Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaity Gangolff.
Hi Kaity, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was in my early 20s with a 4 year old son, Logan, when my folks supported me through Cosmetology school. I went to school 40-hrs/week, worked nights at Starbucks 32hrs/week, and took care of my boy (with my folks help, but I was still present any spare minute I had). This was the hardest year of my life. I was living off of $125/week, paying for gas with rolled coins from tips. I lost my car, money, friends, sleep, weight (5’8″ at 125 lbs.), but I made it through. Had trouble scheduling my test. First time, my last name didn’t match (divorce). Second time, my license had expired. Went to Arizona, used a friend’s address, got a government issued ID on the spot. I was able to take my test, and I passed!! On the way home from my test, my mom was with me, we had to drive from Korea Town to Ventura County. I took Wilshire Blvd. through Beverly Hills to avoid the 405. At that moment I told my mom, “This is where I will be!” After 3 months, I found a boutique salon in Beverly Hills looking for an assistant. I assisted for 3 years under 1 of the 2 owners. I learned so much, I can’t even tell you. It all ended for me in 2008, when the economy crashed. I lost all of my clients, and I had a kid to take care of. I got a job in property management. I got locked into the 9-5 grind. But, in 2016, with the support of my now husband, I was able to get back into a salon. I started with nothing, but built a full clientele in 1 year. Then, in 2023 I took the leap and opened my salon, Goddess Beauty Salon.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I simply love doing hair! And it shows in my work. I love when I can have a client say, “This is exactly what I wanted!” I love working with color. I feel this is where I can really express my art. As for my salon, I am most proud of the fact that we are multi-cultural. We can cater to Caucasian, Latin, and African-American hair types. I also have a team of braiders, which is hard to find in my area. Many clients tell us how thrilled they are to find us and no longer have to take the drive to LA.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I love audio books! I tend to gravitate to biographies/auto biographies. There have been so many that I love. Some of my favorites were “Anna” by Amy Odell about Anne Wintour, “Storyteller” by Dave Grohl, “World in My Eyes” by Richard Blade, “I Want My MTV” by Craig Marks & Rob Tannenbaum, “Becoming” by Michelle Obama. I can go on and on. I love when the author reads their own book. You get the true, raw emotion.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.goddessbeautythousandoaks.com
- Instagram: @goddessbeautythousandoaks
