Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Paul.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
I’m originally from a small town in North Carolina. As a kid my parents used to bring me to work with them, my dad had a one-person law firm in our downtown and to keep me occupied (and out of their hair) they used to let me go next door to the “beauty salon”. From those early days of sweeping hair and styling mannequin heads around those southern ladies with their big hair and blue eyeshadow, I knew what I wanted to be when I grew up. I spent many years in college flip-flopping between majors and never feeling like anything was the right fit until I got the guts to drop out and go to cosmetology school. After several years of honing my skills and traveling far and wide to receive additional training, I eventually would go on to own a salon, in that same town, just a few blocks down from that little “beauty salon”. As much as salon ownership fulfilled a huge dream for me I couldn’t let the dream of moving to the west coast go. Last year my husband and I had the chance to come visit San Diego, and as soon as we flew in, I knew we had to relocate as soon as possible. After nearly ten years in the industry, I’ve learned to trust my gut and chase my dreams, and San Diego hasn’t let me down. It’s been so fun starting fresh, meeting with new clients, and putting my unique southern spin on their experience.
Please tell us about your art.
What I love most is creating complementary, natural, hair color for clients. Being able to formulate unique palettes and apply them in a technical way really feels like magic to me, and elevating someone’s self-image by enhancing their natural aesthetic is a really powerful thing. I love seeing clients happy and having that “oh wow” moment when they feel good about the way they look. I have this saying I picked up from someone along the way, “If you like it, I love it” which I think sums up what I want people to take away from their experience with me. My clients’ needs and feelings about the work they receive are the most important thing, and for them to like something I was able to do for them, is the best feeling I carry all day.
As an artist, how do you define success and what quality or characteristic do you feel is essential to success as an artist?
I would define success as living the life you chose, freely, every day. I’ve probably been on every end of the “financial success” spectrum, and I can honestly say I’ve felt the most successful when I was doing work that felt rewarding, and that pushed my abilities.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
I work at the gorgeous, BRAND NEW, space of Salvage Salon located at 3800 Ray Street (corner of Ray St and North Park Way). I also have an active Instagram page @sixrowsofteeth where I display all of my work. You can find me “behind the chair” 6 days a week.
Contact Info:
- Address: Salvage Salon
3800 Ray Street
San Diego, CA - Phone: 619-408-4889
- Email: sixrowsofteeth@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sixrowsofteeth
Image Credit:
Michelle Hooper (for my headshot and for the photo of the blue/green haired girl with the braided center) all other photos were shot by me.
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