Meet Phagans Instructor Keilee Hoag

In this 2012 interview, Phagans instructor Keilee Hoag discusses how an early interest in hair and makeup led her to beauty school, salon work, and eventually teaching. She also shares what she enjoys most about helping students develop their skills.

Interview highlights include:

• Beginning beauty school at age 17
• Gaining experience in barbershops and salons
• Transitioning from salon work to teaching
• Enjoying students’ breakthrough moments
• Encouraging future students to be fully committed

Welcome to Phagans, Keilee. How long have you been with us?
It’s been three and a half months now.

How did you get started in this industry?
It’s always been a passion. I was involved in dance recitals when I was younger and always liked the hair and makeup part of it. This was something that stayed with me through high school, and I started in beauty school with Paul Mitchell at 17, while I was still in school.

Tell me about going to beauty school.
It was a lot of fun. I went to a platform artist school, which was a really cool experience. I liked the upbeat environment and the teachers were amazing. I found out that I really liked to cut hair. I was really nervous to start though.

What happened after you graduated?
I started working at a barber shop which lasted about six months, but decided I wanted more and so I switched to a salon in Bend. I enjoyed making my own schedule and having free rein over my career. I was there around six months before moving to Portland to start teaching at Paul Mitchell.

What do you like about teaching?
My favorite part is the light bulb moment. You see a student struggle and then suddenly you see them get it. I find that really satisfying. I also like seeing the journey from freshman to graduate – it’s pretty amazing!

How are you settling in at Phagans?
I feel at home. This is more like a family and I feel very supported.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I definitely want to be working at Phagans, and possibly own my own salon.

What advice would you give to someone thinking about going to Beauty School?
You need to be all in!

Thank you, Keilee, for your time. We are so happy to have you here with us.