Interview with Kim : Pro of her life with hair world.
ZONE NY: How long have you been in New York? Where are you originally from?
Kim: I was born and raised in New York. Lived in Brooklyn most of my life and I am currently living in Westchester.
ZN: How long has it been since you started working as a hair stylist?
K: I’ve been working in a hair salon since 2012. It was originally started as a part time job while I was in college and eventually became my full time job after I graduated.
ZN: What do you like about working as a hair stylist most?
K: I enjoy giving customers the haircuts that they will be happy and satisfied with. From my own experiences growing up, I was never happy with the haircuts I got no matter where I went nor what pictures I showed for references. So I eventually started to cut and color my own hair sometime during my second year of college. From there, that’s where my interest in hair styling began.
I also enjoy giving customers a good and pleasant experience whenever they come in for appointments. From the moment they walk in and sit in my chair, to the hair wash, up until the finished haircut, I want them to feel comfortable and relaxed about being in the salon.
ZN: Did you go to school or where did you study/practice to become a professional hair stylist?
K: I was fortunate enough that the first salon I worked at was able to take in apprentices even though I had very little experience. Through the apprenticeship, I can work and learn under experienced stylists as their assistant. So in the beginning, I was taught all the basics of what to do as an assistant. Such as washing hair, helping stylists apply color, and keeping work stations clean and tidy. It helped give me the perspective of what the salon environment was like and how to take care of customers. After work hours, I was taught techniques on hair cutting on mannequins. After a couple years, I was able to take the license exam to become a professional hair stylist.
ZN: What were the most challenging moments to get through in your career?
K: The most challenging moments were the times when I couldn’t make the customers happy. Whether it was from a miscommunication or a misjudgment because of my lack of experience, I was disappointed in myself for not meeting the customers’ and my own expectations.
I did learn from those experiences and I always try to improve my skills as best as I can to make sure my customers are satisfied.
ZN: Is there anything else that you enjoy beside doing hair work when you have free time?
K: If I have free time and some inspiration, I would try to sew costumes or make props of fictional characters from video games or anime. It’s hobby called cosplay where I usually work on these projects for conventions like New York Comic Con. I wear these costumes and act with the manners or behaviors of the character I’m trying to portray. It’s a fun activity that helps to express how much I enjoy the series or video game.
ZN: What do you like to do, or go in NYC?
K: Usually, I like to go to restaurants with family or friends. Mainly to enjoy good food, company, conversations and have a fun time. I would have my go-to restaurants that always enjoy or I will like try new places that I find online or through recommendations.
Besides that, I like to go to a bookstore like Barnes and Noble and just read for a few hours. Or sometimes I find a cozy cafe and just relax with some tea.
ZN: The last question. Do you have any words or advice for those who want to become a hair stylist?
K: I think this advice can apply to any career. If you have an interest in it, you have the motivation, time and resources, then I believe it is worth trying. You won’t know if the career is for you until you put yourself in the environment and experience it.
As for hair styling specifically, I’ve learned it’s not only about being creative. There’s also a technical aspect to cutting, coloring and styling someone’s hair. But you don’t need both right away to start in the industry. It would be a huge benefit but I don’t think it’s completely necessary.
If you have the creative ideas for hair but not the proper techniques or service care, you can learn those skills from other professionals by watching them work and taking their advice. If you have the techniques and skills but lack on the creativity part, you can develop that insight as you work with professionals and customers. Eventually you can find that inspiration from others in the industry/environment to help shape the kind of hair stylist you can be.
Kim @sayun_kc
Hair appointment with Kim: @kaminotechnyc
