katie lee jones

The studio is named for Katie Lee Jones, a licensed cosmetologist who leads the business and runs its apprenticeship program. Her career has included work as an artist, stylist, salon owner, educator and producer. The business cites more than a decade of hands-on beauty work, including 19-plus years as a colorist, 17-plus years as a wedding stylist and 11-plus years as a salon owner.

Beyond the salon chair, the work extends to editorial and production sets. Styling has been done behind the chair and for fashion editorial, print and advertising projects, as well as session work, weddings, portraits, and film and video. Listed collaborations include Bon Appetit, Amazon Fresh, Keurig, NBC's Parks and Recreation, Wella International and Kevin Murphy, and the business says it has instructed and worked alongside hundreds of beauty professionals, clients and creatives. Consultations and freelance work can take place in New York, Chicago and Indianapolis.

The Hair Apothecary apprenticeship is built around one-on-one time with a mentor. Apprenticeship models receive a full-service experience during scheduled sessions of about four hours, and can book a haircut, hair color, styling and a lesson. Models are selected according to each apprentice's availability, and bookings are made through an online Vagaro page. Mentoring covers full-program planning and technical leadership, while teaching covers color theory, cutting, styling, product application and product sales, taught through demonstration and supervised practice.

The business describes its style as fresh and high energy, with a passion for the work.

Each client's beauty history is discussed first so that the result fits them. Hair is worked somewhat like fabric, with heat and water as the main shaping tools, and cuts are textured to suit head shape and the way the hair grows.