Hairbrained Q&A with Katrina Beede

 

At Hairbrained, our team knows that there’s nothing like the power of positive thinking to get you excited about reaching to achieve your goals. With that in mind, we want to know: “What inspires you?” Whether its time spent in the great outdoors, popular culture, fashion, music, or architecture – we want to hear from you; what drives you to go after your dreams?

This week, Hairbrained wants to highlight the ways in which our community works to give back to the next generation of stylists. So we’re shining the spotlight on HB community member Katrina Beede. A former Hairdressers at Heart scholarship winner, she shares her experience, plus gives us a little bit of insight about what inspires her – and why she feels it’s so important to nurture the development of the craft.

Q. Wella’s Hairdressers at Heart is a program about hairdressers, for hairdressers. It offers the opportunity to win a scholarship for a five-day course at any of the North American Sassoon Academies. Can you tell me how you felt the first time you heard about it?

A. I was excited to learn that Wella created a scholarship aimed towards helping hairdressers to advance their knowledge through education. I was equally happy to learn that the program worked in partnership with Sassoon; after all, there’s no better place to hone your fundamental skills. I knew immediately that I wanted to enter. I mean, a $5000 scholarship to attend a Sassoon academy of your choosing, plus travel expenses – what hairdresser wouldn’t be thrilled? I knew this was something I wanted to do.

Q. Tell me what the application process was like.

A. The application process was simple. To enter, I created a look, and a corresponding story. Originally I wanted to do a video entry, but of course, when I went to upload it I couldn't figure out how to do it. So, I literally threw together an essay the night before the deadline. I just poured my heart out. I’m amazed by the quality of the words that flowed from me. I know it’s because I was speaking from the heart, about something I love. I typed it up and sent it off went with a look I had created a few months prior.

Q. Ultimately, you were awarded one of ten scholarships in this nationwide contest. How did you feel when you won?

A. I still clearly remember the night I received the call. I had just gotten home from a long day spent working behind the chair, and I was making dinner. I usually don't answer numbers I don't know, but luckily, this time I did. It was such a wonderful surprise. I was literally speechless and totally choked up! What an honor to have my words and work chosen by a team of well-respected hairdressers, and to win a scholarship in honor of Vidal’s legacy. Then I was told I would have to keep my scholarship a secret for a week! It was undoubtedly the longest week of my life; I wanted to tell everyone I knew. I did my best – but I did call my mom the moment I hung up the phone. I just had to. She’s the one who pushed me through beauty school, and the reason I’m living my inspiration, everyday, through this amazing craft. After that, I didn't say a word until the winners were formally announced on social media. I was so happy when I could finally share my excitement with everyone!

Q. How was your experience at the Sassoon Academy? Do you feel like your place as a scholarship winner colored this experience? If so, how?

A. My experience at Sassoon was incredible. I attended a class at the Santa Monica academy, and took a five-day creative cutting course. I can honestly say, I learned something new everyday. It was an intimately sized class, and because of this, I made a few new friends. My instructor was Karin Ingwerson, who I found to be enigmatic and a joy to learn from. She taught me creative yet functional techniques that I was able to share with my salon guests upon returning home, which is always a bonus. Towards the end of the week I found myself feeling sad that I had to leave. I wanted to stay and learn more! Upon completion of the program, I was introduced as a Hairdressers at Heart recipient, and I was able to share what that was. I found myself getting choked up as I shared my story. I’m still overwhelmed by the awesome opportunity that was extended to me. 

I clearly remember one attendee asking me more about the contest, and how to enter it. She told me she wanted to enter, but wasn’t sure that she had the confidence to move forward. I said to her, “ I can tell you one thing for sure, if you don't enter there’s no chance that you’ll ever win. But if you do, you have a chance. And I promise you that it’s a chance worth taking.”   

I still wonder if she took that chance; I hope that she did. Someone that I love once asked me what education means to me. Without hesitation I answered: Opportunity. I am so grateful for every opportunity. Being a former winner, I have been able to help many other hairdressers to enter, and I hope to continue to do that for as long as the scholarship exists. Everyone deserves a shot at an opportunity, to advance his or her knowledge and to grow.

About: Hairbrained is a community of hairdressers that share a deep passion and desire to celebrate the craft of hairdressing, online socially.The community was founded by two hairdressers, Randy Taylor, a photographer / hairdresser; and Gerard Scarpaci, a world-class educator/platform artist. Both have love for our industry; its people, and the craft of hairdressing. For more information visit www.hairbrained.me.