In an in-depth interview on The Day With Trae with Trae Holiday, Natalie Johnson, the multifaceted founder of Kiss the Mirror and a talented stylist at Foxycut Salon, provided a captivating look into her nearly two-decade-long journey in the dynamic world of hair. Her story is a powerful narrative of resilience, artistic exploration, and an unwavering dedication to her craft.

Natalie's path into the beauty industry was somewhat serendipitous. Fresh out of high school and with a young child, she took a leap of faith by enrolling in a Running Start program at Seattle Vocational Institute. This decision, initially based on a recommendation, ignited a genuine passion within her. "Honestly, I just started falling in love with hair," Natalie recalled, her voice filled with warmth. Those early days marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the art of hairstyling.

Over the years, Natalie immersed herself in the industry, developing a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of diverse hair textures. Her specialty lies in production work, a realm where precision and adaptability are paramount. "Anytime that there is a production involved, that's where I like to put my expertise in," she explained. This encompasses everything from stage productions to weddings, where she thrives in the fast-paced, high-energy environment. Natalie particularly emphasizes the significance of having the right stylist for weddings, stating, "It's always something special when you're talking about planning the wedding and then having the right stylist on board, because the look is everything."

With 19 years of experience, Natalie has witnessed the cyclical nature of hair trends. She stresses the importance of staying current while grounding oneself in fundamental techniques. "Everything always goes back to the basics," she asserted. "If you understand the basics of hair, you can apply that to anything." This philosophy allows her to navigate the ever-changing landscape of style with both creativity and confidence. She even mentioned having to research the "butterfly haircut" trend, which turned out to be a new take on the Farrah Fawcett shag.

A pivotal chapter in Natalie's story is the creation of Kiss the Mirror. During the isolating days of the pandemic, she embarked on a period of self-discovery and creative exploration. "I would just play in the mirror for hours, take pictures, like, play dress up," she confessed. This intimate time of reflection became the catalyst for relaunching her brand. Kiss the Mirror, as she envisions it, is more than just a business; it's a celebration of self-love and empowerment. It provides on-site beauty services, catering to diverse hair and skin types for various events.

Natalie's artistic flair is also vividly displayed in her involvement with the Reign of Style show on March 2nd at the Seattle Center. After participating in 2018, she's taking a leadership role this year with Foxycut Salon. Their team is preparing a stunning 18th-century-inspired presentation with a contemporary "Bridgerton" twist. "We're going to get this done, and we're going to just show out, because it's really just about having fun," she exclaimed. Natalie emphasizes that Reign of Style is a true production involving elaborate costumes, lighting, and choreography, all contributing to a memorable show.

Natalie's story serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of passion and the importance of embracing change. From her early days in hair school to the creation of Kiss the Mirror and her participation in Reign of Style, she continues to inspire with her creativity, resilience, and unwavering dedication to her craft.

To connect with Natalie and follow her work, you can find her on Instagram @styledbynataliej and @kissthemirror___. For bookings and inquiries, visit: https://kissthemirror.glossgenius.com/