We’re looking forward to introducing you to Kat Mulvaney. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Kat, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Being recognized as Best of San Diego 2025 was such a proud moment — not just for me, but for my clients too. They’re the reason I get to do what I love every day, so the award truly feels like a shared win with everyone who sits in my chair. It still feels a little surreal, but I’m so grateful and proud to see my craft recognized in this way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Kat Mulvaney, one of the lead hair stylist’s at Salon Bordeaux in Normal Heights. I’ve been doing hair for over 16 years, and over the years I’ve built my career around transformations that go deeper than just hair — I love helping people feel confident, radiant, and aligned with their best selves. I’m now focused on expanding my brand beyond the chair — through education, creative content, and collaborations — while continuing to cultivate a space where clients feel both cared for and inspired.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I think the part of me that always felt I had to say yes to everything has served its purpose. It helped me build my career, but now I’m learning that setting boundaries and being intentional with my time creates more space for creativity, clients, and personal joy.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering has taught me lessons success never could — resilience, empathy, and presence. The harder seasons reminded me that beauty isn’t just about appearances, it’s about transformation from the inside out. Those experiences deepened the way I connect with clients, because I don’t just see them as appointments — I see their energy, their story, and their emotions. Success is wonderful, but it’s the struggles that gave me the heart to truly hold space for others.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is that it’s only about how you look on the outside. The truth is, hair is energy — it’s confidence, it’s identity, it’s healing. It’s about how hair makes you feel. When someone sits in my chair, it’s never just about a style — it’s about transformation from the inside out.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
If I retired tomorrow, I think my clients would miss more than just the hair. They’d miss the energy and connection we share — the feeling of being truly seen, cared for, and uplifted. For me, it’s never just about a style; it’s about creating an experience that leaves them feeling lighter, brighter, and more like themselves.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Katmulvaneyhair
Image Credits
https://www.brandoncolbertphotography.com/
