Today we’d like to introduce you to Katelyn Hillier.
Hi Katelyn, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
From a young age, I was captivated by the world of hairstyling. I spent countless hours cutting my Barbie dolls’ hair and knew early on that I wanted to make a career out of it. I graduated from Dickinson High School, where I began the cosmetology program during my junior year. By the time I graduated, I had earned my cosmetology degree and license, ready to step directly into the hair industry.
I started my career with a large franchise salon, traveling and working with them for 10 years. Over time, I realized the corporate environment wasn’t for me. The constant pressure for productivity and retail sales didn’t align with my values. I’ve always loved doing hair, and I only recommend products when someone truly needs them or asks for advice—I never wanted to be the pushy salesperson clients often dread.
One morning, I woke up and decided I was ready for a change. Half-jokingly, I mentioned that I should check the space across the street from the salon I worked in. To my surprise, there was a “For Lease” sign in the window. I called the number, scheduled a meeting, and took a leap of faith. I didn’t have a business degree or even know how to write a business plan, but I had passion—and people who believed in me.
Instead of going to the bank for a loan, going 14 years strong.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
We were affected during the covid shutdown
Just like everyone else, and of course in the hair industry there are slow months and there are months that we are super busy and not even have time to get lunch. But we take it as it comes.
Pricing:
- Men’s haircut starts at $23
- Women’s hair cut/style starts at $35
- Highilight starts at $125
- Waxing $12
- Kids cut starts at $18
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.islandhairretreat.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709773856
Image Credits
BJHPhotography
