Meet Katharine Boss | Owner & hair cutting specialist, Freija Collective

We had the good fortune of connecting with Katharine Boss and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Katharine, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
To me, risk = reward. I think that I’ve taken a lot of risks throughout my career that have all lead me to this point. When I was 19 I moved to NYC to pursue an apprenticeship with Bumble and bumble. I think I had age to my advantage because when you’re that young and you haven’t had many real failures, you can kind of just follow your intuition without worrying too much about the consequences. Then again, in 2020 I found myself taking my biggest career/life risk to date, when I opened my brick and mortar boutique, Freija Collective. Opening a business during a global pandemic definitely had its challenges to say the least, and I’m pretty sure everyone in my life thought i was nuts! But the way I view risk still hasn’t changed. If you want something, go for it! Even if it doesn’t pan out the way you planned, it’ll still add to your journey which will eventually lead you to exactly where you’re meant to be.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Freija Collective is a boutique beauty collective and apothecary. We offer hair, skincare & energy healing services by some of the biggest talents in the industry. Freija was born on a dream to create a space with a serene vibe. A place that you can walk into and feel fully taken care of, and walk out feeling beautiful both inside and out. We chose the neutral color palette so you literally feel like you’re walking into a warm hug. Everything from the textured wall paint, to the handmade tiles and rounded corners, were intentionally chosen to set the mood.
I think as someone who has had a long struggle with anxiety and panic disorder, I felt that there was a need for a place like Freija. I’ve worked in so many hair salons over the years where I felt totally overstimulated. The music was always too loud, the clutter in the spaces makes the energy feel chaotic. So I really wanted to create something where beauty professionals and clients alike could walk into and literally feel their blood pressure lower. A year in and an expansion into the space next door, I really think I’ve achieved what I set out to. It definitely had its challenges, but I really tried to just go with the opportunities that life was presenting me with. I think that’s the main take away, it takes a lottttt of hard work, and a great idea to start a business, but you also have to be real with the opportunities you’re being presented with. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. You’ve got to trust your gut and try not to listen to other peoples opinions.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Anyone who knows me, knows I love to plan an itinerary! So here goes.. Start by heading to the West Side for an ocean view. Lunch at Topanga Living Cafe. Explore the beautiful surroundings. Head back to the east side and stop at Night Market Song for dinner.
Next day starts with breakfast at Amara Kitchen, followed by tattoos at Three Kings LA. After that we head to Homestate for a snack and refreshments. After heading home to Altadena to chill for a bit, then head back to Highland Park to check out a show at Lodge Room.
Last day definitely hit Olympic Spa in Ktown to soak, steam and get a scrub.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Kate Schlichter owner of Lost Hills LA. My mentor who taught me how to cut hair fearlessly, and introduced me to some of the coolest stuff I know.

Website: Freijacollective.com

Instagram: Katcaliboss

Image Credits
-Michelle Pullman, Rad & in Love -Victoria Gold Photography