Meet Kelly Novobielski | Hair Stylist

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

Hi Kelly, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking is undeniably pertinent when starting and growing a business! Sure it seems scary when you first think about it, but then you soon come to realize that with out great risk there will never be great reward. As I look back at my life and career, I start to notice a trend: RISK. From moving across the country at the ripe age of 18, to renting my first salon chair, risk was everywhere. With out risk, I’d never try new techniques or expand my clientele. Moving away from the standard commission based salon environment was the biggest risk I could ever take. Stepping out on my own with no one to bring in new clients but myself was so scary. After a short period of time I started to notice it wasn’t so scary because I was prepared, hopeful, and had the drive and desire to explore all the options available to me.

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 come from a fairly small town called Yakima, Washington. We are known for agriculture and farming. I moved to NYC when I was 18 years old as many do in hopes to find a city and community that would nurture my creative pursuits. Well, It all came true. After 15 years living and working in NYC, I can say that the road wasn’t easy, however, it was oh so fulfilling, eye opening and boundary pushing. I believe the main take away that pushed me towards the top is my personality. Unlike other business models, the hair industry is pretty clear that you should be likable and not just talented. Luckily for me, empathy and generosity, kindness and compassion have always come second nature for me. People don’t remember everything you may say or do, but they will remember the way you made them feel – Maya Angelou. I’ve had the experience and opportunity to truly put that model to the test and can 100% confirm that its true. When joining new business ventures, growing clientele, interviewing, working on set with new people, it’s obvious who stands out regardless of their talent or performance. Individuals stand out because they were a pleasure to be around and made everyone feel safe, comfortable, and joyful.

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 would take my best friend to the lower east side of Manhattan, Chinatown, and the west village for amazing food that you cant find in other parts of the east coast! Museums are a must because art influences my life but also so does nature! We would hit up all the parks and vantage points. I believe in GO GO GO, but I also believe in taking time to slow down, be in nature and relax. Some of my best times when friends are visiting are when we have the chance to sit down to talk and connect on a rainy Saturday evening vs bouncing around clubs and bars.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to recognize the hair industry experts as a whole for their continued support and mentorship. I always wanted a mentor (singular) and realized now as i’m writing this, that it has always been a collective effort. My peers that I have met along the way and through social media have always been generous with their wisdom and advice. I notice a huge sense of support and community within the hair industry and i give so much gratitude toward every single person that has supported me along the way.

Website: kellynovobielski.com

Instagram: kellynovobielski