We were lucky to catch up with Kortnee VanCleave recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kortnee, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
I get my work ethic from a combination of personal experience and the drive to provide for my family. I always strive to make my work absolutely perfect because I understand firsthand how disappointing it can be to leave a salon and not be satisfied with your hair. I never want my clients to feel that way, so I dedicate myself to ensuring every detail meets the highest standards.
Additionally, my son is a significant motivation for me. Providing for him is my top priority, and I know that delivering perfect services and retaining my clients directly impacts his well-being. I couldn’t imagine a life where my son feels any burden regarding financial or living situations, so I work hard to ensure he never has to experience that.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a hairstylist based in Frisco, Texas, specializing in blonde hair. What I find most exciting about my job is building relationships with some truly amazing people and witnessing their reactions when they see the final results. I love watching my clients admire themselves in the mirror and leave the salon with newfound confidence.
In the last year, I’ve introduced hair extensions to my salon. This addition is particularly exciting because it addresses various issues my clients may face, offering them even more options to achieve their desired look.
Running my own business allows me to balance my professional and personal life, especially with being a Mom. I can work during my son’s school hours and be fully present when he’s home or has days off. it truly is the best of both worlds, and I feel incredibly blessed to have this as my career path.
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?
Three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are finding a mentor, committing to continuous education, and accepting that not everyone will be a perfect fit.
Firstly, finding a business coach who runs a business similar to how you envision yours can provide invaluable guidance and help you navigate challenges. Their experience and insights can significantly accelerate your growth and success.
Secondly, always seek out continuing education, no matter the cost. The investment in learning new techniques and staying updated with industry trends will pay off immensely. The beauty industry is constantly evolving, and staying current is crucial to maintaining relevance and excellence.
Lastly, understand that you won’t be the right stylist for everyone and that is perfectly okay. Rejection can be tough, but it’s important to remember it is a natural part of the journey and embracing this allows you to focus on your strengths and build deeper connections with clients who appreciate your unique skills.
My advice to new stylists is to embrace these early on. They will not only help you grow professionally but also deepen your passion for the industry.
What would you advise – going all in on your strengths or investing on areas where you aren’t as strong to be more well-rounded?
I believe it is beneficial to strike a balance between leveraging your strengths and working on areas where you are less confident. Focusing on your strengths allows you to excel and stand out in specific areas, which can be crucial for building a strong reputation and attracting clients who appreciate those skills.
At the same time, clients tend to change their preference in style every once in a while, so investing in improving your weaker areas can make you more versatile and adaptable. it helps you offer broader range of services and meet diverse client needs, which can be especially valuable in a dynamic industry like hair styling.
Ultimately, the key is to continue developing your strengths while also dedicating time to grow in areas that need improvement.t this balanced approach can lead to a well-rounded skill set, enhance your overall effectiveness, and contribute to long term success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.topknotstylist.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/top_knot_stylist/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TopKnotStylist
