Life and Work with Kalet Budge

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kalet Budge.

Kalet, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started my career as a hairstylist when I was in high school through the EVIT program. I graduated from high school and a month later I took the state board exam to become a licensed hairstylist.

I have never left the industry. I was able to support my family finically while my husband completed his degree from A.S.U. I was also able to continue my career while I had four beautiful kids. Thanks impart to a wonderful boss who supported and encouraged me to have a work-life balance. And to my incredible mom who provided constant, reliable childcare.

Once my children were all in school, I reassessed my career and thought about what I wanted it to look like moving forward. I jumped back into education, learning everything I could and taking classes all over the U.S. I consciously pushed myself to get out of my comfort zone to expand my knowledge and skillset.
I wanted my children to see that you should never quit learning and growing and to always pursue one’s interests.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The older I get the more I realize there are no smooth roads along life’s journey. For me personally, learning that one bit of truth has been one the most important factors in helping me get to where I am today.
Whether the struggle has been trying to stick to my boundaries that I created to maintain a work/life balance. Or in establishing effective communication and expectations with my clients. And especially when it comes to the internal dialogue, I have with myself.

Struggles and setbacks are going to continue to happen. What I found is most effective for me is to let the experience and feedback in for me to analyze and use it to make me stronger, wiser and more reflective. I have found that it takes a lot of practice to accept feedback and process it in a way that will be helpful and not let it discourage me.

Please tell us about hairbykalet.
I currently spend my day’s working behind the chair with the most amazing clients who allow me to use my knowledge in color theory and color techniques to create customized dimensional hairstyles that clarify their personal image and style through color and design. In addition to that, I have been creating an apprentice program at the salon to inspire and help hairstylist who are just beginning in this industry. My hope is to empower them with some of the essential skills, confidence, and knowledge they need to point them in the direction they want to go and pursue their dreams.

What advice would you give to someone at the start of her career?
My current obsession is Rachel Hollis. Author of Girl Wash Your Face. I feel she is speaking directly to me. a couple other favs are Britt Seva and a gentleman by the name of Lewis Howes. And lastly, I wash you dry. I don’t think my family would ever be fed if it wasn’t for this blog.

Contact Info:

• Address: 10290 N 90th St # B,
  Scottsdale, AZ 85258
• Phone: 480-227-3239
• Email: hairbykalet@gmail.com
• Instagram: @hairbykalet
• Facebook: hair by kalet

Image Credit:
Kalet Budge

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