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SEARCHWhen Kathy Oliver was working on her master’s degree, she decided to write her thesis on the JCPenney organization. “I learned this is a multi-billion-dollar business,” she laughs, “and I wondered what part of that pie could be for me?"
When Kathy Oliver was working on her master’s degree, she decided to write her thesis on the JCPenney organization. Because she was also a cosmetology instructor, she was especially drawn to the company’s salons. She researched the empowering, family-oriented company culture and decided it was the place for her. “I learned this is a multi-billion-dollar business,” she laughs, “and I wondered what part of that pie could be for me?"
DON’T CALL HER BOSS
Kathy started her career at the company as a stylist, but her business degree led to an offer to join the management team and she agreed to lead the salon in Orange Park, FL. “When I started, I said, ‘don’t call me boss,’” she remembers. “We’re a family and we’re all going to grow together."
THE PLACE TO FIND YOURSELF
“If you enjoy family life, this is the place for you!” declares Kathy. “You will meet so many engaging people. Your life could be changed with a simple hello. You never know how a customer might inspire you or how you will change someone’s day. Every day is different, and every day can be wonderful. This is the best place to find yourself. You have so many opportunities to be yourself and to have a bright future.”
BEST DAY AT WORK
A client had come in for a brow wax and as she was checking out, she burst into tears. “She told us her wedding was in four hours and her hairstylist had just cancelled!” Kathy recalls. “I said, ‘Honey don’t even worry about it.’ I did her hair, then I walked her over to Sephora and did her manicure and got on the floor and painted her toes while Sephora did her makeup. We got her done and got her to her wedding with seconds to spare. The next day, the bride and her new husband came into the salon and he said gave me a big old hug and thanked me. My heart just flew open and she has been a client ever since.”
WHY I BELONG @THE SALON BY INSTYLE
“I use my business degree, my teaching experience and my creativity. I empower people to grow,” says Kathy, adding, “Your job should be more than your job. It should be fun, it should be something you love, it should be a career. You can have all that and more at the Salon by InStyle.”
More Salon by InStyle associates share their #IBELONGinbeauty stories:
Here’s how Alyson Reck found her family-friendly fit. https://www.modernsalon.com/article/85712/ibelong-in-beauty-alyson-reck-s-salon-story?refresh=true
At the Salon by InStyle, Christine Butcher discovered the best of all worlds. https://www.modernsalon.com/article/85768/ibelong-in-beauty-at-the-salon-by-instyle-christine-butcher-found-the-best-of-all-worlds?refresh=true
Imagine getting paid to learn! This stylist earns when she’s in class! https://www.modernsalon.com/article/85920/ibelong-in-beauty-at-the-salon-by-instyle-jessica-pacyga-gets-paid-to-learn
Must-have career advice: go where you can grow! https://www.modernsalon.com/article/86119/ibelong-in-beauty-aneesha-nichols-career-advice-go-where-you-can-grow?refresh=true
This salon manager has embraced a career that makes her dreams come true. https://www.modernsalon.com/article/86189/ibelong-in-beauty-salon-manager-alyssa-ventura-loves-working-for-a-company-that-makes-dreams-com
Meet a dedicated salon manager who aspires to inspire. https://www.modernsalon.com/article/86546/ibelong-in-beauty-this-manager-found-a-home-for-leaders-who-aspire-to-inspire?refresh=true
The freedom of a solo artist with the support of a salon family? This pair found a place where it’s all possible. https://www.modernsalon.com/610218/ibelong-in-beauty-discover-solo-artist-freedom-with-salon-support1
This pro found a salon family that takes care of HER family. https://www.modernsalon.com/612734/ibelong-in-beauty-this-pro-found-a-salon-family-that-takes-care-of-her-family
This Stylist Found Flexibility and Security in Her Career https://www.modernsalon.com/615428/ibelong-in-beauty-this-stylist-found-flexibility-and-security-in-her-career
Able to create a shag with gorgeous texture on anyone, Stephanie Carrillo has found her calling within the beauty industry. Now she teaches shag cutting techniques herself, inspiring countless other stylists to fall in love with creating the popular look.
When you think of Stephanie Geib, think bold color. Think beautiful dimension. Think...your hairstylist best friend. As a 2017 Honoree of the MODERN SALON 100, Geib is the perfect example of being a positive force in the beauty industry, advising that being kind to others and sharing your knowledge is the real success.
Hannah Mejia believes lasting success comes from mastering your craft, embracing lifelong education and trusting that the career you dream about is within reach. A stylist, educator and content creator, Mejia has spent 15 years building a business rooted in creativity, communication and continuous growth.
Katy Samuels has spent 14 years proving that creativity thrives when you stop searching for the "right" way and start trusting your own instincts. Known for her creative color work and signature Headband Prism technique, Samuels encourages beauty professionals to embrace mistakes, refine their craft and develop a style that's uniquely their own.
Erin Munoz has spent 17 years building a thriving business behind the chair while proving that success doesn't have to come at the expense of life outside the salon. A color specialist, content creator and salon owner, Munoz believes beauty professionals should treat their careers like businesses, embrace change and make room for both financial growth and personal fulfillment.
North Carolina-based hairstylist Tyler Plemmons wants you to know one thing: Positivity and perseverance will get you everywhere. This MODERN SALON Artist Connective Member and 2018 MODERN SALON 100 Honoree is known for beautiful balayage, gorgeous vivids, and soft pastel hair color.
For Angelica Tanta, success has always come down to one thing: practice. Originally from Romania, Tanta credits an online mentor from Ukraine—despite never meeting in person and communicating through Google Translate—with inspiring her to perfect her bridal artistry through relentless repetition.
Angela Orozco believes long-term success in the beauty industry is built on trust, consistency and genuine human connection. A stylist at The Nest Salon in Brea, California, Orozco has spent 14 years cultivating a reputation for dimensional brunettes, precision haircutting and authentic relationships that have fueled her career.
Erin Mills believes beauty professionals deserve more than a successful career. A hairstylist turned multi-salon owner, Mills has spent 17 years growing her business while helping her team create lasting impact.
For Mish Jolie (@meltedbymish), success isn't measured by how busy you are, it's measured by how fulfilled you feel. The Connecticut-based stylist, educator and MODERN SALON 100 honoree has built a career around balayage, lived-in brunettes and razor cutting.
Amanda Harsche has built her career on two simple beliefs: never stop learning and never stop connecting.
Whether it's social media, fashion, film, art, or culture, Chaz Dean advises stylists to stay aware of what's inspiring people. Take the elements that make sense for you in these five lessons learned through a life in beauty.
For Jessica Domoney, building a successful career isn't about saying yes to every opportunity, it's about protecting your time, investing in yourself and creating an experience clients won't forget.
Transformation artist Melissa Dawn has spent more than two decades building a career that's equal parts creativity and business strategy. Dawn is known for dramatic transformations, creative color and a philosophy that encourages beauty professionals to keep learning, set healthy boundaries and define success on their own terms.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and select a specialty. Amelia Fugitt (@ameliahairmakeup) says choosing to focus on transformations has transformed her career.
In this content series, we're focusing on artists who found a niche that really speaks to them and work for their career. Henry "Tribes" Amoloja (@theweightedcape), is based in Dallas, TX, and practices sensory-friendly barbering.
In an industry with so many options and opportunities, we asked artists what made them niche down and choose a specialty. Texas-based artist Kimberly Michelle has always loved focusing on healthy hair and scalp, and headspa rituals was a natural evolution.
