Today we’d like to introduce you to Kathryn Blair.
Kathryn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I learned how to braid when I was eight years old. My father was a cosmetologist and a salon owner, so I was introduced to hair and the business of hair very young, as we would visit and “work” in the salons often as kids. In middle school and high school, I was everyone’s braider! Clients would come to my house and I would braid their hair right in my living room. I was busy pretty much every weekend and I was able to start buying myself things! Shoes, clothes, phones, etc.
While in high school, I was introduced to extensions (sew-ins, quick weaves, etc) and continued those because they were becoming more popular than braids. I used braiding and extensions as a side hustle throughout college, as I worked toward my Bachelor’s in Human Resource Management. After I graduated from Missouri State University in 2015, I made hair my full-time job and it was the best thing I’d ever done! In 2017, I launched a virgin extension hair line. In 2019 I graduated from the Academy of Hair Design-Cosmetology School, became the Co-Founder of the Elevate Brunch, a series dedicated to inspiring African American women. I felt I had outgrown Missouri, so in May 2019, I brought my talents to Houston, TX, where it is my goal to expand my brand, and ultimately own a salon.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The road has not always been smooth. I had to learn my best business practices through trial and error. When I got to college, I had to rebuild my clientele all over again from scratch. Sometimes that involved doing hair for free just to get my name out there, which meant sometimes I was broke. I lived in a tiny, raggedy one bedroom apartment and I did hair in my computer chair in my bedroom. Running specials any chance I could just to get people in my chair so I can make ends meet. Thankfully, as my business and my income grew, I was able to upgrade my space and provide a more professional environment for my clients, provide a booking website, and use quality, professional tools.
Also, when I launched my hairline, I realized retail was not the business that I wanted to be in, so I moved on to other business ventures. I learned that the service industry is where I belong!
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is K. Blair Hair and I specialize in braids, twists and sew in extensions. I provide protective styling to clients, to allow for the nurturing and care of their natural hair. I’m known for braiding extremely fast, neat, and providing a good personal experience to my clients.
I am most proud of the reputation that I have built that allows me to be apart of so many different things! I’ve spoken on panels, events, hair for pageants winners, spoken at career days, hosted giveaways, partnered with other business, etc
My speed, quality, and affordability set me apart from others because it’s rare that you get the trifecta. I try my very best to deliver what my clients ask for, and then try to exceed that. I love to see my clients smiling at the end of their appointment and it makes me happy that I can do that for them. I also try to support other braiders/stylist that do the same thing as me!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
A major change was moving to Houston three months ago, seeing as how I spent my entire life in Missouri for the last 26 years. I’m developing ways to continually build my clientele here and I’m always thinking of ways I can create a better experience for those that sit in my chair! However, My ultimate goal is to own my own salons. I am looking forward to finding out what city that salon location will be! When I was in college, attending a PWI, there was a true scarcity of stylists that can style and provide care for black women and men. I want to have salons in areas like that, that can give people of color their peace of mind, knowing their hair will be taken care of, and they won’t have to drive hours away just to get a service. In the near future, I am hoping to host a college braiding competition for those who were just like me back then!
Pricing:
- Box Braids: $140-$220 (depending on size)
- Knotless Box Braids: $165-$275 (depending on size)
- Faux Locs: $200-$275 (depending on size)
- Feed in Braids: $55-$250 (depending on #, size & style)
- Sew-Ins, Ponytails, Other: $65-$220 (depending on style)
Contact Info:
- Address: New Look Hair Studio
13155 Westheimer, St. 111
Houston, TX 77077 - Website: styleseat.com/kathrynblair
- Phone: 8166123843
- Email: katblairhair@gmail.com
- Instagram: @k.blairhair
- Facebook: K. Blair Hair
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
