We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Katie Grubb. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Katie below.

Alright, Katie thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

One day at school a lady came in pleading for help with her hair. She had severe matting. I walked up to the front desk after she left and immediately volunteered after seeing that no one else was willing to do it. I was advised to not take on the project but I knew I needed to do it. The next day she showed up and I took her to my station. She was so embarrassed and told me her story. She had been homeless and no one at the shelter would help her braid her hair or give her a hair brush. One of the instructors assisted me in the consultation (she had extensive experience in matting) , she told me I had 30 minutes and if I hadn’t made progress the lady would have to leave. I worked very hard for those 30 minutes but her hair was very matted and I was losing hope. When the instructor came around she decided to let me continue working. The lady was very clearly defeated and willing to have her head shaved. I assured her that we wouldn’t have to do that. I worked for several hours and had made great progress but still had a long way to go. After about 4 hours I had her hair unmatted and she was speechless. I washed her hair and gave her a deep condition and a scalp massage. After blow drying her hair I gave her 2 french braids and paid for her appointment. She didn’t have a way of tipping me money so she gave me one of her snacks. I walked her outside and told her that if it happened again to come find me and i’ll braid for free. She gave me a hug and with tears in her eyes she told me that she would pray that I pass my state board exams. I can say that I am officially licensed and very grateful that she showed me why I want to do hair. I don’t want to do hair to make money but to make people feel beautiful and loved.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always been into cosmetology but I really knew I wanted to pursue my passion when my Nana was nearing the end of her life. She always went to the same lady every week to have her hair done. In her final months her stylist came to her house and gave her one last haircut. The joy she had after having her hair cut filled my heart. Just seeing how doing small things for people can make such a major impact made me want to do hair and provide that for everyone. I provide all hair services but I love to do color especially gray coverage. Seeing the faces of clients after i’ve gotten rid of their gray and having a beautiful blow out always warms my heart. I always really love doing styles such as prom hair. I assisted another student who was trying to execute an updo for prom. The client had alopecia and didn’t want it to be seen. After some planning I found a way to manipulate her hair to completely cover her bald areas. She was astounded at the result and that we were able to completely hide that insecurity. I am so proud of how far I have come and I still have so much more ahead of me.

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

The most rewarding part of doing hair is being able to help clients but not just with their hair. Repeat clients will bond with you and listening to their story and being supportive of what they are going through is very important. I was doing highlights on a young girl and the whole appointment had gone great. She was very happy and talkative. I went to go mix her toner and when I came back she was crying and my heart dropped. I thought she didn’t like her hair so I asked what was wrong. She told me her boyfriend broke up with her. She was absolutely crushed. So while her toner sat on her hair I gave her advice and held her while she cried. I finished her hair and made her feel beautiful. She hugged me before she left and thank me for everything I had done for her.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I have had many experiences of rude clients and it really takes toll on students in the industry. I had done a thorough consultation as usual and proceeded to give her the haircut she wanted. After the first cut I made she immediately freaked out and began yelling at me. I explained that I had no finished her cut so of course it wasn’t going to look like what she wanted yet. I got my instructor and he examined my work. He asked me to walk away and he finished the cut and spoke to her. After she left he told me that I had done everything right and that she didn’t understand why I had cut her hair the way I did. It absolutely crushed me that she was so upset. I was so worried about haircuts after that in fear that I would upset another client. I had to learn that some clients can not be satisfied. Some clients come in looking for problems to get free services. It was a hard lesson to learn but I did.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: hairbykatie90