There are several reasons that I find Kaitlynn’s story inspirational, but let’s start at the beginning.
Kaitlynn was at her job doing hair for about 10 years when she started feeling unhappy. Unexpectedly, co-worker Vince got fired triggering the revelation. Feeling under-appreciated, Kaitlynn and two fellow co-workers quit their jobs. With no set plan, they had to find a way to support themselves — and fast! Faced with uncertainty, they still chose to do what they felt was right.
She began working with clients out of her home for a short time before coming together with her old co-workers and developing a game plan to purchase a building in Cicero, NY. Vince being the main investor helped form the alliance between the four. Little did they know when they quit their jobs that they would be going from co-workers to co-owners in a matter of months. You’d be surprised what you can accomplish when you have no choice but to make big moves.
When describing her journey from employee to boss babe, easy is the last word she would choose. Many tears and countless busy days/nights getting things in order while still trying to manage clients in-and-out of her home. Between getting all of the proper licenses and insurance out of the way and co-owner Vince doing all the construction to make the salon ready for business, Kait did not have much free time (or funds) for any fun. She is an amazing friend of mine and I remember asking her to dinner or drinks during all of this, her response always the same “I just can’t afford it at the moment, but soon!”
I’m happy to announce that she has been a proud business owner for about four months now. Going through personal hardships in the midst of all this (including a split between her and long time boyfriend of four years) earns her well-deserved boss babe status. She specializes in hair restoration giving her the opportunity to help men and women regain their confidence from hair loss due to cancer, trichotillomania, alopecia, and baldness. In her new business she is now able to especially help women who have lost their sense of femininity and self-love and treat them as more than just a customer. Her and the three co-owners are more than friends, they are fam(ily). Driven by passion, hard-work, and dedication — you can count on Revelations to treat you as family, too.
The fun side of her job includes hair extensions for thinning hair or just for people like me who want voluminous, luscious locks! Which of course, I had to test out. Here are my results… wow. I went from Fiona (from Shrek) to Jessica Simpson.
Timeline:
MAY — Quit job. JULY — Salon purchase. NOVEMBER — Revelation’s doors open for business.
Remember: it’s not easy, but it is possible. To schedule a free consultation or for more detailed information, you can check out her website or e-mail her directly at revelationshairstudio@yahoo.com.
Q & A:
Q: If there is one thing you would tell women who are unhappy in their current job/field, what would it be?
A: A client once told me, “little risk, little reward, big risk, big reward”, and that has stuck with me through all the ups and downs of this process. People told us that we couldn’t do it and that we wouldn’t be successful, which only fueled our fire.
Q: What was your driving motivation to up and quit your job with no set plan?
A: I knew I had enough passion, desire, and drive to achieve my ultimate goal of being able to make a career out of this while still putting my clients needs first. Achieving results for my clients suffering from hair loss at a more affordable price is what I do.
Q: How can we inspire other women by your story?
A: Everyone wants the American dream; be successful and be your own boss. If you stay true to yourself and your priorities are in check- with a little bit of hard work you can achieve anything. No matter what other people think.
xo,
-E
