Katie Manselle

The joy of the creative process and executing it with excellence: that, in a nutshell, is what makes Katie Manselle tick. “I’ve been really fortunate to train under some of the finest stylists and colorists, and that has been instrumental in helping me to quickly develop my creative eye and passion for hair,” Manselle says. When she’s not behind the chair, Manselle spends any spare time participating in editorial photo shoots. “I absolutely thrive when I get to work with other artists in a collaborative manner,” she says. “The journey is all the more beautiful and amazing when you can take it together versus going it alone.” ✂ —Kelley Donahue

AHA MOMENT

I briefly worked in a hospital and quickly realized that medicine was not my passion, so I took a few years off to find myself. One day I noticed a girl with fun blue hair walk by, and I remember thinking how amazing it would be to express myself within the realm of hair. That’s the moment I identified with and felt a true desire to pursue hairdressing.

IN TRAINING
After attending Carolina College of Hair Design in Asheville, NC, I apprenticed at the city’s Ananda Hair Studio, where I still work. I stay abreast of trends through continuing education.

STYLE PREFERENCES
My favorite decade for hair is the 1960s—the era where big hair, beehives and Sassoon, who changed the course of hair forever, ruled.

BEAUTY MUST-HAVES
A Mason Pearson brush, comb, and some Bumble and bumble Thickening Dryspun Finish Spray.

MY MENTORS
I hope to someday have the chance to work with Akin Konzi and Trevor Sorbie, but currently my one mentor is Jesus!

BIGGEST CHALLENGE
Though I try not to, my biggest challenge is rushing the growing and learning process in order to get to the next thing. I have to remind myself that it’s the everyday practice of hairdressing—not necessarily the high-profile experiences—that provide me with the opportunity to explore and grow.

BEST PIECE OF ADVICE I EVER GOT
Haste makes waste—truly great words to live by.

GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT
Doing hair for Christian Siriano, Anne Barge and Cynthia Rowley at Charleston Fashion Week was an incredible opportunity in my career. On a personal level, being the mother of two and the wife of an amazing man is a gift I cherish each and every day.

NEXT STEP
I want to pursue excellence behind the chair in Asheville while segueing to bigger platforms of learning and creating. I’d love to work backstage at New York Fashion Week and ultimately be a part of a global creative team that dreams big.