Meet Kaylee Smiley | Stylist and Hair Educator

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

Hi Kaylee, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I wouldn’t be where I am in my career if I didn’t take risks along the way. I left my comfortable HR 9-5 to pursue a completely different career path. It was absolutely terrifying and uncomfortable in every way! But I knew in the long run it would be worth every worry, challenge, or obstacle that came my way.

I continue to take risks by continuously pushing myself out of my comfort zone. Whether that is becoming an educator with a classroom full of students watching, or creating small talk with a new client. Both come with their own insecurities, but pushing through allows room for growth.

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.
I jumped into the hair scene later than most, attending hair school at the age of 25. There once was a time I wish I had started when I was younger, but I am so glad I went when I did. I knew the sacrifices that were being made for me to attend cosmetology school and I didn’t take them for granted.

Upon graduating, I began my career as a platform artist educating at hair trade shows. The trade show world is a fast paced, competitive wild side of the industry. Starting it so early in my career gave me a major confidence boost, but also put the pressure on myself to continue to grow as an educator/platform artist.

I took a break and focused solely on doing hair behind the chair when we had our son in 2019. Quickly following, COVID caused us to close the salon. Being stuck at home while in the middle of postpartum depression did a number on my self-confidence and I decided I was no longer interested in the education/“influencer” side of hair.

In 2021, I applied to be an educator for Masters of Balayage on a whim. I had admired and followed the company throughout my hair career, but thought there was no way I would be selected for the team.

Fast forward to 2024, I have traveled all over the country sharing my passion and love for this industry through their company, taught in front of a crowd of 600+ stylists, and have helped created timeless and practical looks for stylist to use behind the chair every day.

It hasn’t been easy every day. In fact, most days it’s hard as hell. I still struggle with that self-confidence, and impostor syndrome is so real. But I have overcome every one of my hardest days, and I know I can do hard things, including getting out of my comfort zone to push myself to maximum growth.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in a super small town, but I love it! I grew up close to Oklahoma City, so moving to a town of 5,000 people was definitely a change of scenery.

Our small town has some of the best pizza around! DiCintio’s Pizza Cucina is one of my favorite spots to stop for lunch or take my family when they come down.

We also have Cotton Blossom Winery, which is home to some of my favorite bottles, and Kochendorfer Brewing Company where you can get the best IPA around. Both locally made!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has been my biggest supporter since day one. I’m so glad he convinced me to go chase my dreams. I’m the luckiest.

I’m honored to be an educator for Masters Of Balayage, one of the world’s top hair education platforms. Our team is a family, and I can’t imagine the past few years without their continuous love and support.

My salon home is just that, a home. The girls I work with are the literal dream team.

Instagram: @kayleesmileyhair

Image Credits
Shelbi Jo Photography