ABOUT US

Hey there! I’m Olivia, and I’m so glad you’re here. If you’re looking for lived-in hair, intentional haircuts, and a relaxed salon experience paired with a good time, you’ve come to the right place. I grew up in the country in a tiny town in Kansas, and once middle school hit, my passion for the beauty industry came alive. I started experimenting with my own hair and makeup as a way to express myself. Having giant scene hair with raccoon stripes and heavy eyeliner wasn’t exactly the norm in my tiny school in 2006, but I couldn’t care less; I was expressing myself exactly as I was. That passion eventually turned into doing hair for my friends, then my friends’ friends, which led me to drop out of traditional college and attend cosmetology school. The moment I walked through the doors at Paul Mitchell The School - Overland Park for my tour in 2013, I knew I was right where I belonged. Since then, I’ve done just about everything behind the chair. I’ve worked in a variety of salons and barbershops, refining my skills in hair cutting, lived-in color, barbering, and gray coverage. In 2015, I moved to Chicago to take my career further—without a clear plan, but with a deep determination to grow as a hairstylist. While in Chicago, I became an educator for a well-known salon and barbershop, traveling to teach classes and create curriculum. I worked alongside some of the industry’s finest and even placed in Wella’s TrendVision Awards. After three years of educating and traveling, I felt called back to the salon full-time. I greatly missed the relationships that come from working with clients behind the chair every day. I continued my craft at one of Chicago’s Top 5 salons, where I was able to grow, refine my skills, and continue my never-ending education. In 2020, I moved back to Kansas to be closer to my family and friends. I had accomplished what I set out to do in Chicago, and it was time for my next chapter. I found a salon in Kansas City and dove right back in. After almost three years, I knew it was time to step into something new: becoming both a business owner and a hairstylist. American Gothic has been my Instagram handle since 2011. I’ve always dreamed of it being more than just a name; I wanted it to represent what I live and breathe. It’s a blend of my small-town Kansas roots and the rock ’n roll edge I’ve always loved; the yin and the yang. American Gothic is about showing up unapologetically and authentically—and creating hair that does just that. I’ve created this space not just for myself, but for everyone who sits in my chair. Whether you’re looking for a life-changing haircut, lived-in hair color, barber services, gray coverage, or simply a little TLC, my goal is always the same: for you to leave feeling confident, seen, and a little more like yourself. When I’m not behind the chair, you’ll probably find me at a concert, digging through a record store, boppin’ around Kansas City in search of my next thrift find, or at home enjoying the little moments with my two cats (Beatrix and Sampson “TT” Balboni), my two dogs (Shiva and Khloe), and my ever-growing collection of house plants. Feel free to get in touch through the Contact page or on Instagram (@american_gothic). I can’t wait to make some magic with you. With love, always. 
– Liv Located at American Honey Hair Co.