Beauty, Business, and Motherhood: The Balancing Act of Kat Halstead

Photo by Karen Presecan

In the bustling community of Stafford, Virginia, one local business owner has been quietly hustling, building her beauty empire while raising her daughter as a single mother. Kathryn "Kat" Halstead, owner of Kat's Beauty Lounge and Chatham Heights Beauty Co., has not just transformed personal challenges into professional triumphs, but has also shown remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, creating a stable, loving home for her 11-year-old daughter, Leela.

Finding Her Footing

Kat's journey in Stafford began in 2014 during a pivotal moment. "We moved to Stafford after my daughter's father and I separated," she explains. "My parents lived in Stafford, and it seemed like a good place to start over as we needed support from family while going through the divorce process."

What started as a fresh beginning has evolved into a deeply rooted life and thriving business. With almost two decades of experience in the beauty industry, Kat has not only established herself as a respected professional in the community but also as a mentor to other young women in her industry, inspiring them to achieve their own professional triumphs.

"I have been a licensed Cosmetologist since 2007," Kat shares, tracing her professional journey. Her career grew steadily over the years, gaining momentum as she expanded her expertise, adding "Keune Hair Cosmetics Educator" (2018) and "Owner of Kat's Beauty Lounge" (2019) to her list of professional accomplishments.

Her hard work has not gone unnoticed, as Kat lauds "Winner of 'Best of the Burg'" in 2023 and 2024 and "Winner of 'Hall of Fame' for winning 'Best of the Burg' for two consecutive years," she adds. Most recently, she expanded her business ventures by becoming the owner of Chatham Heights Beauty Co. in 2024.

A Mother's Dedication

At the heart of Kat's bustling life is her role as a mother to Leela. Despite the demands of entrepreneurship, Kat ensures her daughter's childhood is rich with experiences and opportunities.

"Leela loves dance, theater, Webtoon, and theme parks," Kat shares. The mother-daughter duo makes the most of their time together, with Leela enjoying her annual pass to Kings Dominion during the summer months.

Their home life in Stafford provides the stability and community connection that Kat sought when relocating.

"It's been nice to raise my daughter in a quiet, family-friendly area," she reflects, appreciating the balance between small-town comfort and accessibility to larger metropolitan areas.

The Art of Balance

When asked about her hobbies and interests, Kat's answer reveals how thoroughly intertwined her roles as a mother and entrepreneur have become.

"I truly enjoy being a mom and a business owner, so most of my free time is just spent trying to 'protect my investment,' like doing things around the business and at home to keep things clean and pretty for everyone involved," she explains.

However, this dedication to maintaining both home and business doesn't mean all work and no play. "I also like to try new experiences, places to eat, or get away when I can, so light travel or events are my favorite way to 'relax,'" she adds.

This preference for flexibility and spontaneity extends to lifestyle choices. "No pets because we like to be able to plan last-minute trips if we can, and it's easier to do that when we don't have pets at home," Kat explains, though she admits, "but we would really love to have a dog one day."

Community Connections

The Halsteads have created their own version of community engagement, finding joy in local establishments and activities. "We tend to enjoy the pool and other amenities in our community. We also enjoy walks and dinner in downtown Fredericksburg," Kat shares.

Like many locals, she has her favorite spots. "Some of our favorite places are Benny's, Mason Dixon, Castiglia's, Casey's, and Fahrenheit 132," she lists, showcasing the diverse culinary options in the area. With a hint of personal flair, she adds, "I've gotten a lot of tattoos from Jack Brown's Tattoo Revival, and if the season calls for it, I treat myself to Carl's after."

Family remains a priority in their travel plans. "We try to visit my family at either of their homes usually, either in WA or FL," Kat explains. Her career has also opened doors to exciting destinations. "Sometimes work will call me to get to travel to fun places like Las Vegas and Kansas City," she adds-- just one example of some added perks to her professional accomplishments.

A Growing Legacy

Kat's impact extends beyond her businesses. She has created opportunities for other entrepreneurs in the industry, including "another mom colleague/salon owner who rents from me in South Stafford," referring to Abby at Nice Hair.

This mentorship and support of fellow business owners—particularly women and mothers—speaks to Kat's understanding of the challenges those balancing professional ambitions with parenting responsibilities face.

As Kat's Beauty Lounge and Chatham Heights Beauty Co. continue to thrive, Kathryn Halstead stands as an example of resilience, determination, and community support. From seeking family assistance during a difficult transition to building award-winning businesses and creating a stable home for her daughter, Kat's journey embodies the spirit of transformation that resonates with many in the Stafford community.

In the beauty industry, where appearance is often the focus, Kat Halstead has shown that true beauty lies in building a life of purpose, creating opportunities for others, and nurturing the next generation—all while making sure everyone looks and feels their best along the way.