Meet Kylee Franks

We were lucky to catch up with Kylee Franks recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kylee, so great to have you with us and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts with the community. So, let’s jump into something that stops so many people from going after their dreams – haters, nay-sayers, etc. We’d love to hear about how you dealt with that and persisted on your path.

I’ve learned to keep my focus on the people who sit in my chair and leave feeling confident — that’s what matters. Haters and nay-sayers don’t pay the bills; my clients do. I don’t waste time proving myself to anyone who’s not in my corner. I let my work, my skill, and my consistency speak for me.

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?

I’m Kylee, the owner of Kylee’s Atomic Fades in Los Alamos, New Mexico. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for 15 years, spending most of that time in barbershop-style spaces where I fell in love with the precision, skill, and connection that come with every cut.
For me, barbering has always been more than just cutting hair — it’s about connection. Every person who sits in my chair has a story, and I love creating a space where people can relax, talk, and walk out feeling more confident than when they came in. That’s what makes this work so special to me.
What I’m most proud of is that I’ve built Kylee’s Atomic Fades from the ground up, fueled by a passion for great craftsmanship, community, and a little retro flair. The shop is a reflection of who I am — detail-driven, welcoming, and a little bit bold.
Right now, I’m focused on continuing to grow the business and build a strong local client base here in Los Alamos. I’m also looking ahead to hosting community events and collaborations that bring people together and celebrate local small business.
At the end of the day, I want Kylee’s Atomic Fades to be known for more than great cuts — I want it to be known as a place with good energy, real conversations, and a genuine love for the craft.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

Looking back, I’d say the three most impactful things in my journey have been consistency, connection, and confidence.
Consistency has been everything. No matter what kind of day I’m having, I show up and give every client my best work. That’s how you build trust, loyalty, and a reputation that lasts.
Connection is what makes this craft special. People remember how you make them feel just as much as how their haircut looks. Building genuine relationships with clients has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
And confidence — both in my skill and in my vision — is what allowed me to open my own shop. There will always be doubt, obstacles, and opinions, but believing in yourself and your craft is what keeps you moving forward.
For anyone just starting out, my advice is simple: be patient, stay teachable, and never stop showing up. Every cut, every client, every challenge is part of the learning process. If you stay consistent and true to your purpose, the success will come.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

Right now, my biggest challenge is finding balance while growing my business. Opening a shop, building a client base, and managing everything behind the scenes can be a lot — especially when you care deeply about every detail.
I’m learning to trust the process and give myself grace while things take shape. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s easy to get caught up in wanting everything to be perfect right away. I remind myself that showing up, doing great work, and staying consistent is what builds something lasting.
I’ve also been focusing on better systems and boundaries — whether that’s managing bookings more efficiently, setting clear hours, or carving out time for rest and family. The goal isn’t just to run a successful barbershop, but to build a sustainable career and life around it.

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