We recently connected with Makayla Spielman and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Makayla, you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Long story short, I get my generosity from my mom. I’ll break it down a bit! Have you ever met a woman that will go above and beyond for anyone around her? Including strangers! That’s her, she would do anything at the drop of a hat even without being asked. Growing up I watched her give and give; her umbrella to a stranger walking in the rain, a ride to someone who was carrying a gas can, and anything her children needed (most of the time before we even knew it!) She is a woman with endless love and I want to be just like her. I always call her my angel on earth, full of God’s love.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
As a specialized hair stylist, I only focus on the hairstyling aspect of the industry. My work is mainly centered around weddings and bridal hair trials.
However, I have also had the opportunity to style hair for a variety of special occasions, such as quinceaneras, military balls, the Kansas City Chiefs’ ring ceremony, and numerous photo shoots – from headshots and editorial work to company and family portraits. One of my goals is to style hair for a reality TV show or film production. The opportunities in this field are endless.
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?
The drive to learn is essential. You can’t be the best at what you do without the ability to continuously learn from others – whether it’s through online tutorials, in-person training, or by tapping into the expertise of your colleagues.
Effective communication is another essential skill. One thing I have learned planning a wedding can be exhausting and overwhelming, asking the right questions and maintaining open communication can make the process much easier for both parties. Anticipate the questions they haven’t even thought to ask – I can assure you, they’ll appreciate it!
Building a strong foundational knowledge, like Cosmetology School. Even if it’s just the basics, like how to part hair, maintain symmetry, identify hair types and textures, and select the right products – that baseline understanding will allow you to then layer on more advanced tips and techniques to expand your knowledge.
My advice for anyone starting out: learn which questions to ask, watch tutorial videos, and get out that doll head! And here’s a pro tip – play a game of “Guess Who” if you ask the right questions in the right way, I guarantee you’ll win every time.
Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
This is a two part question with no right answer!
In the Kansas City area, the wedding industry is booming, with a large population and countless weddings each year. If you have the opportunity, go all in on your strengths and personal style – you’ll be highly sought after.
However, moving west into Kansas, the wedding hair industry is slower. To succeed in this market, it’s important to be well-rounded, offering a diverse selection of styles and looks. This versatility can help you build a larger clientele in the long run.
My personal preference is the large skill set, this year I am moving away from the KC area and offering my services in the Central Kansas Region, where there are just not a lot of specialized wedding hairstylists. This is important to me, while it may not be for a different stylist. As I said, there is no right answer!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leadinglady.online/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leadinglady_?igsh=MTFxZzZibXBxY3B6NQ==
Image Credits
alanabelovephotography
Rita Clark – Heirloom Photo Company
Alison Barnes Martin – alibarmar
Morgan Bolinger – madebymorgan
Amanda Overton Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
