Meet the founder

Kat Chelko

I’m Kat, a professional hair artist with 15 years of experience, but my love for creativity started long before that. As a child, I was always drawn to creating something unique, starting with cutting my stuffed animals’ hair and giving them their own style. I wanted them to stand out, just as I did. I was born with a port wine stain birthmark covering half my face, which led to Sturge-Weber syndrome and glaucoma in my left eye. After four eye surgeries, multiple lip surgeries, and over 300 laser treatments, I learned that true beauty comes from embracing who you are.

In high school, I found solace in makeup and hair, using them to express myself and, at times, to conceal the parts of me I wasn’t yet ready to show the world. I went on to graduate from the Aveda Institute of Denver, where I made lifelong friends, including Sara, who’s now on my team at Kat Pro Studio. After graduation, life threw some challenges my way. I had to turn down my first salon job due to emergency eye surgery, which left me recovering for months. Eventually, I took a job at a JCPenney salon, then moved to a commission-based salon where I stayed for a couple of years, but it wasn’t the right fit.

During this time, I expanded my love for makeup by working at MAC Cosmetics for four years. I learned valuable skills—both artistic and business-focused—and juggled running a home salon, working at MAC, and doing weddings on the side. My journey eventually led me to open Kat Pro Studio in a salon suite near Park Meadows, where I worked for four years before moving to another suite within a med spa. It was here that I truly honed my craft and grew both personally and professionally.

During this transformative time, I married my person, and with his love and support, I found the confidence to fully embrace my authentic self. Inspired by his belief in me, I knew I wanted to create something bigger—a space where I could make a real difference in the beauty industry, which can often feel cutthroat and competitive.

Kat Pro Studio was born out of my desire to lead with kindness, authenticity, and empowerment. I wanted to create a salon where both stylists and clients feel supported, inspired, and valued. At Kat Pro Studio, when you walk through the doors, you’re stepping into a space designed to make you feel beautiful, inside and out.

We operate as a salon without gratuities! However, if you feel inclined to express your kindness, we kindly ask that you consider donating to an organization that is close to our hearts.

Wolves ignite a deep, fervent admiration within me, for they embody the essence of resilience and unwavering determination. These noble creatures, with their indefatigable spirit, ensure the well-being and continuity of their pack, demonstrating an inspiring blend of grit and drive. Their bravery knows no bounds; in the face of adversity, they stand tall and fearless, a testament to their indomitable courage. Beyond their physical prowess lies a profound loyalty—wolves mate for life, showcasing a heartfelt commitment that speaks volumes of their deep-seated love and loyalty.

The sheer beauty of wolves is nothing short of mesmerizing; their majestic presence and piercing gaze evoke a sense of wonder and reverence. Far from the misconstrued image of malevolence, wolves are the very embodiment of benevolence and social harmony, playing a pivotal role in the ecosystem that underscores their significance beyond mere survival. They are not just animals; they are a symbol of nature's intricate balance, reminding us of the beauty and resilience inherent in the wild. My passion for wolves stems from their remarkable attributes, which inspire a profound respect and a deeper understanding of their essential role in our world.