure that my best work goes out each time. The advice i would give to young women… it is never too soon to build YOUR brand. If you believe in yourself and your work success will come for you. Learn from everything.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Stylist.Kaylee360 – what should we know?
Balayage and hair extensions! I absolutely love when a client comes in with a wish picture for their hair and being able to create that on their hair! This industry is so ever-changing and has really allowed people to have their dream hair with the right ingredients! I also do a lot of color corrections and it has also given me a very loyal client base!
Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
Social media is a great tool when it comes to networking! I have found that just posting photos of before and afters have really caught attention. People want to see a finished product and that’s how you allow people to make sure that when they come to you, it will be the right fit! As for mentors, I work in a sea of incredible Boss Babes at Wink Salon and Spa. I always take the time to ask my co-workers what they do behind the chair and for their business to tweak areas of the mine to make it better! Never pass up an opportunity to learn.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 603-988-1482
- Email: Stylist.Kaylee360@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kaay.emm/
Image Credit:
Kaylee Donovan
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
