We recently connected with Alyssa Kitson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Alyssa with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My hardworking mentality was something I was raised with. My parents both had to work hard to support our family. I come from a family of 5 kids. My father was a Reverend, and my mother a teacher.
Fulfillment was found through helping and guiding people, not money.
Watching them raise us, I learned that if I wanted something, I had to work for it. Actually, my first job was a paper route! I saved up all my money to buy a bike, a brand new Schwinn! I even bought a water bottle holder for an extra ten dollars! I was so proud.
The feeling of having to work for something gave me a sense of pride, accomplishment, and ultimately confidence.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am a hairstylist! What makes me really excited about what I do every day is the ability to make everyone feel good. To me being a hairstylist is a gift. It allows to me to create, connect, and uplift. It’s about making someone feel valued and heard. On top of that, I get to create a style customized to them. It has taken many years to get where I’m at today and the more and more I learn, the more I realize there is more room to grow and that is what also excites me. I always look for progression in myself, and the ability to progress in this industry , makes me more passionate about bettering my craft and doing it not just for myself, but for my clients.
My specialty in this industry is precision cutting and balayage. Precision cutting is about using angles off of the client’s head shape, and curating a style according to their morphology and life style. It’s most complimentary to them when catering to each individual.
I was taught balayage and precision cutting in Paris, France. Balayage is free hand painting on the hair using a clay lighter. This allows the highlights to mimic the way that the sun lightens the hair. It’s low maintenance, gentle, and multidimensional. It’s complementary everyone!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
The three biggest qualities, skills, or area of knowledge that were most impactful were first of all, the understanding of why you’re doing what you’re doing.For instance, when cutting hair why are you adding layers here? Why are you making the length there? Why are you styling their hair for them this way Knowing the “why” of what you are creating.
The second most important thing that I have learned, has also been willing to set your ego aside, and be open to criticism and new ideas. There is always room to improve, and never one way to do accomplish a result.
One more thing, but certainly not last, is making people feel valued and heard. We are all living this life together and we can all learn something from each other. Being present with each client gives me the opportunity to learn and grow alongside with them. Even the ability to see through different lenses. That is what truly gives me fulfillment in this career.
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?
The number one challenge right now is the economy. What we are doing to continue to be successful is making every client feel seen and heard and making sure that their experience is up to their expectation. Meeting their needs, and any economic difficulties, we try to be flexible in scheduling their services. Even being mindful and understanding in this unstable economy. We want to help, and bring confidence in these uncertain times.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Deseosalondenver.com
- Instagram: alyssa__kitson
- Linkedin: Alyssakitsonhmu@gmail.com
Image Credits
Matthew at Distinction Photo.
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