Meet Kailey Baucom | Hairdresser

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

Hi Kailey, what is the most important factor behind your success?
In my experience the most important thing is building a relationship with my clients. I’m fully present with them. When someone sits down in my chair my main focus is to connect and listen because this industry goes far beyond appearance. I’m very passionate about not only the end result but also how it transforms their energy.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Right away I knew this was my path. I had a fire burning within me. I wasn’t afraid to bust my ass to get to where I wanted to be. I did just that. My journey was a series of hard hitting lessons. My family didn’t approve of me becoming a hairdresser at first but I stood my ground. The last thing I wanted was to end up working a job that zapped my passion. I craved the artistic freedom and the ability to heal through the transformation of self image.
Cosmetology school consisted of blood, sweat, and tears. Quite literally. Looking back on it that was the easy part.
After graduation I started my career as an associate. I was enthusiastic and proud of myself for landing a promising job. However, shortly into it I was introduced to the ugly side of this industry. My whole world collapsed. Personally, professionally. It was a living hell.
So I started over again, from nothing. I felt hopeless yet relieved. I took a huge risk and decided I was going to build my career in the city. Everyday I would commute for hours to and from work. Not to mention I had a second job to keep myself afloat which I was just barely accomplishing at the time. I didn’t have much time for anything outside of that but I knew it would pay off in the long run. I just had to keep going. I couldn’t give up.
It’s safe to say I built a strong foundation for myself. I feel as if the chapter of struggling has come to an end making way for a new one to arise.
I have other passions I’m ready to bring forward. I have this vision of merging my spirituality with hairdressing. It’s something I’ve already started. I’m a tarot reader and for the longest time I was afraid to fully tap into this gift. Now I want nothing more than to be able to give this unique experience to my clients. So far it has been such a mind blowing journey. Watching the magic unfold right before my eyes is truly incredible and I can’t wait to see what else comes to fruition.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would have to start with Oakland Cemetery I think it’s absolutely breath taking. The Botanical Garden is also beautiful. If you’re looking to get some fresh air and admire your surroundings those two places are your best bet. Atlanta has a good music scene I’m sure there’s always a band playing somewhere. I thoroughly enjoy going to concerts. My favorite venue would have to be Terminal West. Its charming and not so overwhelming.
I feel like you can’t go wrong with the food in Atlanta. Little Five Points has some good restaurants as well as some interesting shops one being Crystal Blue which would be my reason to go. They have a ton of crystals to choose from if you’re into that sort of thing.
I also think it’s important to check out the art around atl. It’s everywhere. Krog Street Tunnel is a good place to start. Even checking out The High Museum is a good time.
Also I’ve never been to Doll’s Head Trail myself but it’s definitely something I’ve been meaning to do.

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?
I have such an appreciation for my boss Kelsey Womack. She took a chance on me when I felt like there wasn’t anywhere I belonged. She gave me the freedom to be my authentic self and that’s not something I’ve ever had before. For the first time I feel like I’m on solid ground and it’s all because of her.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wiccedhair