Meet KJ Murphy | Hair Artist and Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with KJ Murphy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi KJ, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I chose to pursue a career as an artists honestly because I was one of the few things I was actually really good. Ever since I was a kiddo I loved being creative. From theatre to ceramics, I loved it all. I had always had some interest in doing hair (I was obsessed with Tabitha from “Tabitha Salon Takeover) but never really considered it until after I had graduated high school. After high school I went to college for about one and a half years focusing on theatre arts, and while I loved my art classes, I was struggling in other aspects of college life. I am lucky enough to have parents who encouraged me to pursue hair and tapping more into my artistic abilities not just as a hobby but as a career. I went into beauty school, assuming that one day I would probably leave the industry to go back to theatre. Yet here I am, 10 years later, still loving my career. In my time throughout beauty school I saw that I could do so much more with this license than just working behind the chair. I could work fashion events, commercials, platform artist, education, business owner, and so, so much more! Seeing that I could do so much made me want to pursue even more in the beauty industry. Not just as a hairdresser but as an artist. Viewing hair as more that just something on our heads that needs cuts every 6-8 weeks, but as a new medium that I can sculp, shape, color, mold, and create amazing works of art out of. This artistic career has allowed me to have flexibility in my life and build up a business for myself that I can be proud of. It has taken me to places that I never thought I would go and given me experience I could only dream of. Its been such an amazing journey!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey as an artist has been a wild one. Full of highs and lows, its made me the person that I am today. I am so excited to announce that I have officially opened up my first ever salon in the Hale neighborhood right by Rose Medical Center. This was such a fun experience to get everything together and stepping into my role as, now, a queer business owner. Alien Hair Artist has been such a fun new brand to build up and I’m so proud to now have a home for it. Focusing on the guest experience and making sure everyone and anyone feels amazing after leaving the salon is my top priority. While also creating a space that is inspiring and keeps my creative education juices flowing. I’m excited to use this space as an opportunity to also build even more education experiences for the community. Education has always been a passion of mine. Getting to connect with like-minded stylists and sharing our passion together is just the best. I love getting to see the lightbulbs go off in my classes and build up others. Just like how others have built me up! I think one of the things that really sets an Alien Hair Artist experience apart from others in my ability to connect with anyone. I pride myself on meeting my guests and students where they are at and always finding a way to relate. It makes everything feel way more comfortable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I have to say that my favorite spot in the city right now is my new salon, Alien Hair Artist Studio, in the Hale Neighborhood. Honestly, I love that neighborhood. There is some amazing food over there and walking around is so beautiful. It feels like a sleepy little neighborhood in the middle of this big city and I just love it! As we are getting into summer and such, you can also find me in the parks and hiking in my free time! Golden has some of the best hiking spots. I also love catching a good art show. First Friday on Santa Fe are always a blast!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Shoutout!!! Oh jeeze, there are so, so, so, many people along my journey that have helped me become the artist that I am today. Its truly hard to pick just one to celebrate…..so I’ll pick my top 5!
1. First and foremost I have to shoutout my parents, Kent and Suzy. They have supported me so much along the way. From encouraging me to go to beauty school in the first place, to helping me open up my first salon. They have been there every step of the way.
2. Next, I want to recognize my beauty school instructor Arline G. She showed me early on what it means to really have a passion for this industry. Not only did she get me through beauty school, she also has continue to support me as now an educator myself.
3. Also I want to shoutout Gregory C. He owned one of the salons I first ever worked at. I was struggling hard when I first started at this salon. I didn’t feel confident and comfortable. Greg took me under his wing a bit and really helped me hone in on my skills. He truly showed me compassion and kindness when I needed it most and honestly; I feel that his actions is what kept me doing hair when I was so close to quitting.
4. Alyssa A., a.k.a. Mama Shark, a.k.a. Kenra Director of Education. She is the reason I have had so many amazing opportunities in my life. She hired me on as a Kenra Professional Brand Educator years ago and since then has push me to grow as an artist and educator. She put her trust in me and its been such an amazing journey with Kenra. She truly did change my life and I am forever grateful for her!
5. Last I want to recognize all of Kenra Professional and Henkel. I have met some of the most amazing and inspiring individuals. They have all encourage me to push harder and be better. They truly bring the best out in me!

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