Meet Kayla Howell | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Howell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I’m from Southern California but grew up around horses. My Dad being a professional team roper and stuntman made for an interesting childhood. Most of my upbringing consisted of old cowboy ways with a California twist. My Dads advice sounded like the stereotypical cowboy. “Look a person in the eyes when they speak to you.” “Give a firm handshake.” Things of that nature. Funny enough, I still live by these rules. As far as my Mom goes, she mostly stayed home with my sisters and I . My mom has a soft heart and taught me to stand up for what’s fair and right. Defend the underdog. Tell the truth. Between both parents I’d say I’m a person of integrity. I try to work hard to empathize with others and work with passion.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As of January 24’ , it marks 17 years as a licensed cosmetologist. Since the last interview I did, I’m currently at a new salon on 8th Avenue called Salon Nfuse. I recently just celebrated my 1 year anniversary here. It’s never easy moving salons because I’m someone who likes to stay where I’m at but sometimes things aren’t in my control. Since I’ve been in the industry for so long I think one of the main things I’m focusing on is work life balance. I’ve hustled and burnt the candle at both ends and now that I’m older, it’s so important to feel passion outside of work. Then I’m able to walk into work and be present with my clients in a way that’s uplifting and energized. It helps me pour more into them.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh, this is tough to answer. Of course, any visitors wanna go over to Broadway one of the nights and I’m usually all about Robert’s Western World. Great burgers and fried bologna sandwiches. Old country music and always super talented musicians. Then I usually try to pop over to Bobby’s Idle Hour to catch some great local bands. Vinyl Tap is a great spot for a drink and browsing for records. If it’s summer then I highly recommend Percy Warner to hike or a walk around Radnor Lake. Brooklyn Bowl is a great spot to start a Saturday morning with brunch and bowling! But I guess at the end of the day, I’m a more “play it by ear” type of person.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh shucks! I’ve been doing hair for a long time and every person along the way has impacted my career. I guess Id like to give a shout-out to my OG clients in the beginning of my career who stayed by my side up until I left for Tennessee almost 5 years ago. (Barbaranne Wylde) Those clients of mine who tag my work, who praise me to their friends. The clients who have also stuck with me through my growth and change here in Nashville. To the bosses who believed in me even when I didnt. The coworkers who taught me something new. And of course, my parents who funded my education. Who supported my move across the country. If I look back at every interaction I’ve had in the industry, good or bad, it’s brought me to this very moment of my career.

Website: Salonnfuse.com

Instagram: Kaylahowellhair

Image Credits
Renee Phoenix