Life & Work with Carlie Claussen of Mission!

Today we’d like to introduce you to Carlie Claussen

Hi Carlie, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My career started when I was 17! I always knew in the back of my mind that I wanted to be a hairstylist. Growing up with 4 sisters, things were super girly. I decided to graduate highschool early, and started cosmetology school in February of 2020. School was rocky, especially since the pandemic hit right at the beginning. I then graduated school in February of 2021, and started my career by assisting and working at a commission salon. After awhile, life hit and I began to unlike a lot of passions I had built my life on. I decided to walk away from hair to go back to school, but after 3 months, hair was still always on my mind and I decided to give it one more chance. Jumping back into it, I decided to bite the bullet and commit to being an independent hairstylist. As you could imagine, I had no idea what I was doing. I spent my first year trying to figure out social media, education, and primarily going negative every month. I wasn’t making any money, but I always had a feeling things would start to work out. Eventually approaching my 2nd year, things really started to take off. I figured out my niche, social media, customer service, and was getting confident behind the chair. Fast forwarding to now, hair has gave me the opportunity to move to a bigger city this February, financially support myself, make amazing friendships, and have opportunities that I didn’t know could exist for me. I absolutely love this career, and the impact my clients have on my life. It’s also a great feeling knowing you impacted someone else’s life also. Couldn’t rage more about being a hairstylist!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definently has not! Starting in the industry so young, people tend to judge your craft off of how many years you’re in the industry. I quickly realized talking about my age was a topic I tried to avoid unless they specifically asked. There’s also a lot of mental battles that come with doing hair, which really affected my confidence in the beginning. I had to realize good things take time, and the more I gave it one more day, the better each day was going to go. Being a hairstylist can also be really heavy on your personal/mental health. We talk to so many people we care about a day, and sometimes take the load of what they’re carrying. It can be hard when your personal life isn’t going great, but you still need to show up for your client and provide a service. On the making money side, I didn’t start to figure that out until almost my 2nd year being independent. I slowly built a clientele, and didn’t fully know how to execute my niche and social media. Hair hasn’t always been an easy road, but the career I’ve built pushing through is something I really thank myself for.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a Blonding Specialist located in Kansas City, KS! I’ve recently moved here in February of 2025, and built a full career and clientele in my hometown, Wichita, KS. I’ve been in the industry for 5 years now! For my business, I’m most proud of the clientele I’ve built, and the people that support me. I couldn’t have asked for better people to sit in my chair, and going to work is like hanging out with my friends all day. I truly like making connections with other people, and I feel like that’s what makes me stand out aside from other hairstylist. I truly care about your experience, how you feel, your personal life, and most importantly your hair. I’m your hairstylist but also your friend, and it’s such an intimate service!

How do you think about happiness?
A lot of things make me happy! I grew up with a super loving family, and very supportive parents. I have 5 siblings, 4 sisters and a brother. I’m also an auntie to 5 little babies. I have a Great Dane, and he is also my best friend in dog form. He’s about to be 5, and he’s been the best bud ever. I’ve also recently picked up playing the piano, and exploring different hobbies I enjoy. I also really love to shop, spend time with friends, and enjoy a social drink on a patio!

Pricing:

• Blonding Specialist
• Independent Hairstylist

Contact Info:

• Website: https://carlieclaussenhair.square.site/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carlieclaussenhair?igsh=ZjQ4OTFoMnA4emU2&utm_source=qr
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@carlieclaussenhair?_t=ZT-8upbw1MHRGc&_r=1