Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Van Skyhawk.
Kayla, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have always known who I wanted to be for as long as I can remember. My mother was a makeup artist at the Seattle Opera house and Ballet. My whole childhood was spent watching her transform normal everyday people into beautiful characters and creatures. I always was an expressive and eccentric child, but it wasn’t until I started beauty school that there was so much more purpose to my art form that pushing the boundaries of social acceptance. The most challenging but important milestone I reached so far in my career was enduring a three and a half year apprenticeship in a salon after beauty school, where I learned every form of styling, cut, and color. Over the past 4+ years of being a licensed hairdresser, I have been able to master the basics, learn the rules and then from there I have created my own style and rules to reflect who I am as an artist. Through this journey of stepping into my own destiny, my freelance business, Skyhawk Artistry was born. Owning my own business as been the most strengthening and rewarding experience and I feel like I am evolving into the person I always dreamed of being. I am grateful to not only to be In a salon but also in the industry working on a variety of jobs. It keeps me growing as an artist and to share my passion with the world and inspire others to do the same.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has never been a smooth road for me but in the end, it makes the good days even better. First off being left handed was the biggest struggle in the beginning. The beauty school I went to completely ignored the fact that I was left-handed and I was unaware of why cutting was so hard for me until my salon mentor pointed out I’ve been cutting with right handed shears for the whole time I was in beauty school. Once I bought left handed shears I felt like I was invisible. also, I had to teach myself how to follow instruction from right-handed instructors. It might not sound like a lot but I had to execute everything completely opposite and upside down from what they would teach. It was the most frustrating hurdle but I feel that I am a stronger stylist for that reason. Another struggle I’ve had to overcome is the confidence in my knowledge and trust my skills will never fail me, it feels nice to not say to myself anymore , “well let’s see how this turns out.” I spend my time now saying, ” oh my god, I can’t wait to see the look on their face when they see what I’ve created for them!!” The more I spent educating myself and exercising every part of my career, the more I feel like I can handle anything that comes my way.
Have you ever felt like giving up?
I feel like every artist including myself will or already have had moments in their career that create self-doubt and frustration. Every time I come to a crossroad in my career I always remind myself why I started my long journey and motivate myself to push through the difficult moments. This is because every time I have done that I have looked back and said to myself, “Man… I have no idea how I got here but I’m glad I never gave up.” Those simple words after a hard day or hard year always give me a motivation to the next journey. I want to see myself succeed, I also want to see how far I can go in my career with no fear, no brakes, and no stop signs in my way. Maybe I can inspire others along the way to do the same.
What advice do you wish to give to those thinking about pursuing a path similar to yours?
My biggest advice to others starting out in this field first is Education. Not only in “specialized school training” but self-taught education. How I got to where I am is by constantly perfecting and maintaining my craft. Now when I get offers for weddings, Tv, movies and editorials I never feel like I don’t know how to do something and I never run out of ideas on hairstyles and makeup styles I can combine. Second advice I can give is also to document everything. Take pictures of every piece of work you do throughout your career. Not only does it help track your progress but it shows what you are capable as well. Lastly, have a strong business mindset. Having a good website and business cards is key. If you want to be the best you have to look the best. High-quality photos and organization is what people look for. Also, have fun, you’re doing what you love and nothing else should matter.
What are you looking forward to?
I am hoping to part take in a few hairdressing competitions and movie features. Also, I will be continuing to take advanced training courses for hair and makeup. I’m just excited to create more and grow myself as a stylist and artist. I welcome my new journey with open arms.
Pricing:
- Women Haircut -$80+
- Men’s haircut- $45+
- Base color- $85+
- Full color-$120+
- Partial foil-$150+
- Full foil-$185+
- Updo-$85+
- Makeup $75+
Contact Info:
- Website: http://vanskyhawk13.wix.com/kpv13
- Phone: 360-298-1293
- Email: skyhawkartistry@gmail.com
- Instagram: @skyhawkartistry
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/skyhawkartistry
