Meet Trailblazer Kyla Harper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kyla Harper.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Kyla. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
When I share my life story, it is difficult, to sum up, the events that lead up to today, so I’ll start by telling you where my life began. I first opened my eyes on September 9th, 1992 in Flagstaff, AZ to my young, yet strong parents. My dad, a bit older than my mom, was just out of high school when he started his business. They knew this road would not be easy. It would be hard work and there would be trade-offs.

When I was two, my parents split and I stayed with my mom in Flagstaff. She set a goal and saved up the money to put herself through a trade school. Shortly after graduating from the trade school, she opened her own massage therapy business, this is when her dreams took off. At last, she was her own boss with her own shop. It worked perfectly with her busy life and she loved being able to help people. My parents have really shown me that hard work pays off. They’ve also taught me so many other lessons that I’m not sure they meant to, but I sure am glad that they did.

With parents that are such hustlers, it’s probably no surprise that I couldn’t wait to get my first “real job.” I began my working life at Safeway at a young age doing things like bagging and gathering shopping carts in the parking lot. I learned quickly and got into the floral department. I absolutely loved my job! This job was empowering and I completely fell in love. It was amazing I was getting paid to: do custom projects, meet great people, and see the smile after their idea became reality. This feeling was priceless! I could make a difference in these peoples day and I loved it! It wasn’t until years later in my life, I learned both of my parents first “real job” was also at a grocery store.

When I was 17, my entire world was turned upside down. I lost my mom and my stepdad to a murder-suicide. I was always into scary movies and was glued to all of the True Crime shows. Never in a million years did I think that kind of event, like those I had watched on TV, would take place in my own life. You might imagine how mind-blown I was. I lost my family, my home, and everything else that gave my life stability.

There was one thing in my life that I knew I could count on. That one thing was work and I threw myself into work to get me through. Work, therapy, family, and friends were what I needed then. My work was constant in my life. It wasn’t long after this incident my title changed to “Kyla Harper – Floral Manager.” I remained in my hometown, but moved across town and decided to embark on some healing years. Before I knew it, eight years had passed and it was time for me to say my goodbyes.

My boyfriend, now fiancé, and I decided to move to the valley and build a life together. I knew that I wanted to own my own business. With no idea where to begin this journey, I started seeking guidance. I have always had an interest in the beauty industry, so why not get a cosmetology license? I have always been very independent and could not imagine taking so much time off to invest in my education. This was definitely hard for me to go down this road. After all, I did sign up for two other cosmetology schools before actually attending Aveda Phoenix in 2016. I’m so glad that I waited to start when and where I did. Whenever I walked through the Aveda doors, I was always on the grind because I knew this was just the beginning of it all.

In school, I was very driven and worked hard to achieve a role in the salon as “Premier Talent” (An elite program where you are very involved in the behind-the-scenes work of the salon life and can be a huge learning experience for those willing to learn). This is where I first realized that not only do I love the art of hair, but I also the “behind-the-scenes business side of the hair world. Being selected as a premier talent in school really gave me that driving force behind wanting to own my own shop.

Has it been a smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? I love this question. No. No, it has not been smooth and that is okay. Some things have been very challenging and other things came easy, it’s all been a learning experience. After completing cosmetology school, I was living a life, that I did not want to live, at a job that brought me little true joy. This is when my dad and my stepmom nudged me into following my dreams and making them a reality. I decided to believe in myself and open the doors to my very first business, this is when Colors by Kyla was born. It was very difficult and I felt like I had to work even harder because there were people who discouraged me and did not have faith in me or my dreams. People often think that if what you are doing is not what others are doing, you are somehow incorrect. I am here to tell you “THEY are wrong! You do you! Believe in YOU. You CAN do it. I don’t even care what “IT” is!!!”

It has been hard and at sometimes scary, but luckily, it was instilled in me at a very young age to just keep trucking along. My biggest advice to anyone is to find someone you can share with. Hell… find lots of people you can share with. I grew up under the impression that we should not let others know our struggles. As I have grown and matured, I have learned that it is toxic to live a life that way. We all have our own stories, do not be ashamed of yours. The more I share mine, the more I heal, and the more I realize everyone has their own demons. Regardless of what we have been through, as individuals, I think we can all grow by connecting with other like-minded people. I want you to reach out to the people you aspire to be more like, take the opportunity to connect and share stories, both of you may walk away with a greater understanding.

We’d love to hear more about Colors By Kyla.
The doors at Colors by Kyla opened at the end of 2017, in the beautiful Ahwatukee area located in Phoenix, AZ. I wanted to open my salon here because I felt like home. I like to describe it by saying “It’s like living in a small town surrounded by a big city”. My favorite thing about Colors by Kyla is that I don’t offer any services that I don’t completely love doing! I think it is so important for you to identify your strengths, practice those things and use them to your advantage. I do many types of services because I’m a very eclectic person and I like a little bit of everything. Most of my more classic clients enjoy coming in for color retouch and balayage (custom hand painted highlights). Some of my more edgy or alternative clients enjoy fresh pops of vivid color. I also do the basics of course, including but not limited to; hair extensions, waxing, facials, special events, photo shoots, and in-home visits! Aside from those services, I offer eyelash extensions. If you have ever tried out lashes, I’m sure you understand! I’m all about making people feel great about themselves. I frequently hear people convince themselves out of things they really want to try or do. At my salon, I want to always be encouraging people to be authentic to themselves and go for what they want in life. If you like the way you look, then you’re going to be more confident in all the parts of your life. My mission is to listen, encourage, and empower.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
To be honest, I believe women are killing it in today’s world. I spend time with so many strong women that juggle so much every day and they are doing fantastic at it. It is so refreshing to see these women striving to be who they want to be and raising their little ones that are growing to be impressive as well. My advice to anyone reading is to find something you are truly passionate about and pour your whole heart into it. No one can take that fire away from you. Take the leap and do the things that bring you joy. What better time than now for us to make our mark in the business world? If you are lucky enough to have a passion that you can turn in to a business I encourage it!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.colorsbykyla.com
• Phone: 480.589.5648
• Email: colorsbykyla@gmail.com
• Instagram: @colorsbykyla
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kyla.harper.7

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