Today we’d like to introduce you to Kate Owens-Heins
Hi Kate, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
With 25 years of experience as a hairdresser and 13 years as a salon owner, I found my passion not just in hairstyling but in making a meaningful impact on the lives of families affected by autism. My journey took a personal turn in 2015 when my fifth son was diagnosed with severe autism, initially giving him just a 10% quality of life. Through years of dedication and hard work, I was able to improve his quality of life to 80%, which significantly enhanced both his happiness and mine.
However, as I looked around, I was disheartened by the treatment of his peers. I discovered that many families with autistic individuals faced rejection in salons, often being denied services or treated poorly. This was evident in the heartbreaking sight of children with long hair abruptly getting shaved, reflecting the lack of understanding and compassion in those environments.
In response, I created a safe space dedicated to serving families within the autism community, providing tailored haircuts in an accommodating environment. Over the past five years, we have welcomed families who often traveled three hours one way to access our services.
My advocacy led me to the Capitol of Florida, where I had the opportunity to speak to rub shoulders with members of Senate and House. During this time, I met my curriculum writer, who was astonished to learn that there were no formal training programs for hairdressers and barbers regarding sensory-safe practices anywhere in the world.
In June 2023, we collaborated to develop a two-hour Sensory Safe Certification curriculum, which has since transformed the industry. To date, we have certified 1,750 individuals across 31 states and expanded our reach into four countries, training 25 regional and national educators
-25 years as a hairdresser
-13 years as a salon owener
-5 sons
-5th son diagnosed with right under severe Autism in 2015, with a 10% quality of life.
-Worked for years to improve his quality of life 10%, up to 80%
-His life got good, mine got good
-I looked around and didn’t like what I saw, his peers looked terrible.
-Found out families with individuals with Autism were kicked out of shops, not welcomed back or held down to get services.
-Saw kids with hair down their back sides and then getting shaved heads, awful treatment
-I created a safe space for those families
-For five years we served the Autism community with haircuts
-Found out families were driving 3 hours one way to get services in a safe space
-I was invited to the capitol of Florida to the Senate and House
-I met my curriculum writer there, she didn’t believe me that there was no teaching or courses for hairdressers/barbers at all anywhere in the world.
-In June of 2023 we wrote the curriculum and began teaching our 2 hour Sensory Safe Certification
-Since then we have been all around the country, certified 1,750, in 31 states, we have 25 regonal and national educators and are in 4 countries
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?
Starting a nonprofit has been a challenging, BUMPY ROAD filled with various obstacles and joys. One of the primary struggles has been financial constraints; as a nonprofit organization, we often operate on limited resources, which makes it difficult to fund our initiatives and sustain operations. Additionally, I’ve encountered skepticism from some individuals who didn’t believe in our mission, with some even laughing at our efforts to create a safe and inclusive environment in the industry.
A significant challenge has been the widespread lack of knowledge and understanding surrounding autism and the needs of individuals in the community. This ignorance often leads to discrimination, making it hard to advocate for change. The lack of empathy from certain quarters has made it even more difficult to gain support for our cause.
The time commitment required to establish the nonprofit has also taken a toll. Balancing this endeavor with my responsibilities to my family and existing business has been incredibly demanding. I’ve had to invest not only my time but also my personal finances into this dream, pouring everything I have into making the vision of a supportive industry a reality. Despite these challenges, the drive to provide a safe and inclusive space for families affected by autism keeps us motivated.
I’ll say one more time, MONEY….Fundraising, especially in these times is not for the weak, but we are determined to thrive, succeed and be a worldwide game changer in the industry.
-Money, we are a nonprofit
-Non believers. People laughing about we were doing
-Time away from our families and businesses
-MONEY, investing everything I have and has into this dream of a safe and inclusive industry
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For 25 years, I have specialized in hair and nurturing entrepreneurs, but my calling has evolved into something much larger. Initially recognized as a supportive business within my community, I have now become a voice for those who often go unheard. I am actively revolutionizing how the hair industry accommodates individuals on the autism spectrum.
I take immense pride in two significant achievements: my son Waylon, who has worked tirelessly to become the person he is today, serves as the inspiration behind the mission of The Sensory Safe Solution. Additionally, being honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award at the 2023 Connecticut Barber Expo was a profound acknowledgment of our efforts.
What truly sets me apart is my unwavering determination. I refuse to accept “no” as an answer and will not stop until everyone in my industry is treated with dignity and respect. For me, providing a haircut is about much more than just appearance; it’s about ensuring that everyone feels good, looks good, and is included in our community.
I would say for 25 years I have specialized in hair and growing entrepreneurs, but my calling has become much bigger.
I was known for being a supportive business for my community, I am now know as a voice for those who don’t have one. I am revolutionizing how my industry accommodates those on the spectrum.
I am most proud of two things, my son Waylon who has worked so hard to become who he is, inspiring the entire mission of the Sensory Safe Solution. The Humanitarian of the Year Award of 2023 at the Connecticut Barber Expo.
What sets me apart, is that I will not take no for answer. I won’t stop until everyone is treated with dignity and respect in my industry. Everyone deserves a haircut, but for me it’s so much more. Everyone deserves to look good, to feel good and be a part of.
We’d be interested to hear your thoughts on luck and what role, if any, you feel it’s played for you?
When reflecting on the role of luck in my life and business, I believe that being prepared and having faith in my abilities, as well as discipline to achieve my goals are far more significant than any stroke of luck, whether good or bad. While luck can sometimes open doors or create unexpected opportunities, it is the preparation, hard work, and the tools I’ve been blessed with that truly pave the way for success.
Throughout my journey, I have often encountered challenges that seemed insurmountable. In those moments, it was not luck that helped me persevere but rather my dedication to learning, adapting, and seeking out resources. Being prepared allows me to take advantage of opportunities when they arise, while also equipping me to handle setbacks effectively.
In essence, while luck may play a role in life, I firmly believe that the preparation and belief in oneself are the true catalysts for success. It’s the combination of hard work, resilience, and the tools at my disposal that leads to meaningful accomplishments.
This perspective has shaped my approach in both my personal and professional life, helping me to remain focused on what I can control rather than relying on chance.
Luck is everything. I am so lucky with a voice, a big, a brave one!
It’s saying yes to every opportunity. Saying yes and not knowing how I am going to pull it off. Saying yes, when. I’m scared to death.
Pricing:
- $199 for any licensed professional
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thesensorysafesalon.org/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesensorysafesolution/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thesensorysafesolution/
