One of my favorite bloggers and YouTube beauty guru's is Kate from The Small Things Blog. She's relatable, and loves sharing hairspiration, and yes, I'm making that a word. The icing on the cake was when I found out that she was based in Raleigh, N.C. I was so happy to see a local hairstylist sharing her knowledge and passion with the rest of us. Last year, she started offering hair styling classes in area salons. When Jamie, my co-worker, and I saw that she was offering an up-do class that fit into our schedules, we signed right up! This was a perfect opportunity for some quality girl time and some new up-do ideas and tricks. After class, I was able to sit down with Kate and ask her a few questions on life, work and, of course, beauty.
Jamie, Kate and I after the class
My first question was "What inspires you creatively?" She humbly responded that she gets much of her inspiration from other creative types in the industry. She gains inspiration from what others are doing, not in a competitive manner, either. Kate truly appreciates that we all have different styles of doing hair and believes that we all benefit from sharing knowledge.
Kate wears many hats as an entrepreneur, blogger and mother, so I asked "How do you set aside time for your family?" She tries her hardest to stick to specific, set work hours, so that when she's not working she can be completely present during family time with her two busy boys and supportive husband. She believes that there is a bit of give and take when finding the right balance to work life and family. Which I'm sure many of you totally understand.
Some may assume that beauty guru's are full glam all of the time, but Kate is busy working mom, too. So, I asked her about her REAL beauty routine. Kate says a must for everyday is under-eye concealer and a cute fabric elastic to tie her hair up into an effortless ponytail. If she has a little more time she curls her lashes and adds a coat of mascara, a fresh lip color, a swipe of blush and a quick fill-in to the brows.
Those of us in the beauty industry naturally have an over-abundance of hair products, and you know what? We love each and every one of them. That's why I love asking people this: "You're on a desert island and you can bring 3 beauty products with you, what are they?" Kate would stay fresh and glam by bringing her Dior Addict Lip Glow in Coral, Benefit Roller Lash, and Kenra25 Hairspray.
Kate using Jamie as her model. Photo by Jordan Maunder
I loved sitting down with Kate and being able to get to know her a little bit more. And, if you're able, I recommend signing up for one of her styling classes. She's a doll and a very patient educator. No matter your skill level, you'll learn so much and I know you'll love her style as much as I do!
Here are a few more pictures from our class at Parlor Dry Bar.
All of the ladies after our up-do class Photo by Jordan Maunder
Parlor Dry Bar located in Lafayette Village
Kate with one of her gorgeous models, Jamie.