Exploring Life & Business with Katie Schoenrock of Boss Lady Salon

Today we’d like to introduce you to Katie Schoenrock.

Hi Katie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From cutting my Barbie’s hair to, although not my best work, cutting my own hair in 1st grade, I knew at a young age I had an interest in the beauty industry. My senior year of high school I had the opportunity to attend cosmetology classes at the local community college, which solidified my decision to continue pursuing my passion after graduation.

I worked hard and within 9 months of graduating high school, I graduated from cosmetology school as well.

I started my career with JCPenney Salons but learned early on that working for a corporation was not what I wanted to pursue. I transitioned into a small business salon as an employee and learned so much along the way. Between these two salons, I worked a total of six years. My goals became clearer to me that I really wanted to be an independent hairstylist.

I made the decision to start in booth rent working with a group of like-minded peers without the pressure of being alone. HairSmiths taught me so much about business and who I am as a stylist. In 2018, after eight years, I finally had the confidence to completely go solo and open my own salon studio in Maplewood.

I aimed to create a safe space for my guests to feel stress-free, open to be themselves, heard and valued. I strive to provide the best experience that makes you feel like you’re home.

I named my salon after my late English Bulldog, Boss Lady, who taught me responsibility, loyalty and how to always be the Boss of your life. She was my heart dog and she lives on through the salon.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I don’t think anything in life is smooth, it’s more about how you handle the bumps. I battle with mental health illnesses on a daily basis. Learning to start/run a business with anxiety, PTSD and undiagnosed ADHD has been a rocky road but with the support I have from my family, my significant other, my friends, my therapist/doctors, my community and last but never least, the guests who sit in my chair, I know I can overcome any obstacles that try to get in this bosses way!

An example of a business struggle was learning how to become a 1099 sole proprietor. You no longer get a paycheck and have to figure out taxes on your own. That’s something you don’t learn about in school. I leaned on advice from family and loved ones and was able to get connected with the amazing accountant I have today.

For a personal example, I was in a relationship for the first seven years of my career that was extremely toxic. There was serious drug abuse on my then-partners end and his troubles some days sucked my personality down with him. This is why I am a huge advocate for mental health and self-care as my team of doctors/therapists as well as my family and loved helped me in that difficult time. The salon was my safe haven and I put everything into my work. It got me through the dark days. I’m happy to say I’m in a much better place now and because of the steps I took to get up the rocky roads, it’s much smoother now.

As you know, we’re big fans of Boss Lady Salon. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My studio is a one-on-one hair salon dedicated to your customized experience.

I am a certified Olaplex stylist specializing in color sessions with an emphasis on your healthy hair journey.

By starting out with a digital consultation form, I can get an idea of what you are looking for and if I am the right stylist for the job. From there you will know exactly what you are booking and how much it will cost. The majority of my sessions are all-inclusive so you have the exact cost upfront. They included your color session, a bond treatment, a cut/trim as well as an educated style.

Then, the day before your session, you receive a special form that allows you to customize your entire experience. From letting me know what time you have to leave by, to choosing your entertainment options, beverage choice and any self-care treatments, you decide how your session goes. I always have an array of options in my snack drawer too and I won’t let you forget that.

I am also the only stylist in Minnesota that offers a legal, custom take-home color kit that includes your personalized color formula as well as a reusable brush, gloves, clip and instructions on how to do a quick root touch up or a full glossing at home on your own time. My guests have loved utilizing this convenience for events, trips, being away at school, stretching sessions in the chair and more.

I have retail available at the salon or on my website for pickup and shipping. Olaplex and Amika are the brands I trust and support for hair products as well as Amelia’s Blend Lotion Bars for your skin/body.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory would probably be watching my mom do her hair and makeup all the time. I was then and still am in awe of her. She’s my biggest supporter and my #1 client & best friend.

Pricing:

• Complete Session – $225
• Transform Session- $320
• Corrective Color- $75/hour

Contact Info:

• Website:www.BossLadySalonMN.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bossladysalon
• Facebook: www.Facebook.com/bossladysalon
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/bossladysalon
• Other: www.tiktok.com/@bossladysalon 

Image Credits
Claire Newbury
Brett Dorian Artistry Studios