Meet Kalli Stuebe | Hair Artist & Suite Owner

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

Hi Kalli, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
My work-life balance has shifted often over 18 years behind the chair. Initially starting out as an assistant, the balance was extremely swayed toward work, not life. Assisting four days a week in a busy salon, helping with up to 28 clients a day, was not balanced. Model hunting in downtown San Francisco every evening after work was not balanced. Living off break room coffee all day and maybe a street pretzel while model hunting was not balanced. I was one of the lucky ones — my two days off were back to back, so I could drive 30 minutes out of the city to see my mom, and I relied on those days for everything life had to offer. In the beginning of my career the scales weren’t equal, but they were present: five days of pushing hard for two days of rest and reprieve. I think that philosophy has stuck with me as I’ve developed work-life balance as a business owner, mom, and wife.

As a business owner, I’ve also learned a lot of practical skills to help maintain balance. When I’m working, I want to work hard but efficiently. Continuing my education and refining my skills to deliver services better — and faster — is a win for both me and my guests. They receive an amazing service and can move on with their day; I give a great service efficiently and can either see more guests or work shorter hours. That flexibility is what creates balance.

I’ve also found helpful ways to maintain boundaries between when I am working and when I am not. I have a separate phone number that I give to clients, which allows me to step away and respond only when I’m ready — eliminating the risk of someone getting lost among personal texts or calls. I’m also open with my guests about texting me anytime, with the understanding that I’ll respond at my earliest convenience. Sometimes that’s immediately; sometimes it’s 48 hours later. Learning to accept that being a business owner doesn’t mean being accessible 24/7 was the real challenge, and honestly, my guests have been so respectful in helping me maintain that balance.

The last piece that feels really important is using my days off responsibly. I try to hold onto the same philosophy I had as an assistant. Regular social events and family time outside of work. Setting aside time for hobbies that fill my cup — I’m an avid reader! — and actually taking time off, going on vacations. Sometimes that means working harder one week so I can take the entire next one off.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart is passion, discipline, and genuine understanding of my clients. At my core, I am someone who loves making people feel their best, and the relationship I build with each guest is truly a team experience — one that I think is unique to what I do.

Getting to this point has not been without its challenges. In this industry, every time you move — even across the street — you lose a percentage of your clientele. Layer in industry shifts and economic ones, and the road is rarely straight. To survive and thrive, I’ve had to learn where to focus my energy and when to pivot.

A good example of that is social media. When I first joined this industry, socials simply weren’t part of the job. We didn’t take photos, post educational videos, or record tutorials. Then suddenly, we were expected to. For a stretch of time I had to become a photographer, videographer, and content creator on top of being a hairstylist. Since going independent, I’ve had more of a choice in how I show up online — and I’ve intentionally chosen to pull back. My focus is my craft behind the chair. Social media can absolutely benefit my business, but the experience my clients have in my chair will always impact it far more than whether or not I’m also a hairstyling influencer. That clarity has been freeing.

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 love when sharing all my favorite local experiences when people come to visit. We’d start every morning at Peixoto Coffee, where I’d inevitably promise we’re just grabbing a quick cup and then we’d still be sitting there an hour later. The coffee is top notch and they use real glass wear when you stay and sip in the cafe. No trip to the valley is complete without popping into First Draft, a bookstore and brewery in one, which sounds like an odd pairing until you’re flipping through a novel with a pint in hand and wondering why every bookstore doesn’t do this. For cocktails, we’d head underground — literally. White Rabbit is a speakeasy you need a password to get into, complete with a secret door and some of the best bartenders. I’d also have to show off The Undertow, it’s a tiki bar that makes you feel like you’re in a ship at sea and both feel like secrets I can’t help sharing. We’d slow things down midweek with a day at the Phoenix Zoo, say hi to the flamingos, catch one of the shows and maybe ride a camel. If anything is playing at Gammage (something is always playing) we’re getting tickets. There’s something about live performance in that space that stays with you. And before they fly home, we’re stopping at Decadent Macaron, because no visit is complete without something beautiful and completely indulgent. The pink heart shaped straws don’t hurt either! One week just isn’t enough.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I couldn’t be as successful as I am today with the love and support of my amazing husband, Jon. He is the yin to my yang and my constant.

HairBrained is the best group of educators out there, a huge shoutout to them for keeping me inspired and at the top of my game.

But truly, I have to give a huge shoutout to my amazing clients that allow me to do what I love, while respecting my rest. I couldn’t be here without them.

Website: https://Kallistuebe.Glossgenius.Com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kalli_does_hair