We were lucky to catch up with Kaylee Smiley recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kaylee, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

I was 24 years old, working for a corporate company in a cubical office Monday – Friday. It was mundane. I was uninspired, and quite frankly, bored. I remember thinking, “Nobody actually enjoys their job, so this will be fine for the rest of my life.” What a sad thought to have!

One day, after a hair appointment, I looked at my husband and said “I wish I had gone to hair school when I was younger. I think I would have loved that industry.”

His response was, “Then do it now. Go get enrolled.”

So I did. I left my corporate job and started completely over. Was it scary? Absolutely. We lost half our income and I was starting something I didn’t even know if I would be successful at. The risk is always worth the reward when it is something you’re passionate about.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I have always been inspired by art, (whether it be music, architecture, fashion, or dancing) I love to see the creation of someone’s mind come to life.

I knew I wanted to do hair when I was in high school at our vocational program, but due to issues with bullying, I dropped out when I was 16. After failed attempts at an online program, I got my GED. I felt I needed to prove myself and do well in college, however once I was enrolled, I quickly realized I needed to be in an industry that allowed creativity to flourish.

Leaving it all to do a complete a career shift has been one of the greatest decisions I have ever made.

Immediately the graduation of hair school, I began educating with a color brand at trade shows. I was able to teach on stage in front of hundreds of stylists about products I was passionate about.

I took a break from educating once I became pregnant with my son. Postpartum depression and anxiety were in full force and caused me to be a shell of my former self.

Still, I missed educating. So I applied to be an educator with a large hair education company on a whim. I didn’t think I had a chance in hell. Next thing I knew I was traveling around the country teaching next to some of the best educators in the business at the top salons in the US. And I questioned it. I still felt like an impostor.

Growing through uncomfortable situations has made me become someone I didn’t think was possible. It has allowed me to see who I truly am and to proud of that person.

Battling my mental health demons through therapy and medication allowed me to give myself grace. I will always speak passionately and freely about mental health on social media and in my classes. I want to be a safe space for my students and clients who may feel the way I did, and often times still do.

I now teach independently while working with brands and having a full time client base in the salon. I am confident in who I am and what I represent because of my challenges.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Social media can be a great tool for marketing, creating your brand, and connecting with possible clients and other stylists.

I have learned to let go of the pressure social media can put on us. Creating posts that are authentically you brings the fun back in. Stop worrying about if your content looks like the other creatives on your feed.

What makes you stand out? Use that. It will bring a following that enjoys what you are and will create a more authentic space for you and your followers.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

For stylists specifically, cosmetology school only teaches you so much, and unfortunately that is the bare minimum.

The amount of free education available online for stylists is incredible. Many independent stylists have online subscription education classes that allow you to learn from educators you look up to and admire their techniques.

In-person education is also growing exponentially and gives stylists the opportunity to have a hands on experience while being able to ask questions about the industry.

These resources should be a critical part of every stylists career because trends are always changing. Being able to confidently provide your clients the up-to-date look they desire is a crucial part of our job.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @kayleesmileyhair

Image Credits

Shelbi Jo Photography