Katey’s Salon Celebrates 23 Years
For over thirty years, Katy Townsend worked in corporations and industry so that she could raise her family and enjoy the comforts of life. She was reasonably happy but still didn’t feel that special satisfaction that comes from doing the work you were meant to do. Then in 1998, an opportunity arose that would allow her to pursue her dream of owning a beauty salon. Now for the past 23 years, she says, “I have been doing the things I love to do – and I’ve never looked back. I adore doing hair. It is my passion.” It’s often said, ‘if you do a job you love, you never have to work a day in your life.’" And that’s Katy’s story.
She states, “Over the years, I have gotten to know my clients very well. We have shared a lot together. We seem like a close family.” Her clients will tell you she treats them with respect, honesty, and dignity and they do the same with her. Each year, she hosts a day-long appreciation ‘party’ for her clients, with food and entertainment, and everyone loves it. Her work as a hair stylist and business owner speaks for itself, but what you might never hear her talk about is her work supporting the community. In her shop, the walls are lined with plaques and certificates, awards and acknowledgements from various business groups and elected political leaders, all highlighting the impact of her community work outside the salon. She has also been an advocate in helping others through education and has taught her beautician and personal grooming skills at Pasadena City College and other local beauty schools. She so generously gives of her time and finances to others and asks nothing in return. That's why she was so surprised to receive a small business grant, last year, from the Pasadena NAACP for which she expresses great appreciation. While she supports the community, her close-knit family continues to be a priority. For the past two years, Katy has been mentoring her son, Tommy Gillespie as manager, and granddaughter, Latrelle, an accomplished braider at the salon. Now age 77, Katy is ready to reduce her working hours but says, “Doing less of the work I love with the people I love is hard,” especially because she has many long-time clients for which she is grateful. Often, she comes in to work on a Sunday to accommodate a client’s schedule. “I appreciate all of my clients so much,” Katy says, and “I love the working atmosphere. The staff at the salon is great.” She describes them as a “wonderful, respectful crew that get along with each other” and overall, that makes a relaxing and harmonious environment. May 2, 2021 will mark 23 years in business at Katey’s Salon, located at: 1711 E. Washington Blvd, Pasadena. Katy is “proud that she is still going strong -- thanks to everyone for their support.” |
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