Rising Stars: Meet Kassidi Upton of Shawnee, Kansas

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kassidi Upton.

Hi Kassidi, 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?
My journey to where I am today has been anything but linear, but every twist and turn has shaped the professional I’ve become. During my undergraduate years, I pursued a bachelor’s degree in business after exploring and flip-flopping between various study paths. I wasn’t sure where I wanted to land, but I knew I wanted a career that would allow me to connect with people and bring value to their lives. I’ve always been a people person — someone who thrives on creating meaningful interactions and helping others feel seen and supported.

After earning my degree, I ventured into different job paths, but none of them truly resonated with me. I felt unfulfilled, craving a career that combined creativity, connection, and purpose. For the first time in my life, I let go of overplanning and overthinking. Instead, I followed my instincts. On a whim, I enrolled in the first cosmetology school that could get me started quickly. It was a leap of faith, driven by a gut feeling that I had finally found my calling.

Cosmetology school was no walk in the park. It was a year filled with stress, determination, and countless long days. That challenging chapter pushed me to grow and solidified my resolve.

I knew from the beginning that if I was going to step into this industry, I was going to do it with my whole heart. After graduating, I wasted no time — I dove headfirst into starting my own business, building it from the ground up with a vision that reflected everything I wanted to offer.

From day one, I knew I didn’t want to follow the traditional salon model. I wanted to create something different, something personal. I envisioned a space that felt more like a sanctuary — a place where each guest could feel valued, pampered, and truly heard. My business was founded on being entirely guest-centered, offering a laid-back yet luxurious one-on-one hair salon experience.

Today, I am proud to offer a personalized environment that prioritizes connection, relaxation, and serenity. Each guest’s experience is thoughtfully curated to ensure they leave feeling renewed, confident, and celebrated. This journey has taught me the value of authenticity, resilience, and the beauty of creating a space where others can feel empowered and valued.

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?

As with any path, the road hasn’t always been smooth, but every obstacle has taught me something invaluable. I am originally from Oklahoma, so when I decided to start my own business, I had no prior connections and had to build my clientele from the ground up. The decision to leave a stable career path and pursue something entirely new wasn’t easy. Building trust and relationships with clients from scratch was especially challenging, but the connections I’ve made along the way have been incredibly rewarding.

To this day, I still handle all of my own booking because it adds a personal touch from the very first moment a guest reaches out. I also manage all of my own marketing to ensure everything stays authentic to my brand and vision.

Through it all, I’ve learned the importance of patience, adaptability, and being unwavering in my vision, which has been the foundation of my growth.

This vision continues to drive me forward, and I’m excited for the future. I will always be committed to the individual touch that defines The Hairapy Co., and will allow that to inspire my growth along the journey ahead.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Hairapy Co. isn’t just a place to get your hair done — it’s a personalized experience designed with intention, care, and attention to detail. From the moment a guest reaches out, I ensure they feel heard and valued by personally handling all bookings and consultations. This allows me to tailor each appointment to their unique needs, ensuring they receive a customized service rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

What truly sets my space apart is the focus on both artistry and hair health. As a specialist in blonding and lived-in color, I prioritize seamless, natural-looking results that grow out beautifully while maintaining the integrity of the hair. I use advanced techniques, high-quality products, and a strategic approach to placement to ensure long-lasting, effortless color.

Beyond the technical side, the experience itself is different. I’ve created a space that feels intimate, welcoming, and free from the rushed, high-turnover energy of traditional salons. My guests always receive my full attention, and I take the time to educate them on proper hair care so they can maintain their results long after they leave my chair.

It’s not just about a hair appointment— it’s about a level of service, customization, and care that makes every guest confident they are receiving something truly special. When you walk into my salon, it’s about more than just hair. It’s a space where you’re not just a guest — I’m not just your stylist. It’s a place where conversations flow as easily as the color, where laughter lives between foils, and where silence is just as welcome as stories.

It’s a shoulder to lean on when life feels heavy, an ear to listen when you need to vent, and a safe space to just be—whether you come in with the weight of the world or the glow of something new.

Sure, we’ll talk about hair health, custom color, and the perfect products, but we’ll also talk about you — what’s on your mind, what’s in your heart, and everything in between.

At the end of the day, my goal is to create more than just beautiful hair. I want my guests to leave each appointment feeling heard, valued, and radiating with confidence.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @thehairapyco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehairapyco
• TikTok: thehairapyco