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Hidden Gems: Meet Kara Kloss of Kara Studio 26

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Kloss

Hi Kara, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After high school, I was unsure of what I wanted to ‘be when I grew up’, so I enrolled at Winona State University. I always enjoyed school and was eager to have a college experience but I quickly learned that wasn’t the route for me. I finished 1 year at WSU then enrolled in beauty school at Nova Academy in Rochester for the following school year. Immediately, I fell in love with the beauty industry. Post school, I had a rocky start trying to find what salon I fit in best with. After a two years of trial and error, I decided to make the leap & became an independent stylist at Sola Salons. It was definitely a risky move as a newer stylist but it was absolutely the best decision I have made in my career!

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?
It definitely has not always been a smooth road! 6 months before my wedding, the salon I was working at (and absolutely loved!), abruptly closed their doors. At the time, I was working towards becoming an Aveda educator and building my bridal business. I took a job back at the first salon I worked in but it just wasn’t the right fit for me. After my wedding, I made the decision to venture out on my own. In July of 2016, one of my best friends and I opened Studio 26 at Sola North in Rochester. If that didn’t work out, I told myself that was my sign to find a new career path. I’m a firm believer in “you get out of it what you put into it” and my goodness, did I grind! I was still building my clientele and failure wasn’t an option.
A few years into being at Sola, I received a heart-dropping phone call from the Rochester Fire Department that my studio had caught fire and I lost everything. With the incredible support of the people around me, I was able to rebuild my business. Fast forward 2 years later, a global pandemic shut down my business for 11 weeks. Yet again another obstacle but without these experiences, I wouldn’t be the person I am today. I have built my dream career and am forever grateful for all of my current, past and future clients + brides! I wouldn’t be where I am today without them and my incredibly supportive husband, friends & family.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kara Studio 26?
I am a hairstylist & bridal hair + makeup artist. During the week, you can find me behind the chair in my studio connecting with incredible humans. On the weekends, I’m glamming up beautiful brides + their crew!
My speciality behind the chair is all things blondes & balayage! I think what sets me apart from other’s is my drive to go above & beyond for each and every client that sits in my chair. Whether you’re the bride or a bridesmaid, I always do my absolute best to give everyone the best experience I can! Each time a client sits in my chair, it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on their day. I’m so proud of the name I have built for myself. It has taken a lot of hours behind the chair + behind the scenes to get to where I am today.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Motivation and drive. If I didn’t continue to show up for myself everyday, my business wouldn’t exist. I continue to set goals for my business and give myself a reason to keep showing up everyday!

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Keela Jo Photography
Lauren Haya Photography
Cheeky Monkey Photography
Twelve Ten Photography

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