We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Qynne Callahan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Qynne below.
Qynne, appreciate you joining us today. Was there an experience or lesson you learned at a previous job that’s benefited your career afterwards?
Before I was a hairstylist I did over 8 years as Active Duty Air Force. I was in the medical field for that entire time. Leaving for the military a couple moths after turning 18 forced me to grow up quick. It gave me structure and taught me discipline. The high-strung and tense environment took me out of my comfort zone and taught me how to adapt. I credit my ability to face uncomfortable life decisions and hard times to those lessens. I learned how to meet new people and be okay with putting myself out there. In the medical field I was able to use my compassion and people skills and quickly realized I loved working with people. Those 8 years were transformative for me and shaped me into the woman I am. They also taught me alot about what I wanted and needed for my future. Although I did well meeting the demands of others and living the rigid military life, I knew I wanted something different. I knew I wanted autonomy for myself. I also knew I NEEDED a job where I could express myself creatively. I think I really tried to ignore this desire for so long because I feared instability and uncertainty. But looking back now I am so glad I listened to what I knew I needed in life. I felt like I had a second, unlived life for so long and now that my job is my passion I am so fulfilled. Sometimes fear is indicating to us that we need to take the jump.
Qynne, 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 moved to Kansas City in the fall of 2019 and started cosmetology school right away. I’ve been working as a booth rent stylist sine graduating school and now work at With Love Salon. I specialize in color, specifically lived-in color and reds. Reds have quickly become my passion! I also specialize in styling and do event and wedding hair styling. I always want my clients to know how invested I am in their hair. Hair is my passion and I am always learning and growing so that I can provide them my very best.
How did you build your audience on social media?
I am still focusing on building my audience on social media but in a short time I have built it enough to be fully booked and with a waitlist! It was all through Instagram. I think as artists and creatives our biggest gift to give is being an inspiration to others around us. I try to create what I want, in hopes that people will get glimpse into my inner self and find inspiration there. Building my audience has been centered around that. I try to not get fixated on making the perfect post, having an gorgeous aesthetic or fitting a certain image…I post what I like and the “style” and ‘aesthetic” develops on its own. I think people can recognize that and are drawn to that.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
A very rewarding aspect of my job is be able to work with my hands daily, challenging myself, and seeing the final product come to life. I love when I have a vision and I get to bring that to life on someone’s head. The MOST rewarding aspect of my job although, is seeing and feeling a clients joy when you make them feel beautiful. The happiness that creating art brings me is extraordinary but to create art that can make someone feel like the best version of themselves is unmatched. The beauty of my art brings out the beauty in others and that’s incredible to witness and be a part of.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @qynnes_canvas
Image Credits
Qynne Callahan, Monika Herbert, Itzel Sanchez