Meet Kay
Kay is an assistant celebrity and editorial hairstylist who has done some incredible work.
From working with stars heading to the Met Gala, to landing the cover of InStyle Magazine with Anna Delvey to presenting on stage at Textured on Set and being mentored by the one and only Naeema LaFond.
Given Kay has already done so much, in this episode, we talk talk about what it’s really like to build a career in the hair industry and advice to anyone else who is interested in the field.
Where to find Kay: Instagram
The interview
Here are all the questions we asked Kay, so you can fast-forward to the best parts.
[01:21] Tell us about your journey into the hair industry
[09:09] What happened when you arrived at your first fashion shoot with Naeemah Lafond?
[11:58] How did you start getting your next line-up of work?
[18:55] What was it like working on the InStyle cover with Anna Delvey?
[26:13] How have you juggled being the business woman and the stylist?
[30:30] What are some of the most memorable things that have happened in your career so far?
[36:48] What are some of the biggest issues in the textured hair space and how can we start to address them?
[42:10] What's your one piece of advice for stylists who want to break into the space?
[43:28] What's next for you?
Who has Kay styled?
Kay’s top tip for stylists
Kay's top tip: You have to figure out how to make it happen and sometimes you may have to advocate for yourself and say no that's not possible, that can't happen but here's what we can do Some takeaways
For stylists 💇🏾♀️
Always be ready to shoot your shot. When Kay messaged Naeemah LaFond on Instagram to get some advice on a shoot (that was later cancelled), she ended up being invited to a fashion show by Christopher John Rogers with Naeemah's team to assist. Remember that any ask, no matter how small, is worth going after. You never know who would be happy to help.
Networking is just as important as turning up with your A game for the jobs you're invite to. People will remember the energy that you bring into the room and they need to get a feel for who you are, so take your time, get to know everyone on set properly and create the kind of contagious energy that makes them remember you.
A lot of your referrals will come from the departments that work closely with hair (e.g. make-up artists, wardrobe, photographers), so it's important to network with the other people who take on roles that are completely different to your own. Make friends with people in lighting, production, the PAs, anyone that has an influence over the jobs that are put together and who's hired.
Kay really honestly said that she didn't understand why you can't always say what you want and how that can affect your work and brand even as a stylist. While many people can be commended for their honesty, delivery has a huge impact on how people receive your words and you have to think before you speak to make sure you don't reduce your chances of getting work.
Your career in the editorial and TV space can either take some time, or it can escalate pretty quickly so you have to be ready for either to happen. Be prepared for the constant pressure to do more, with the need to get enough rest to bring the best version of yourself to the table.
Listen now on Apple, Spotify, Overcast, and YouTube.
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