meet the founder KAITLYN MAURINE
Founder, hairstylist, student, and professional belieber.
Currently building ALLEYWAY, a studio salon in Brooklyn centered around creativity, community, and independent artists. In Fall 2026, I'll begin pursuing a B.S. in Leadership and Management at NYU School of Professional Studies.
I believe great businesses are built the same way great relationships are built: through curiosity, trust, consistency, and a willingness to care deeply.
What I'm Building
I'm interested in building things that bring people together.
Right now, that looks like ALLEYWAY, a Brooklyn studio salon for independent artists, and pursuing a degree in Leadership and Management at NYU. Both are rooted in the same goal: creating opportunities for creativity, community, and meaningful growth.
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A Brooklyn studio salon designed for independent artists.
Built from the belief that people do their best work when they are given both freedom and support. ALLEYWAY exists to help artists build sustainable careers, meaningful client relationships, and communities that extend beyond the salon walls.
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Currently pursuing a B.S. in Leadership and Management at New York University.
My goal is to become a stronger leader, operator, and advocate for creative professionals while continuing to build businesses that prioritize both people and profitability.
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I'm particularly interested in building environments where people can learn, collaborate, and grow together. Whether through educational programming, community events, or creative projects, I'm always looking for new ways to bring people together.
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Moving from Texas to New York changed the way I see the world. What began as a personal leap of faith became an opportunity to build a life rooted in curiosity, creativity, and community.
Texas taught me the value of hospitality, relationships, and showing up for people. New York taught me independence, adaptability, and the power of being surrounded by diverse perspectives. Together, those experiences continue to shape how I lead, create, and build businesses today.
Much of my work is an ongoing exploration of how those two worlds intersect.
Things I care about
Creative Direction
I'm fascinated by how people experience spaces, brands, and communities. My work often lives at the intersection of aesthetics, operations, and storytelling.
Small Business
Independent businesses have shaped my life. I believe entrepreneurship can create opportunities for creativity, connection, and long-term impact when approached thoughtfully.
Hospitality
The best experiences make people feel seen. Whether in a salon, coffee shop, classroom, or event space, I care deeply about creating environments where people feel comfortable being themselves.
Leadership
Leadership, to me, is creating conditions that allow other people to succeed. I'm especially interested in mentorship, education, and helping creative professionals build sustainable careers.
CURRENTLY…
You can usually find me:
Walking around New York City
Listening to Justin Bieber
Rearranging something that was already perfectly fine
Talking about this website longer than anyone asked me to
Working on ALLEYWAY
Exploring my newfound love of chicken salad
Reading, learning, building, and trying new things.
what im consuming!
Without my friend Lillian none of what I have accomplished could be possible, my community has been my only source of stability during this insane period of my life. She continues to be a strong supporter as the now Director of Operations at ALLEYWAY, the only person fit for the role.
Lillian has been with me through so much in the short period of time we have been friends.
I wish for everyone to have a friend just like her.
A Special Thanks to Lillian,
