We recently connected with Kaylee Drake and have shared our conversation below.

Kaylee , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Environment is everything. Show up and maintain a positive attitude even in the bad times- the barber who taught me everything, would say, “it’s all apart of it..” We will see the slowest of times and the busiest of times but maintaining a positive attitude either way will reflect on the environment around you, influence your co-workers and your clientele! Having a positive and uplifting work place will create the want to work, for you and with you. The community will want to support your business because it’s a refreshing experience to come to visit! Uplifting your co-workers and complimenting their work will bring out the best in them and influence them to shine their brightest. Having a sense of humor is always important too. We can still take business seriously and do business the right way while laughing and lightening the mood. Perfecting skill sets will come with ease without pressure and negativity. Learning is fun and creativity will flow. It isn’t easy creating an environment like this. One weak link and the entire vibe can be thrown off. It’s important to carefully choose the right people to work with- that is what we do at 5th & Barber.

Kaylee , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I specialize in men’s hair only. I have a very friendly and outgoing personality and I genuinely like getting to know my clients. With each appointment, I get to know more about my clients and vise versa. Soon, appointments are mostly about catching up with one another, as friends! And of course, perfecting the haircut. I enjoy cutting all hair types however, skin fades are my favorite. I love my job and consider myself very lucky to enjoy going to work everyday. I have worked with many different barbers throughout the years who have taught me many different skill sets and it has taken a lot of practice to perfect them.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Cutting hair was always a side hustle for me until I realized it’s what I love and that I didn’t want to do anything else. I earned my cosmetology license in high school through a built in program. As a 17 year old, I didn’t know what I wanted to do forever so I went to college and graduated with my bachelors degree in business admin and marketing. Of course, I did hair on nights and weekends to make ends meet. I started with women’s hair. When I finally fell into a barber shop about 8 years ago I fell in love and never looked back. I had kids and still, worked at a shop as a side hustle. I now work full time as an independent contractor at 5th & Barber in Franklin, TN. All 6 of us are independent contractors. It’s like 6 businesses in 1. An interesting concept, but it works! Of course, the work environment has everything to do with making it work.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Simple. Making people feel their best! Getting to know my clients and creating relationships.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://5thandbarber.mysalononline.com/
• Instagram: Kdrake_barber