Shear Love in the Old Port
Q&A: Featuring Kathryn of Satori Salon & Nathan of Nathan Charles
By: Keriann Russell, Project Manager/Fashion Insider, MainelyMara.com
Meet Kathryn & Nathan - two fun and hip hair stylists that live and work right here in Portland. Kathryn works at Satori Salon & Spa and Nathan just opened his own one-chair barber shop in the Old Port, Nathan Charles. Kathryn grew up in Saco and kick-started her career 5 years ago, starting first at Reed Williams, then moving to Acapello Salon & Spa in Scarborough and eventually ending up at Satori. Trained in Matrix & Goldwell and certified in the Simply Straight Keratin Straightening System, Kathryn has been at Satori for 3 years now. On the other hand, Nathan grew up in Madawaska and worked at D’Avanti, Salon Burke and Satori before starting his own business this past August – Nathan Charles Cuts for Men. Two Mainers, one passion…oh, and did I mention they’re dating?
How did the two of you meet?
“Satori” they both say in unison as they laugh and smile at each other.
K: We worked together for one year before we started dating.
N: It was tough trying to hide our feelings – everyone we worked with at Satori knew how we felt – but it was important to keep the workplace as professional as possible. Once we started dating, we went four months without telling anyone!
Why Portland? What do you like best about our city?
N: Portland has the most to offer – both personally and professionally – out of any city in Maine.
Favorite local shops?
K: I love all the shops on Exchange Street. Bliss and Zane are two of my favorites.
Favorite local restaurants?
Yosaku, Duckfat, Frog & Turtle (in Westbrook), and the Old Port Sea Grill.
How did you guys ring in the New Year?
K: We babysat! We were asleep by 10:30!
Did you make any New Year’s Resolutions?
N: Stay healthy. We already have a fairly healthy lifestyle – we work out every morning before work at Basics Fitness Center. We love it there.
What is your favorite thing about being a hair stylist?
K: I love being creative, especially when it comes to coloring and foiling.
N: I love the artistic side of doing hair, and of course, I’m thrilled to have started my own business.
What are your favorite hair products?
K: Goldwell or the Moroccanoil line.
N: Goldwell Supervisor – it’s a paste-like styling product that thickens men’s hair. It’s much different than the gel you see used on Jersey Shore!
Who takes longer to get ready?
{Big Pause!}
K: It’s almost dead even – Nate might be a little faster but he’s slow for a guy!
N: It only takes me 35 minutes in the morning…and that’s because I take long showers.
What do you always splurge on?
K: Jeans, face & hair products, and nutritional supplements.
N: Snowboarding equipment and day trips to Sunday River…and nutritional supplements.
How would you describe your personal style?
K: Most of the time we’re in gym clothes – Nike or lululemon! If I’m not in comfy clothes, you’ll find me in cute jeans and a great pair of boots. I’m definitely a boot girl.
N: Whatever I’m doing that day determines what I’m wearing, but if I were going out, more than likely I’d be wearing motorcycle boots, boot cut jeans and a button-up shirt.
10 years from now, where do you see yourself?
K: You can answer that Nate!
N: Doing the same thing – we’re happy where we are now. Kids, owning a house, etc. will all come in time.
What’s one thing you want MainelyMara members to know about you?
K: I’m very passionate about my work – I really enjoy it. Education is also important; I love learning new & upcoming techniques in the hair industry.
N: Nathan Charles Cuts for Men offers great haircuts for men…by a man. It’s more than a clipper cut in a metal folding chair – come by and see for yourself!
A special thank you to Kathryn and Nathan for taking the time to sit down and talk with us – you guys are great!
