Meet Karen Leight

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Karen Leight a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Karen, first a big thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and insights with us today. I’m sure many of our readers will benefit from your wisdom, and one of the areas where we think your insight might be most helpful is related to imposter syndrome. Imposter syndrome is holding so many people back from reaching their true and highest potential and so we’d love to hear about your journey and how you overcame imposter syndrome.

I believe imposter syndrome is something many of us continue to navigate, myself included. It’s funny because, while I don’t obsess over my own hair, I’ve found that I have a real talent for styling others’. On days when my work doesn’t meet my own high standards, I remind myself that one off-day doesn’t define my skills or my career. What matters most is maintaining genuine care for my clients and ensuring their satisfaction. I’m fortunate to have a strong support system that encourages me and keeps me grounded, even when those feelings of doubt arise.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

My journey into cosmetology began on a whim, but I quickly discovered a natural talent for hairstyling. I knew early on that I wanted to work for myself, to have control over my happiness, and avoid the conventional 9-to-5 grind. Doing hair in Hollywood is anything but ordinary.

I’ve had the pleasure of styling in Florida, Colorado, and now California, where I’m based. In Hollywood, you never know who will sit in your chair. I’ve met fascinating people, each with unique stories and incredible accomplishments. The diversity of my clients’ backgrounds keeps my work exciting, and I’m grateful to learn something new from them every day.

What drives me to commute from the Valley to Hollywood isn’t just the artistry—it’s the connections. My clients come to me for effortless, beachy California hair, but they stay for the great conversation. My specialty? Hand-painted highlights and creating an experience that goes beyond just styling hair.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

The number one piece of advice for new hairstylists is to quickly get comfortable with being uncomfortable. This industry demands long hours, skipped meals, tough conversations, and both physical and emotional strain. Embrace the challenges and start building your resilience early on. Success in hairstyling comes not only from honing your craft but also from developing the mental and emotional armor to handle the highs and lows. Buckle up, stay adaptable, and learn to thrive in the chaos—it’s all part of the journey.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?

In the past year, my biggest improvement has been setting clear boundaries with people who aren’t adding value to my life. I’ve learned to disengage from those who do me no good and have developed more grace for myself. I understand that challenges and setbacks are a part of life, but I’ve come to embrace them as opportunities to grow. By focusing on what truly matters, I’ve learned to move forward with resilience and self-compassion.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://Instagram.com/hairbykarenrenee