Katie Brenner’s version of success has never been about chasing a single specialty – it’s always been about mastering the art of hair evolution. With two decades of experience in hairstyling and education, the Global Artistic Director for Oligo and JRL Professional has built a career grounded in technical excellence and a desire to always encourage learning, both for herself and others.
But hairstyling was not always the dream Brenner had planned for herself; after becoming a mom at 16 and spending her years professionally training horses, she was searching for a career that could offer stability in her life, for both her and her daughter.
“[Beauty school] originally was going to be my backup plan. I’m like, ‘Okay, I’ll get my license, I’m going to do this, but then I’m going to use doing hair to pay for vet tech school.’ But then I just completely fell in love with it,” she said.
She discussed how her tour of the Aveda Institute in Denver, Colorado, completely changed her mindset and served as an eye-opener that hairstyling stretched far beyond salon walls – the profession was brimming with artistry, fashion, education, business, and endless opportunities.
A prompt determination to seek out the best experiences led Brenner to apprentice under renowned stylist Charlie Price, work backstage at Fashion Week, train with Vidal Sassoon educators, and build an inspiring foundation of work that continues to influence and lead her work today.
Rather than specialization within one trend, she made it a mission to master every technique, rooted by the belief that true expertise stems from versatility.
“I think to be called a master hair colorist, you need to know how to do it all,” Brenner explains.
These luxury hair practices of Brenner’s aren’t always about creating a dramatic transformation – instead, she prioritizes looks that deliver longevity alongside stunning results, ensuring her clients are satisfied for months to come.
Whether educating from atop an international stage or creating online educational content, Brenner deeply aligns with the belief that the industry grows through the sharing of knowledge. Her own challenges in school inclined her to make education as accessible and encouraging as possible, whether that be through in-person learning, social media tips, or free digital resources.
She discussed how she wanted her trainees to feel confident in their technical skills and always putting the clients needs first.
“When they have that client that’s sitting on their books, they’re like, ‘I got this,’ and I can’t wait to get an after photo,” she continued.
Another authentic perspective Brenner offered were her thoughts on professional burnout.
She admitted to facing burnout every few years, and instead of seeing it as a failure, she positions the challenge as redirection towards an organic change within her daily life.
“Education can inspire and lead you and get you revamped up. Going to hair shows—that can help as well… I’ve had to reinvent myself every so often and who I am. And I think that’s why I was like, you know, I was an editorial stylist, extension stylist, balayage stylist… I think it’s because I don’t want to burn out. I need to keep relearning something, reevaluating,” she explains.
Today, as Global Artistic Director for Oligo Professionnel and JRL, Brenner is leaning back into the editorial work that initially inspired her while continuing her efforts behind the chair. Remaining an active stylist, she says, keeps her connected to the everyday realities professionals face and ensures that the education she delivers remains relevant.
Looking forward, Brenner aspires to see an increase in female leadership positions across the beauty industry and is eager to support the next generation to pursue those opportunities.
Her journey is an energizing example of how success is built through always following one’s curiosity and creativity, and by never being afraid to reinvent who you are.
Dive into the full conversation to hear more about Katie Brenner’s career journey, her approach to education, the future of the beauty industry, and the lessons she’s learned from over two decades behind the chair. Tune in below and follow along with @readthetease and @volumeupbythetease for more conversations with the industry’s leading voices.
