Meet Kirsten Ritenbaugh

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

Hi Kirsten, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Growing up, I always knew that I was different from everybody else. I don’t mean this necessarily in a bad way, but the conventional ways of teaching, learning, and even thinking were always a struggle for me. As an artist, I can’t just read the textbook and then relay the information; I’m a visual learner. As the little sister of an incredibly smart sibling, I was always compared to her by the teachers we both had.
People always told me that I was going to be a hairdresser. For some reason, I never heard them. I always knew I was gifted at doing hair, especially since my mom has been an amazing stylist her whole life. Sometimes what’s meant for us has always been right there all along. Don’t ever try to force yourself somewhere you don’t belong just to fit in. Be yourself and listen to your calling.
Eighteen year olds never listen. I put myself through college and failed miserably. I honestly didn’t even know what my major was supposed to be. I was just there trying to figure it all out. I’ll never forget the day I told my mom, “You were right; I want to be a hairdresser.” She looked at me and laughed. We shed some tears, and she told me that if I was going to be a hairdresser, I needed to be the best hairdresser in the world. No pressure, right?
They always say mom knows best. They also say diamonds grow under pressure. I didn’t take her advice lightly, to say the least. As a salon owner in Tampa, Florida, I am acutely aware that there’s a salon on every corner. Anyone can go to cosmetology school, learn the trade, and do great hair. The difference between those people and myself is my way of thinking. To me, it’s more than just hair. It’s more than just a salon. It’s about one-on-one human connection, where I have the privilege of helping women feel better about themselves.
Being the only person in the room who looks like me used to intimidate me. However, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned that being different has been a gift all along. Until I became a traveling educator, I had never sat down alone for a meal, let alone traveled internationally solo. Being forced to do those things has given me the experience I needed to be confident in my career. When you’re the only person in the room who looks like you, don’t bow down to meet others where they are. Instead, inspire them to live more colorfully. Until you learn to love yourself for who you are, you won’t find success. Authenticity is the key!

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?

With the recent Hurricanes that hit Tampa Bay, my biggest focus has been on my hurricane relief drive. Seeing the community come together to rebuild Tampa has been so fulfilling.

Aside from the relief I have been busy in the field with äz Craft Luxury Haircare introducing the brand to the top salons in Florida. Meeting like minded stylists always motivates me to be the best version of myself when I am behind the chair. The typical salesperson for Haircare brands usually come from a sales background- not a salon background. I believe äz is doing it right by having actual hairstylists sell the product. After all we are the ones who actually use it in salon! I am looking forward to what’s to come with äz.

In the past month I have also joined the team at Domdom Hair where you can buy amazing hair tools through my affiliate link and have them shipped directly to you. I also sell the entire line at Kirsten Jane Beauty if you prefer to shop in store.

I’m excited for the holiday season ahead!

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?

Confidence, Empathy & Drive.

Tell us what your ideal client would be like?

My ideal client isn’t any particular person but instead somebody whose energy matches mine. If you have been to Kirsten Jane Beauty you know I am extremely selective on who sits in my chair. I do not take walk ins and only take new clients that are personally referred. Protecting my mental health by doing this has been life changing.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Taylor Howe

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