Meet Trailblazer Katie Amezquita

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

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Growing up, I was always passionate about design in all sorts of mediums. I initially thought about doing fashion design or interior design, but my mom had encouraged me to go to cosmetology school. I decided to go part-time while I was in high school and I completely fell in love with doing hair and makeup. I can truly say I enjoy almost everything about it from cutting and coloring in a salon to on location hair and makeup for weddings or photo shoots. I started out working in Orange County California for the first seven years where I gained a ton of experience and education and my husband and I decided to relocate to Phoenix in early 2018.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
When I began my career, I didn’t realize that I would be such a one-man show. I had to be an accountant, do my own advertising, build my own website and a million other things I didn’t know how to do. I struggled quite a bit early in my career. I didn’t really have any guidance until I found a really great online marketing program created by Britt Seva. Since then, I have completely stepped up my game in all areas of my business. I wish I had it in my life sooner, but each thing we go through has its time and place. To anyone just starting out, never stop learning. Even the top stylists in the industry can learn new things. Once you feel like you know everything, that is when you stop growing. Seek out a good tribe of like-minded individuals that will encourage and contribute to your growth. Just one negative person can bring you down so much so it is important to keep positive people in your life. Also, be the one to encourage others as well. There is so much ugly competition in our industry and there is no need for it. We should always be happy to see others succeeding.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I specialize in natural, dimensional, healthy hair color and cuts, and bridal hair and makeup. I think it is extremely important to customize the look to each individual client. In bridal hair and makeup, I always want to create a look for my brides that is personal to them. They should always look like themselves on their wedding day, so typically, my looks tend to be more natural. The same goes for hair, I like doing creative color and cuts as well but I especially love doing balayage because it creates such a beautiful Sunkist look. It always makes me feel proud to create a client’s vision from in salon services to bridal work.

We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
I think the biggest barriers today to female leadership are in our own minds. We always let our own thoughts and worries hold us back. In our new crazy world of social media, there is this struggle to maintain the perfect appearance. I know I struggle daily with it. It is something I have to continually work on. A lot of us tend to be people pleasers and we just want to make everyone else happy, but really if we just went all in on our passions without worry of what people might think, we would create amazing things!

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.katieamezquita.com
• Email: katie@katieamezquita.com
• Instagram: Katieamezquita
• Facebook: Katieamezquitaartist

Image Credit:
Studio Devries

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