What country are you from and where do you live?

I am from Canadian and I currently reside in Toronto. 

Title of what you do and what company you work with?

I’m a freelance session hair stylist and I’m represented by an agency called P1M.  I am also the Canadian Brand Ambassador for Hot Tools Professional Black Gold.

Education background (Hair school, art school, no school)?

I went to a hair college when I first started out. Throughout my career I was always taking advanced workshops to further my skill set. I also attended Bumble and Bumble University in New York. The experience left a very strong impression on me, in regards to me being self reflective of my work. 

What is your signature style/artistic expression to your work?

It’s hard to describe what my signature style is. I am constantly pushing myself to show diversity in my body of work. However, artistically I appreciate the subtleties that make something characteristically unique.

Do you have a career turning point or big break that has helped your career?

I was fortunate enough to meet with Michael Gordon. I asked him to critique my portfolio. He told me that my “eye was right” and that to make it in this business I had to be ambitious. In a way, having validation from a legend like him, gave me the confidence to push forward. Shortly after that meeting I sold everything I owned and moved to Dubai to work with some friends.

What was your scariest and proudest moment in your career?

I think moving several times was scary. First, Dubai, then London, then finally Toronto. The first few months in each place, I didn’t get a lot of work, I had to do creatives to network and meet people. You find your circles and the people you love to work with.  One of my proudest moments was keying the fashion shows at FashionCAN and ReSet Fashion. It was and still is important to me that I support the industry in my homeland, Canada. 

What is next for your career goals?

I’d love to start my own product line.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in your business?

My advice would be to follow your heart and be prepared to work hard. Also to find your teams, find the people that you can grow with. Don’t be afraid to take creative risks. Fortune favours the brave.

Instagram:  @kirstenklontz