Today we’d like to introduce you to Austin Knight
Hi Austin, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started in high school, working backstage in theater because I was way too shy to be on stage myself. For years, I carved out a reputation in that space, even before I was licensed. Eventually, I went off to cosmetology school, with big dreams of making it in New York or LA, doing hair for celebrities.
After graduating from the University of Spa Cosmetology Arts in Springfield, IL, I stayed there for a few years, building a small business and gaining my footing. But soon, St. Louis called to me. I moved there, eager for the next step. For the next four years, I traveled around the country, educating other professionals on the intricacies of hair chemistry, color, and the beauty industry as a whole. It was a rewarding experience, but after those four years, I felt the pull back to the chair—back to the clients I love in St. Louis, where I’ve been since 2016.
And while I haven’t entirely let go of my dream of working with celebrities, I’ve come to realize that the life I want doesn’t necessarily align with that world. I still love doing hair. It’s a passion that grounds me, especially compared to the idea of sitting in a dull office or becoming just another cog in the corporate machine. I’ve built this quiet, fulfilling life where I live just a short bike ride away from my salon, and that six-minute ride through the park is a little luxury I savor every day.
As a kid, I had huge dreams, and as an adult, I’ve learned those dreams often come with strings attached that I’m just not willing to tug. A lot of them exist in industries that don’t align with my moral compass. But what I’ve come to cherish is the impact I can have on people’s lives—small, everyday changes that matter. I get to be a positive force for my clients, whether they’re exploring their gender identity, their sexuality, or just needing to feel better about themselves on their hardest days. That’s where I find my passion: making others feel good in a way that’s authentic to who I am and the life I want to lead.
So, I may not have the celebrity clientele I once dreamed of, but I’ve realized I don’t need that to make a real difference. What I do now is meaningful in a way that provides purpose. I still hope to make more of my career and I still have plenty of time to do so.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but then again, how many people can truly say their journey has been without bumps? Sure, there are some whose paths are paved with money or family wealth, but even that comes with its own set of struggles. Like most people in this country, I grew up poor, and that brought its own particular challenges. My father (now absentee) was emotionally and physically abusive. He had a drug and alcohol addiction that I’m not sure he ever handled. I don’t even know if he’s alive anymore.
I remember hearing someone say once that talent is equally distributed in this world, but opportunity is not. That stuck with me. There were so many opportunities I wanted to pursue, but the reality was I didn’t have the money to buy my way into them.
Success, as I’ve learned, is often about who you know. Coming from a small town with next to nothing, I didn’t know anyone. I had to claw and fight for everything I’ve achieved. When I auditioned to be an educator, I was laser-focused. I spent hours studying flashcards about every single ingredient in the products, diving deep into their chemical makeup and why they mattered. I was fully prepared—probably over-prepared—for what they actually expected from us. But that’s a pattern in my life: I often overshoot what’s asked of me.
It’s served me well, though. Even when I fall short of my own sky-high expectations, they’ve usually been set higher than anyone else’s in the room. That drive has been my way of navigating the rough patches, pushing through where money and connections couldn’t help me. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s built a resilience in me that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a hair color specialist, and I’d like to think that what sets me apart is my focus on creating truly customized color placements and formulations for each client. My approach is always centered on them—what they want, what they need, and what will work best with their lifestyle. I’m not the type to push trends on someone who’s not ready or interested, just because it’s the “in” thing.
What I’m most proud of—and what I think sets me apart from others—is my deep understanding of why color works the way it does, and how products function to get us where we need to go. My years spent educating other professionals on these subjects have armed me with a wealth of knowledge that helps me prevent issues before they start, and quickly troubleshoot anything that comes up. I’m a firm believer in well-executed product regimens, but that doesn’t mean they have to be outrageously expensive, or that you need 20 different products to keep your hair healthy. I’m all about offering tailored, realistic solutions that fit each client’s needs without overcomplicating things.
At the end of the day, I think my clients appreciate that I’m not just there to give them a trendy look—I’m there to collaborate with them on something that makes them feel good, and that works for their unique life. That’s what I love about what I do.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like least? Well, it’s still the Midwest, and as someone who’s lived here my whole life, the weather is honestly the worst. It’s either too hot or too cold—there’s never much of that perfect in-between. But on a more personal level, I’ve struggled with finding my place in the queer community here. A lot of folks seem to be chasing that traditional, heteronormative dream—the house, the 2.5 kids, the white picket fence. And while there’s nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I’m looking for. It makes it hard to find a community that feels like a true fit for me when the collective ideals seem so far removed from what I want in my life.
What I love most about St. Louis is its unapologetic, “fuck around and find out” attitude. It’s got that raw Midwestern realism that you can’t help but appreciate. And let’s not forget, the damn good food!
Pricing:
- Express Color: $200
- Signature Color: $350
- Transformational Color: $500
- Express Repair Treatment: $35
- Signature Repair Treatment: $65
Contact Info:
- Website: Www. TheHairShaman.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hair_shaman?igsh=Y2N3anRqMnZtdmZ1&utm_source=qr
