Meet Carley Redpath

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carley Redpath.

Carley, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I was born and raised in a small city just south of Seattle, Washington. Ever since I can remember, I knew I wanted to move to Southern California. The creative in me found so much inspiration in the thought of sunshine, palm trees and the beach being an everyday occurrence. Throughout high school, my only plan was to figure out how to get to California after I graduate. I got accepted to a few universities down here and knew that was my ticket in. I had planned to study music and film – being a hairstylist was never on my radar. Three weeks before I was to embark on this long-awaited journey, I got this overwhelming sense that I was supposed to stay in Washington. I was devastated, but it was one of those feelings that you just can’t ignore. I started attending community college and decided it was time for me to look for a job. Before I even started applying for jobs, I got a phone call from the owner of a popular hair salon in our area. They were looking for a receptionist, and my name had been brought up by a friend of mine who was a stylist there. It seemed like an easy, fun, and flexible job to have while I was in school. I had no idea that accepting this job would alter the course of my life completely. I fell in love with the thought of being a hairstylist. I finished two years of college, then started beauty school. My desire to move to Southern California became a reality immediately after getting my cosmetology license almost seven years ago. To my surprise, I was diagnosed with the most aggressive form of an autoimmune disease called Rheumatoid Arthritis three years ago. There was a time my body was in so much pain, I didn’t think I would be able to be a hairstylist anymore. With the help of an amazing doctor, I pushed through and have adapted to my new normal – and I’m feeling great. There’s not a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the opportunity to change lives through the creativity I’ve been given. I can’t imagine living life or doing hair anywhere else!!

Can you give our readers some background on your work?
I am a hairstylist in Golden Hill, San Diego. I’ve never been someone who likes to do the same thing day in and day out – which is why I don’t work a desk job! I love the freedom to create & take on all kinds of colorful challenges. Every day is a different face and a different project. I love it! I am a perfectionist and put blood, sweat, and tears into creating beautiful, (seemingly) effortless work. Above my craft, I am passionate about people. I feel like as hairstylists, we get to instill a level of confidence in our clients that they didn’t have when they walked in. We either boost their confidence, or we kill it. I see so many people on a daily basis that have had their hair done incorrectly. When this happens, not only do they leave their appointment feeling down about themselves, but they also feel unheard. There’s a definite sense of gratification when I get to correct something like that and see their demeanor change completely upon finishing their service. Everyone has a voice, and everyone has a story that deserves to be heard. I feel honored to get to play a small role in these stories.

What responsibility, if any, do you think artists have to use their art to help alleviate problems faced by others? Has your work been affected by issues you’ve concerned about?
I think being immersed in art gives us hope. It’s an expression of what could be, what we want to see in our future… and for some, its an escape. More and more people depend on art to bring a positive light to all the negativity we live in. On the flip side, not everyone sees artistic jobs a necessity. Our small businesses are first to be affected when new laws are put in place. It can be tough. All that aside, I like to believe the more intentional I am in creating beautiful hair, the more confidence I am giving my clients. Confident people change the world, and that’s what I really care about.

What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can see my work on my Instagram page – @cutanddryofficial. You can support my work by following & sharing my page and/or liking & commenting on my photos.

Contact Info:

• Phone: 619-955-9166
• Email: cutanddryofficial@gmail.com
• Instagram: @cutanddryofficial

Image Credit:
Todd James Photography
Alyssa Brooke Photography
Becca Tapert Photography
Tim Chisham Photography

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