Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlin O’Connor.
Hi Kaitlin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I am originally from Scranton Pennsylvania. I moved to Columbia South Carolina in January of 2020. I’ve been in the hair industry for 10 years. I started out at Great Clips back home in Pittston Pennsylvania. Once I move to Columbia I started working at Sport Clips to focus more on men’s haircutting and grooming. I became manager after about 9 months. I loved helping my coworkers out, creating and helping achieve their professional goals. After awhile I started to get a little stagnant creatively so I decided to pursue the barbering side. I started at a well known and popular barbershop in the heart of downtown Columbia. Where I got to learn a lot more about the barber atmosphere and culture. Pretty quickly, I fell in love with the industry and what it stood for. It was an absolute dream to be there and learn from the best of the best. Once I felt comfortable enough I decided to open a place of my own. Where I took a little bit of knowledge from everywhere I have been and put it into Katie’s Salon: Men’s Luxury Grooming.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I struggled a lot to gain confidence in the beginning but luckily my manager at the time help me so much! Thank you Chynna! Also once I opened my own place I struggled to gain new clientele. After a lot of hard work, handing out business cards everywhere I went and talking to anyone who would listen we got enough traction to start adding more services my clientele wanted and loved.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Master Haircare Specialist/Master Barber. I specialize in Men’s Haircuts, beard trims, straight razor shaves, and hair/beard/scalp care. I’m known for my down to earth connections with my clientele, making everyone who sits in my chair feel their absolute best walking out the door. What I am most proud of is my determination to stick through everything even when I felt like giving up. What sets me apart from everyone else is that I genuinely care about everyone that walks through my doors. My clients aren’t just another number to me. I strive to make everyone feel seen, safe, and confident. I listen to the wants and expectations of my clients and give them best advice I can.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My cheerleaders are definitely my clients. Most of them have followed me from the last three shops I’ve been in. If it weren’t for them, I definitely wouldn’t have made it on my own. My mentor in the very begining was my first manager, Chynna Shea. I appreciate you helping me become this version of myself, even though I didn’t make it easy for you. My biggest supporter is my best friend and spouse, Mitch. If it weren’t for him helping me through the ups and downs, all the challenges I faced financially, doubt I had, and helping me get my name out there. I wouldn’t be where I am today for sure
Pricing:
- Haircut Experience $70
- beard trims with straight razor $45
- Relaxing Scalp massage/shampoo& conditioner treatment $30
- Neckline clean ups $10
- Waxing $15+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://share.google/0a76JgeOHrvgUa5o6
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hair_bykatiexoxoo?igsh=d3I2ZDZ4bXd3OWt3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/14LdxWcGy4Z/
Image Credits
Fysi Photography
