Kai Hong
From Hair to Eternity with Kai Hong
In a candid conversation that swings from folk music to family, Kai Hong names the hard parts—culture clash at home, years of silence after coming out, and the slow repair that followed—and the habits that keep her grounded: walks, journaling, Disney days, and deep time with her partner and siblings. She refuses the “therapist behind the chair” label, choosing instead to be a great listener and a better friend, the kind who cheers your weird haircut idea and your bigger life. Her leadership lesson is deceptively simple: curate a space where people don’t have to hide, keep the standards high and the humanity higher, and let inclusive design (right down to the service menu) do quiet, daily work for dignity.
In a candid conversation that swings from folk music to family, Kai Hong names the hard parts—culture clash at home, years of silence after coming out, and the slow repair that followed—and the habits that keep her grounded: walks, journaling, Disney days, and deep time with her partner and siblings. She refuses the “therapist behind the chair” label, choosing instead to be a great listener and a better friend, the kind who cheers your weird haircut idea and your bigger life. Her leadership lesson is deceptively simple: curate a space where people don’t have to hide, keep the standards high and the humanity higher, and let inclusive design (right down to the service menu) do quiet, daily work for dignity.
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Highlights
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Guest Biography
Kai Hong is the owner of Sunday Barber Co., a Best of Colorado Springs award winner from the Colorado Springs Independent and a lifelong leader. A proud LGBTQ business owner and the eldest child of Korean immigrants, Kai’s leadership journey began early—guiding younger siblings and cousins, earning a 2nd-degree black belt in Taekwondo, serving as a worship leader in church ministry, training in Army ROTC, and leading volunteer teams overseas teaching English and working with orphans. While still in barber school, she placed among the top three finalists in Toni&Guy’s Photography Awards. Today, she channels her artistry, authenticity, and resilience into building inclusive, high-performing barbershops that foster community and representation in the industry. |
Show Notes
Season 3, Episode 18 Credits
Guest: Kai Hong Host: Liz Cavallaro Host: Bree Fram Audio: Frieda Garcia Show Notes: Kirsten Pecua |