Today we’d like to introduce you to Callie Carpenter.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Since I was a little girl I’ve always been interested in coloring hair, styling hair, and creating something beautiful. I grew up in a home with 4 older brothers so hair was one of my only ways to be “girly”.
In September 2023, I started cosmetology school at Academy of Hair Design and Beauty in Smithville, MO. It was very overwhelming to say the least, I was very anxious about learning everything in the short span of 9 months. In the beginning I had a lot of doubts about me making it through school and remembering all the information and skills that were taught to me. Luckily after the first month, I started to get the hang of it and my love for hair grew more and more.
In July 2024, I graduated from my program with not only a licensed career waiting for me but I also made some amazing core memories and some of my best friends. My favorite memory from school would have to be my first official haircut on a person. I remember calling my childhood best friend Hannah asking her if she’d allow me to cut her hair, she of course said yes but I was scared out of my mind. As I was shampooing her hair and starting the cut I remember my mind was going a million miles per hour thinking of everything that could go wrong, but Hannah reassured me the whole time that I was doing good and that it was going to be amazing. Ever since that first cut, my love for doing hair grows every single day.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
There were definitely some bumps in the road but nothing I couldn’t overcome. During my time in school I had a lot of personal problems in my life that weighed on my mind and heart everyday, and they continued to stay with me once I was out of school and in the real world.
The stress of being a full time student for 8 hours a day, 5 days a week plus working nights in restaurants definitely took a big toll on my mind and body.
It hasn’t been an easy road but I’m beyond proud of myself for pushing through all of the doubts, problems, and challenges and creating the beginning of my career.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in dimensional blondes. I love blonding services, they are definitely my favorite things to do.
I personally don’t know what I would be known for, but in all honesty I don’t want to be known for one certain thing. I have a lot of love for this industry and I absolutely love my job as a whole. If I had to be known for something, I would want to be known for making my chair a comfortable environment for everyone who gives me the privilege to do their hair. My goal in every service is to make people feel beautiful, confident, and happy. A lot of my life I struggled with my own body image so if I can help at least one person love what they see in the mirror, then I consider that a win.
I would say I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made. Not only in the quality of my services but also the timing, and the experience in my chair. I truly didn’t think I would be where I am today less than 2 years out of school but it shows me that all of my hard work has paid off and I will continue to improve.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
A big piece of advice I would give to those starting off would be take it slow and breathe. The first year in the salon is honestly a little scary, building that clientele will make you feel scared about whether you’ll be successful or not. Don’t rush things, I’ve been in the salon for almost a year and a half now and I’m still building my clientele everyday, it doesn’t happen overnight.
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