From Passion to Success: One Stylist’s Journey

When Karli’s mom asked her if she would consider cosmetology after high school, she remembers her initial reaction. “Why would I do that?” she thought.

Nonetheless, Karli decided to explore her options and looked into her local cosmetology school. “I went on a tour and instantly fell in love with the industry,” she says. “The school instructor shared all kinds of statistics and information about how the need for cosmetologists would never go away and about all the things I could do with a cosmetology license.”

“I also love that in this industry we don’t judge,” Karli adds. “It’s perfectly normal to have crazy colored hair, tattoos, and piercings. You can’t do that on Wall Street!”

After graduating from cosmetology school, Karli started working for a franchisee at her local Great Clips® salon in April of 2013. A month later, Karli was invited to apply for a management role with that franchisee. Karli’s response? “I love being a leader!”

“I officially became an assistant manager that August — only four months in,” Karli said.

The salon manager at the time was planning for some time off, so Karli and another assistant manager shared the role of interim manager together.

In January of 2014, Karli was asked if she would be interested in applying to be the salon’s manager. “Of course, I said yes!”

Karli’s franchisee at the time was opening a third Great Clips salon and she helped with training the new staff and manager. Her franchisee mentioned a fourth location opening the summer of 2015 and that there would be a need for a General Manager. “I made sure my interest was clear,” she shared.

In spring of 2015, she was promoted to General Manager with the franchisee. “The grand opening event was bigger than most because it was Great Clips salon number 4000,” Karli said.

A few years later, Karli’s career path led her to a new opportunity and a new employer.  Karli learned that a position with Great Clips, Inc. was open in her area. She applied and was hired. “I officially started with Great Clips, Inc., as an Education Services specialist in April of 2019 and have loved it ever since! Supporting the franchisees as their teams grow and become confident in their skills to deliver great service to customers is what I get to do every day.”

As Karli reflects on her career so far, she offers a piece of advice to those looking to land their dream job in cosmetology. “Just go for it! Keep learning and growing. Work hard and do it with a smile. Not sure where to start? Network! Reach out to people and ask how they got started. Plan how you can continue to develop yourself for a bright future and never lose sight of that goal.”

View More #GreatClipsLife News & Stories!

ALL GREAT CLIPS© SALONS ARE INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED BY THIRD PARTY FRANCHISEES. FRANCHISEES, NOT GREAT CLIPS, INC., ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL HIRING AND PERSONNEL MATTERS AT THEIR INDIVIDUAL SALONS.