We had the good fortune of connecting with Kaitlyn Harrell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kaitlyn, how do you think about risk?
I believe risks can open new doors and possibilities. While taking a risk can definitely be intimidating, it can also be exciting! That excitement can be inspirational and bring you new creativity and passion! Just recently I took a risk and I moved my business closer to my home and family to a new salon home, JDM salon. It was definitely scary to potentially lose some clients. There is also always a chance that the move might not go smoothly, or I may not have enjoyed the new space, or even worse my clients wouldn’t. Thankfully my move has been amazing! A smooth transition, I am so happy in my new salon home and my clients all have loved my new space! Of coarse I lost a couple, that was bound to happen. I had to learn that it is okay, I will attract new clients to fill those spots, and thankfully I did very quickly through referrals and social media. Since I have moved I have found a new fire inside me! I am so inspired to create, learn, and continue to grow! This risk has changed my life for the better in so many ways. I am so luckily to be surrounded by supportive family and friends that encouraged me to take the risk and make the move! Sometimes a risk is what you need to improve and grow!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I love being able to be creative with hair. I love being able to help people feel more confident and beautiful by doing their hair! I think my passion, drive, and caring are what sets me apart the most. I value and care about all of my clients so much! That keeps me motivated to continue to learn and grow to provide them with the best possible experience in my chair. I got to where I am today professionally through a lot of education, hard work, long hours, and self improvement. I am not naturally an extroverted person, which has always been a challenge for me. I had to work on my own confidence a lot so I could grow and show others that they could be confident in me and my work. Through out my years as a hairstylist have a learned a lot. But what sticks out the most is you will get out of something what you put in to it. If you dedicate yourself to something and work hard at it you will be successful! I always strive to be a light. I want to be someone who will be a positive influence to others. I want to bring light, joy, and inspiration to people. To be as kind and compassionate as I am strong and determined. I will always work on improving myself personally and with my craft so I can give back to others.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
This is a tough one because all of San Diego is beautiful! I think I would have to start and Wind n sea in La Jolla, my most favorite beach spot! Then go on a tour of some beautiful hiking trails like Torrey pines and iron mountain. If it was spring I would take them to Carlsbad to see the flower fields. Late summer/ fall to Julian for apple picking and apple pie! I would also bring them to summers past farms for their awesome nursery and soap shop! Of coarse we would stop at some on my favorite family owned restaurants like Mama Rosas, Mariettas, Janets Cafe, and of coarse yogurt mill! We would also have to do a night downtown adventuring to different venues looking to see some live music. We are pretty lucky here in San Diego, we are surrounded by exciting people and places!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I am so grateful to all my family and friends who have always supported and encouraged me through out my career. I think my Husband deserves a shoutout for always being an amazing partner and always pushing me to be better. For taking care of the kids when he gets home from work so I can be at work and not worry. I couldn’t do it without him! My good friend and mentor, Summer, also deserves a huge shout out. She is always there for me, always pushing me, and inspiring me! From pep talks, Formulating and bouncing ideas off of each other, taking classes together, teaching up and coming stylists together, she has been there through it all and I am so grateful!

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