OUR TEAM
Our Story — Where Creativity and Community Meet Mint Hair Studio was conceived in 2005 as an artist’s loft for the established hair design professional. More importantly, Mint boasts high-end talent in a unique studio setting developed to create and support inspiration true to its designers and clientele. Using clean products, caring for our community, and collaborating as a team are is the forefront of our efforts. Mint is located in the hip, and ever changing neighborhood of Ballard in Seattle. Come in and see us, and then poke around all the other fun shops and restaurants Ballard has to offer. MINT hair stylists are each their own business owners. For this reason, all of our working hours are different. Please review everyones individual biographies to find who will best tailor to your personal style and meet your particular needs. We all specialize in different areas: balayage, foilayage, extensions, smoothing treatments, and mens cut are all only done by particular stylists.
Katie Karpenko
My path to hair design started in Fall 2019 at BTC's Cosmetology Program in Bellingham, followed by a two-year apprenticeship at Honey Salon training under Master Stylists and Educators. There I received in-depth color education from a regional Davines educator, precision cutting training from an Allilon-certified specialist, and advanced work in modern blonding and curly cutting. I earned my Hair Design license in January 2023, advanced quickly from Junior to Senior Stylist, and made the leap to independent stylist in January 2025. Consultation is at the heart of everything I do. I'm passionate about creating a collaborative experience where clients feel truly heard — finding that sweet spot between a style that looks great and works for your real life. I specialize in curly cuts and embracing natural texture, as well as texturizing and de-bulking dense hair for soft, lived-in movement. In color, I love dimensional, natural-looking results — from blonding to vibrant redheads — and I'm especially passionate about queer and gender-affirming services that help clients fully express themselves. Originally from Puyallup, I studied Graphic Design at WWU before realizing that color theory, design, and creative problem-solving translated perfectly to hair. After five years in Bellingham, I recently moved to Seattle to be closer to family and friends. Outside the salon you'll find me bowling, doing karaoke, crocheting, or watching a great TV show — at home with my partner Ruby and ou
Kirsten Jolly
Hair has been my calling since childhood, and after graduating from cosmetology school I spent ten years in a corporate salon building the discipline and range to grow into the stylist I am today. Known by my peers as "the diamond in the rough," I took the leap to independent stylist in February 2020 and have been building my brand and community ever since. I pride myself on being a well-rounded stylist who works with all hair types, textures, and styles — for all kinds of people. My goal is to create a space where every client feels safe, seen, and genuinely cared for. Color is one of my specialties — whether it's a soft dimensional balayage, rich multi-tonal color, grey blending, or bold vivid hues, I love finding the perfect tone and technique to match your personality and lifestyle. I'm equally passionate about curly cuts, precision cuts for the whole family, and men's grooming — from classic fades to modern textured styles. I also have a deep love for bridal and formal styling, and feel truly honored to be part of such meaningful moments. Outside the salon, I'm a proud Disney adult and single mom to two incredible daughters. Life is a beautiful mix of hard work, hugs, and hair appointments — with plenty of Disneyland trips, board game nights, cozy movie runs, and dancing in the kitchen while baking cookies. My chest tattoo says it best: "To live would be an awfully big adventure." And I'm living it in full color.
Lauren George
My journey in hair began with formal training at Gene Juarez Seattle in 2002, followed by their Advanced Training Salon specializing in color, and an additional 18 months at Gary Manuel Salon. Over the years I've expanded my education with industry leaders including Wella, Davines, Bumble and Bumble, Vidal Sassoon, Kevin Murphy, Aveda, and many more. Color is my passion. I specialize in catering to the individual — always considering your lifestyle, face shape, and natural tones to create looks that grow out beautifully. I work exclusively with KEVIN.MURPHY color for its natural, multi-tonal results. Whether you're looking for a subtle balayage, a bold transformation, grey coverage, or a Cezanne smoothing treatment, my goal is to give you hair you never thought possible. I also have extensive training in men's cuts and barbering. Outside the salon, I'm a Washington native who loves hiking, camping, boating, and chasing the sun. I'm a mom, a Peloton rider, a home cook, a drama-movie crier, and an avid traveler always dreaming of the next adventure. I love meeting new clients and catching up with my regulars — after 20+ years, I still genuinely love what I do.