Today we’d like to introduce you to Kara Pezzimenti.
Hi Kara, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I think I was born a hairstylist. I started experimenting with every head of hair I could get my hands on before I was even in middle school, braiding Barbie dolls, creating upstyles and ponytail curls for the high school cheerleading team, and helping friends get ready for prom.
Growing up in a small town in upstate New York during the ’90s, pursuing hair didn’t feel like an obvious path. At the time, hair school was often seen as less ambitious, so I followed my second love, fashion, and went to college. Years later, I realized I was wrong, so I enrolled in cosmetology school and stepped into the industry that has shaped my life in the most fulfilling ways.
Hairdressing has always been my happy place. I love the hands-on nature of my craft and the unique connection I get to build with each individual. I’m deeply committed to the collaborative process, both with my clients and with the Union team, because I believe greatness happens in togetherness. After more than twenty years in the industry, I still consider it a gift to be challenged, to keep learning, and to grow every day.
For me, suitability, balance, and proportion are the foundations of gorgeous, effortless hair. My style is modern yet rooted in the classics, with a love for looks that are soft, pretty, and perfectly undone.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been a smooth road, but it has been a meaningful one. Change is constant, both in business and in life, and it always brings challenges. Over the years I’ve seen a lot of them, and each has taught me something about resilience, patience, and what it really takes to keep going.
One of the biggest challenges today is the unrealistic expectations created by social media and AI. There’s this idea that everything should be quick, perfect, and effortless, but true artistry takes time, skill, and care. There’s also the long-standing issue of how undervalued our industry has been. For decades, stylists have been expected to work long hours, skip breaks, and keep prices low, and that mindset doesn’t serve anyone. We’re still trying to unlearn a lot of that while building something healthier and more sustainable.
The role itself has also evolved. It’s not just about doing great hair anymore; it now includes photographing, editing, and sharing our work online, often in real time. It can be a lot to juggle, but it’s honest work. And despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade it. The creativity, the connection, and the people make it worth it every single day.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Union Hair Studio?
I would love to share more with you about Union Hair Studio. Our mission is simple: to deliver gorgeous, healthy hair and have fun doing it. We believe the experience starts long before the first snip or color bowl, beginning the moment you book your appointment and continuing through the feeling you have when you walk through our doors. The conversations, the care, and the connection all matter. We take pride in creating a white-glove experience that makes every guest feel seen, valued, and beautiful.
Union is home to a talented and diverse team of stylists who thrive in an open, collaborative workspace. Here, individuality and creative expression are encouraged, and teamwork is second nature.
With collaboration at the heart of everything we do, our goal is to bring your vision to life and ensure it reflects beautifully in the mirror.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
Hair is important & there’s nothing small about small business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.uniondurham.com/
- Instagram: @uniondurham | @ab.hair/ | @blowdrybymargaux
Image Credits
Miguel Chalmers
@mc_visualvoyage
