We recently connected with Kat Ivanov and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Kat, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I think we’re always searching for our life purpose, and it’s not just one big novel, but many short stories. I often check in with myself and reevaluate my choices. I try to refer back to my life experiences and core values to make sure I’m being true to myself. After high school, I did what I thought I needed to do to be successful, and while I enjoyed my time in college, I knew something was missing. I was an artsy kid and believed college was a must so I studied art and design. But, it wasn’t until I went to cosmetology school and completely changed my surroundings, that I found what I believe is my purpose, which is people.
I believe in making people feel good about themselves and helping them connect with their self worth. I believe this is something that most of us have struggled with and can all connect on. If I can make people feel beautiful and confident by providing hair and makeup, especially on their wedding day, I want to be a part of that.
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 started my business, Ivanov Artistry, in 2018 and we provide on-site hair and airbrush makeup services for weddings and photoshoots. Our mission is to make people feel good and confident by enhancing their natural beauty and fostering an environment that is down to earth and filled with good energy. We also love to travel, and had the honor of being invited to work weddings in Big Bend and Boston in the last couple of years. We, like every other business, took a big hit during the pandemic and since then are happy to be able to expand our team and take on more weddings. During the pandemic, I used my down time to earn my Cosmetology Instructor’s License and am now also working as an educator. Teaching has grown me in ways I couldn’t imagine and has really complimented my business. We are also thrilled to announce that we just won “The Knot’s Best of Weddings,” for the fourth year in a row and have been inducted into their “Hall of Fame.”
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?
For me personally, the three biggest qualities that have helped me along my journey are creativity, curiosity, and compassion. I think finding something that you care about that allows you to express your authentic self is so important. This combined with bold curiosity can have some wonderful outcomes and help you stay passionate about your craft and hopefully avoid burnout. As for compassion, have it for others but remember to have it for yourself, especially as an entrepreneur. My advice for people early in their journey is to be teachable, find a mentor, ask for help, say yes to opportunities and put yourself out there.
What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
The biggest area of growth I’ve had in the last year has been about being more conscientious about living a balanced life. It’s a constant struggle and something I have to practice everyday. I’ve really learned to let go of the reins a bit and delegate my business in order to make sure I’m not spreading myself too thin. I’ve learned to ask for help, say no when I need to rest, and practice self care so I can heal burnout. Teaching cosmetology has also been a major growth spurt. I’ve learned to be more self assured and be less of a people pleaser. I’m so grateful for the opportunity to grow in this area and I believe it’s made me a stronger person.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ivanovartistry.com
- Instagram: ivanovartistry
Image Credits:
Kristen Giles Photography, Ashlen Sydney Photo, By Blake Fountain, Taylor Elizabeth Photography, Leah Nicole Photography, The Bree Reel, Known Together Photography, 309 Weddings
