Rising Stars: Meet Sarah Siegel of Kansas City, Missouri

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Siegel

Hi Sarah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I started my cosmetology career 14 years ago in Columbia, Mo. At first, I just wanted hairdressing to be a backup plan or a way to make money during college. I soon found I had a passion for the art and for people. My first few jobs were just to see where I fit into this new world of hair. I was a salon in the Columbia mall, when my former instructor from hair school asked me to come work for her at the new Ulta beauty in town. I said yes and found myself actually beginning to build up my career. Then I fell in love with a man from Kansas City, and we married in 2013. I was able to transfer to another Ulta store and built my skill, clientele and friendships there.
About 6 years after living and settling in the Kansas City area, I started to feel stuck in the field. I wanted to expand and create without limits and explore new hair services. So as scary as it was, I got out of my comfort zone and moved to a booth rental suit at Aspen salon and spa. It was so refreshing to have my own space and to explore the world of business.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always challenges in life. Besides the things life gave me, I’ve persevered and never gave up my passion. My firstborn came along in 2015, and the other in 2020. And trying to resurrect your clientele after Covid and a baby was a curveball I didn’t expect. I’ve had a rollercoaster of clients coming and going throughout my career but the ones that have been through it all with me, I treasure. Many times I’ve been discouraged and questioned if I should keep going or if I should hang up the apron, but my supportive husband and the people I see in my chair have encouraged me and helped me remember why I love my job.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed barber and have expanded my skills into many different areas. From fashion colors, trendy cuts, fades and braids, I never want to stop learning and growing. I want the person in my chair to leave feeling the best way they can about themselves. Hair is a form of expression for yourself. Hair is confidence. Hair is a way to start a conversation, and hair is a way to feel good about yourself. Going to the salon for a service isn’t just a maintenance, it’s an escape, a safe space to talk, a social setting even for introverts, and a way to feel cared for. This is what I try to encompass in my salon space. This is what I revolve my skill and practice around, and this is why I’m proud to be a hairstylist.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I follow Jesus and try to live my life according to how he loved people. I have a few mentors and coaches that keep me encouraged. As far as hair goes,
I take a lot of inspiration from a few stylists I follow on instagram. I am a visual learner and when I see a new coloring or cut technique, I have to try it out. There’s so much education out there that you just have to find your favorite sources and stick to those, otherwise it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I set a goal for myself to change one thing, or make something better every year.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://sarah-siegel.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbancolorjunkie?igsh=a3E4cmYwaHpuOXNh&utm_source=qr