Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelly Brink-Pida.
Hi Kelly, 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 started Cosmetology school in July of 90 and graduated in July of 91′
That year they were trying to make changes at the State of Michigan in regards to licensing and Cosmetology was on that was beeing looked at to no longer be required in our State. We voted and that did not pass as you well know as our State still has being licensed as a requirement to practice our craft. During this time of lag I worked as a receptionist at “Lee Salon” in East Lansing. It was so exciting to be in the presence of such a profound professional. Along came February of 92′ and I received my license in the mail…it was an extremely exciting day!
I went on to work as a commission stylist at Heidi’d” in the Meridian Mall. That wasn’t a good fit and moved to a small store front salon ” Lora Jo’s”. I knew fairly quick this salon as well was nit a good fit. So, onto “Mane Attractions” where I spent two years obtaining clients and life long relationships…I then moved to a side of town (East Lansing) where I really wanted to grow roots…and that I did! I grew roots, friendships, and an AMAZING clientele base.
It was a difficult decision in 2001 but one I was confident would lead me in the direction best suited for me…I said goodbye to “Cutters Pointe East”. I met the most AMAZING group of ladies to work with there. We were so close I knew, even though leaving, these friends would be mine for a lifetime!!!
That in fact is true until today…we have a fb page that I started to keep us in the loop with one another.
I spent the next 6 years at the salon suite having moved from my original suite #614 to #612 which was slightly larger. My boyfriend and I at the time decided to get married and I left the suite as I found a house we could rent to live in as well as run my buisness from. There we were married, had our Nelly and stayed for 6 years until the owners wanted to sell.
Nelly was in daycare and I went back to the suites and was in #621 until 2015. There I fell I’ll with a bilateral hip issues which caused me ro have to stop working. I had what my Rheumatologist called “Cam Leasions”. I needed both hips replaced. I was off until 2018 when I started back doing hair in our home servicing some of my former clients as well as many of my Sister’s clients, whom fell ill to cancer and retired.
Then Covid hit in 2020 and as we know EVERYTHING stopped.
I didn’t do hair again until 2021 after I left my now ex-husband and our marital home with my daughter in tow…I didn’t know how I was going to be able to keep up with the mainstream of our industry and raise a little girl on my own but my family, friends and community stepped up rallied around Nelly and I.
I was hire at “The Headroom Salon” in Old Town where I stayed until 2023. I then moved back into the suites again in the very first suite I went into in 2001. It was the only one available so I thought it was fate and meant to be.
My family and I worked feverishly to reinvent that 9’×10′ space into what I like to call my sanctuary. A space where I call “Kelly’s International Creations”.
Thank you for this space to tell my story…many times I feel compelled to write a book about the years Ive spent behind a chair.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Some of the worst struggles were finding out I needed a bilateral hip replacement and ended up having 4 surgeries in 5 years while raising my little girl.
The next biggest struggle was getting back into the swing of things in 2021.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I feel what may have set.me a part was my drive to want to serve ALL hair types….I like to call myself quite literally a “Multicultural Cosmetologist”.
I feel most proud of bringing different cultures together in my space where maybe no where else in my clients lives they may never have such a safe and inviting environment for “All” to feel safe and included!
I’ve worked with a multitude of different textures of hair for 34 years and its brought me the most joy having done so!
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is when a client comes in and may be feeling down or indifferent about whatever it may be that we may talk, they get to be heard, supported and a professional coiffuring session and feel better when leaving…!
Pricing:
- $67 per hour haircut
- 65$/ hr chemical service plus 5$ one time up charge for the use of chemicals.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Kellysicsalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17zLQY1Ttp/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-brink-pida-a1422027b
