We were lucky to catch up with Karl Payton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Karl, so good to have you with us today. We’ve got so much planned, so let’s jump right into it. We live in such a diverse world, and in many ways the world is getting better and more understanding but it’s far from perfect. There are so many times where folks find themselves in rooms or situations where they are the only ones that look like them – that might mean being the only woman of color in the room or the only person who grew up in a certain environment etc. Can you talk to us about how you’ve managed to thrive even in situations where you were the only one in the room?
What has helped me be successful in spaces where I’m the only one who looks like me is not conforming to the person I think they want. At the beginning of my career, I was positioned in spaces where I would be the only black person on set. In turn, I would show or present myself as someone else to “fit in” or not to rock the boat (essentially cosplaying). In turn, I found I was doing myself a disservice by playing into those troupes. Once I started showing as Karl, I found myself more confidence in me and in my skills. In addition, it allowed me to use this as an advantage. When these sets needed additional crew, I used that opportunity to suggest talented people who looked like me, as well as make sure that when I have assistants, they reflected that as well. In addition, not being afraid to speak up when needed. They’re going to be situations that call on you to either give an opinion or suggestion to help a situation. SPEAK. I constantly tell myself be unapologetic in who you are, and let your skills be an additional voice.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’ve been a Session Hairstylist for over a decade. There are so many aspects of what I do that are very exciting/ special. Being able to meet people from all over the world and get a small piece of who they are and where they come from is truly special. I’ve learned so much from these individuals like food, language, and cultural traditions. In conjunction with that, I’ve been presented with various hair types and textures. Being able to service all of them is rewarding while also passing along tips in the process. Another thing that makes my career exciting is being able to travel to places, whether it’s local or international. My favorite was Paris. Working fashion week and being in these big fashion houses like Dior, Miu Miu, and Valentino was a wow moment for sure. I’m also excited now to expand my knowledge from behind the chair to now more creative consultant space working closer with brands.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
These are the three things that have had a significant impact on my journey so far:
1. Being able to solve problems in the moment
2. Managing people effectively
3. Styling hair in a way that is perfect the first time, as if Photoshop doesn’t exist.
These three things have not only helped me grow as a person but also as an artist. In particular, the last point has been crucial. One of my mentors taught me that when styling hair, it should be done in a way that makes others’ jobs easier and with minimal changes required. This is how you get hired back. And he was right! On numerous occasions, I have received positive feedback from creatives and post-production teams, stating that they were satisfied with the hair and that little to no corrections were needed.
Prior to becoming a session hairstylist, I worked in retail management. The skills that I acquired during this time, such as problem-solving and people management, were also essential on set. There will be times when things don’t go according to plan, or there might be a sudden curveball. In such situations, it is important to be prepared with a plan and to remain calm while trusting in your skills.
If you’re looking to develop skills like delegation, team management, and adaptability, my advice would be to work under a more experienced person and learn from them. Observe how they delegate tasks to their team, and take note of how they handle unexpected situations. This will help you to become a more efficient and effective leader in the future.
What do you do when you feel overwhelmed? Any advice or strategies?
Feeling overwhelmed is a common experience that many of us face in our lives. To combat these feeling, there are a few steps that I take to help regain back some balance and focus. One of the first things I do is to scale back and prioritize tasks. When you have a lot on your plate, it’s easy to find yourself on a constant hamster wheel, going through the motions without really getting anywhere. By identifying what needs your immediate attention, you can focus on those tasks and work through them one at a time.
Writing down a to-do list can help to organize your thoughts and prioritize your tasks more effectively. Breaking down larger projects into smaller, more manageable steps can also make them feel less daunting and help you to make steady progress toward your goals.
Another thing I do that can easily be adopted, is to take breaks. Even if it’s just a day or two. Taking time to rest and recharge is imperative for your physical and mental health. It’s important to give yourself permission to take a break when you need it and to push back against the idea that you can’t afford to take time off. Remember that taking care of yourself is not a luxury, but a necessity and that pressing pause can help you to come back stronger and more focused than ever.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairstylesbykarl.com/port
- Instagram: @HSBK_
- Other: https://models.com/people/karl-payton
Image Credits
Photographer : Tone Woolfe
