We recently had the chance to connect with Katelyn Missig and have shared our conversation below.
Katelyn , we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What battle are you avoiding?
As someone with who deals with ADHD and anxiety every day, and depression on and off through out the years, my mental health is a constant battle. It’s something I’m still working on embracing rather than avoiding, and I really wish to dismantle the stigma around it. For me right now I know I need to get back into therapy, I took a break because I felt I was at a stand still, and in a really good place, and honestly it took me a really long time to realize when it was time to go back, and stop being in denial about it. If you struggle in this way you are not alone! And I am proud to be a successful business owner who is also a real person, and in a position where I can show other real people it’s possible to be successful while still struggling at the same time.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Katelyn, I am an artist first, and a hairstylist second. I bring art into hair in a way that aims to inspire the creative, and challenge beauty standards. My goal for my brand isn’t to beautify, rather it is to ask people what truly inspires them, and translate that into hair, disregarding for the most part what society tells you do to with your hair. Hair is the only accessory you wear every day, why would you want it to look the same as everyone else’s? Make it fun, make it you.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My dad, my dad is also self employed like I am, and has been my entire life. He built an entire business from the ground up that could support me and all my sisters. He is a wood worker, and I believe I get my creativity and work ethic from him. He taught me that you don’t have to work for someone to be successful, and you don’t have to be behind a desk either.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and using it as power when I realized that we don’t all have to look the same, and there is a market for individuals who also want to stand apart from the crowd and I can feel empowered doing that. I was bullied for being different most of my life, and today I believe it is that difference that sets me apart from any other hairstylist, and keeps my business thriving. I serve the people who never fit in, and have decided they never wanted to anyway. Being individual in a world that tells you to blend in is so powerful.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That perfection exists. Striving for perfection is useless because it doesn’t exist, and I think a lot of people in this industry spend a lot of time doing that. Instead I think we should all, clients and stylists, accept that we are human at the end of the day, appreciate progress rather than perfection, and just have fun with it!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
I would stop caring what other people think. As much as I preach individuality I still have a voice in the back of my mind, that is louder on some days, telling me that everyone is watching and I must preform. And realistically none of us know how much time we have left, tomorrow is never promised, so every day I tell that voice to F off and let me live!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kats-hair-artistry.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kats.hairartistry?igsh=MWFoczE3cjdrNWs1dQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kats.hairartistry?_t=ZP-8zymvzmt1Pb&_r=1
