Today we’d like to introduce you to Katherine Olenski.
Katherine, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I wouldn’t say that I always knew I would be a hairstylist, but I definitely ruined my fair share of Barbie’s through “haircuts” and new styles as a kid. They were more like hair catastrophes in my professional opinion- but we won’t judge little Kat. I hadn’t thought to make a career out of my love for hair and beauty until I was faced with spending another four plus years at a desk after high school while my hands sat idle. I enrolled in hair school in the winter of 2011 and I haven’t looked back since! I was born in Austria, the youngest of four girls and the ‘girliest’ of the four by far. My parents are San Diego natives, but a combination of wanderlust and a craving to help people affected by communism took them to Eastern Europe in the 80’s and 90’s. It was through watching them help people by listening to their stories that I realized how important it is to lend an ear to the people that the universe brings to you. I think that’s why I fell so in love with being a hairstylist. You can do so much for people by just making them feel heard, safe, and simply good about themselves.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I was incredibly fortunate to have met a mentor very early in my career that made my road a lot smoother than it could have been. Surrounding myself with women who prioritized education and growth as a young hairstylist shaped the professional I am today. That’s not to say that it’s been a breeze by any means. Hairstylists are a dime a dozen, and you have to really find a way to set yourself apart in this industry in order to achieve success. I choose to be constantly evolving professionally and personally, taking multiple classes and workshops a year, reading books on business and marketing, constantly striving to be a better version of myself. In an ever evolving industry, you have to do everything you can to keep up. Does that mean it’s easy? No. I sacrifice a lot of time off for self-growth, but it’s totally worth it. I love that someone can come to me and no matter what they ask for, I’ll have knowledge and experience in it. My advice to someone new to this career is to stay humble and to continue growing no matter what hurdles are in your way. It’s not always easy and it can be discouraging as a young stylist trying to build a clientele, but if you stick to your values and do everything you can to provide exceptional service to the person in your chair then success is inevitable!
Tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I take pride in the inclusivity of my work. I believe that no matter who you are you should have a safe space in my chair. Every day I strive to make the people in my chair fall in love with themselves. My job as your stylist is to make you feel like the best version of yourself through your hair. I love painting blondes, and I love creating a new head of hair by shaping it through a good cut, but I would say what sets me apart is the experience I provide to my guests. To me, it’s not about how you look when you leave your appointment, it’s about how you feel. That being said- you’re gonna look damn good too!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
I love staying inspired through books and podcasts! There’s a business building podcast just for hairstylists that I’m obsessed with, it’s called “The thriving stylist” by Britt Seva. I really try to get an equal amount of time in though, listening to and reading professional/ personal building material and material just for fun. Part of what I do is listening to the trials and tribulations that weigh on the shoulders of my clients, so escaping is definitely necessary sometimes. There is a weekly podcast called ‘meditative story’ that is really inspiring. It’s basically a story told by someone who had a life changing experience, or who was inspired by their circumstances and what they learned from that. It’s incredibly uplifting and I love the relaxed tone of the podcast. So much of what we take in day to day is so busy and a lot of times negative information, I try to make sure that I choose to bring positivity into my thoughts as much as possible.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.KatherineMaeHair.com
- Email: bookingwithkatherineolenski@gmail.com
- Instagram: @KatherineMaeHair
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/katherineolenskistylist
Image Credit:
Megan Burgess
Images of hair all taken by myself
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