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

Karissa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

I always wanted to be a hairdresser, so I went to a Paul Mitchell cosmetology school right after graduating high school. After working in a full service salon for a while, I fell in love with doing wedding hair and working with brides. I saw the need for brides and their bridal parties having the luxury of convenience and having onsite glam, so they could relax and enjoy the day, without the stress of traveling to a salon to have their hair done. I also craved the flexibility of creating my own schedule with motherhood and owning a home on my radar. My best friend and I joined forces as Blushed Beauty in 2016, offering on site hairstyling and airbrush makeup in our little hometown in Northern Michigan. It was always my dream to live in the South, and I made that happen at the end of 2020. Making Chapin, SC my new home, I launched k.b. glam in March 2021 offering on site hairstyling in Columbia and surrounding areas. I love what I do and feel honored to spend the morning with brides on one of the most important days in their life, while having the privilege of flexibility during the week as a busy mom.

Karissa, 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?

Along with being a hairstylist, I worked as a server in restaurants for 14 years. Being a server was my first job that I had, and I absolutely loved the fast-paced environment and quickly gained the knowledge of knowing what people need before they even ask for it. I combined my experience in the service industry with my passion for hair and decided to branch out on my own offering onsite hair services after spending time working in a salon that was not for me. The experience I provide is more than just hairstyling. I am attentive to all needs that brides and their bridal parties may have that day. From popping the champagne, to helping zip someone in their dress, I want my clients to feel that they are cared for and receive the best quality of service possible.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

I have always done most of my advertising using a storefront with The Knot. Brides can see photos of my work, reviews from past brides, and review my pricing. The best source of new clients though has truly been building connections with other makeup artists and wedding vendors. Being able to refer each other or send recommendations if I’m not available is amazing and helps other small businesses as well as my own!

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business started as the direct result of needing to pivot in life. When I became a mom in 2016, I wanted to be able to put my kids first, while still being able to provide for my family financially. Primarily working as a bridal stylist allowed me to be at home during the week while my kids were little, and just working Saturday’s. The flexibility of my business has allowed me to lead my family, while also having a career that I am passionate about and look forward to going to work for.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.theknot.com/marketplace/kb-glam-chapin-sc-2045835
• Instagram: @k.b.glam

Image Credits

@camnorthphotography
@jacquelinealeace
@thecarterscreative