Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kirsten Anderson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Kirsten, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Folks often look at a successful business and imagine it was an overnight success, but from what we’ve seen this is often far from the truth. We’d love to hear your scaling up story – walk us through how you grew over time – what were some of the big things you had to do to grow and what was that scaling up journey like?

I have been in business for 25 years at my current location, also traveling to do on location services. I started out as an apprentice roughly 10 years prior to opening my own private studio. For approximately 3 years I worked as an apprentice under. a very well known stylist in a very busy salon. It was long hours, extra early morning classes, assisting on photo shoots and hair shows on my days off from the salon, with very little pay. Though grueling at tim.es, I received an excellent education and established wonderful relationships with stylists I still keep in touch with,exchanging. ideas,struggles and solutions.
Working at various salons for a few years in various city’s, gave me insight into how style revolves and changes with location and climate, this also allowed me to learn about people and relationships, which in my opinion is the most important ingredient in establishing most business.
I opened my private studio in 1998,out of a need to be more flexible and in control of my schedule, as I was then raising 2 small children. I first opened in an apartment we were living in,( people said no one would come, as it was an undesirable location) they were wrong. Next, I looked for and found a house with an in-law suite, perfect as it has its own address, electric and gas meters making taxes much easier.
Initially I had to rent, and within 3 years was able to purchase the property. It has been a struggle at times, well worth the struggles as I now have no mortgage to pay and have a great location. This becomes very apparent during Covid, when many people did not want to be in a populated setting.
6 years ago I left to care for my parents in Hawaii, who needed extra help at that time in life. I was able to travel every 6-8 weeks to accommodate my clients, and visit my home. While in Hawaii I established an on location business there, also working 1 day a week in a hotel salon, all the while retaining my business in Georgia.
Both Mom and Dad are gone now, and I still travel between Hawaii and Georgia to serve my clients and keep my mind fresh.
This business has allowed me a good income to raise my children (who are now both married with children of their own) buy a home, travel, be available for my parents, establish life long relationships, and so much more.
I look forward to another 25 years of the privilege to serve others and enjoy an extremely fulfilling career and future.

Kirsten, 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 a I am a hairstylist specializing in creating a custom look through hair color hair styling and make up application I work by appointment only and have a very private location where clients feel comfortable can relax and have my full attention as to create the best possible look they are looking for. I also do on location styling and make up for photo shoots, special events, i weddings, ,and those that can’t get out or simply choose to have me come to their location. This allows me to get out of the salon and. meet my clients needs.
I continue to further my education and skills by taking classes attending hair shows doing test shoots with other creatives visiting art museums concerts and nature itself. I have a strong belief in always continuing to grow your skills and become better and better in every aspect of my life.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

The biggest lesson I had to unlearn is that there is no right way to success or personal achievement. I believe it takes a lot of self searching sticking to your guns when others disagree ,resilience, empathy,.and a no give up attitude to success. I also had to learn to count on myself, to trust my instincts, and to celebrate my wins.
I have had a coach now for almost a year, good coaching and mentorship is something I do highly recommend. I have learned so much from coaching and have grown an extensive community of freelancers to share ideas and strategies while also sharing our struggles and solutions.

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

When my mother expressed she needed help in Hawaii, it was heart-wrenching for me, I had no idea how things would work out, how my clients would respond, the cost of air flights ect.
. I went anyway and things worked out! Establishing a clientele in Hawaii, working at the hotel salon where I grew so much, building relationships around the world, and having the honor to care for Mom and Dad at this time of life.
I have learned, sometimes you just have to jump, no parachute, to arms there to catch you, no guarantees, just JUMP!

Contact Info:

• Website: Beauty Works Studio.com
• Instagram: @beautyworksstudio
• Facebook: Beauty WorksStudio
• Yelp: Beauty Works Studio