Kati Davis was naturally drawn to a fascination with haircare. Braiding, brushing and barbering are in her bloodlines. Both her parents were employed in the haircare industry during her childhood.

Davis, 31, of Tuttle, took a first step into their footprints when she enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Canadian Valley Technology Center in 2008.

She cut hair to pay bills while attending the University of Central Oklahoma. She went to work for the State Department of Human Services and later as a student recruiter at CV Tech.

Last August, the Mustang High School grad achieved her dream of becoming a small business owner by opening Kati Davis Hair Co. in the Old Town Mercantile, a new boutique on West Main Street in Downtown Tuttle.

“I specifically wanted a studio space so I could create a positive, welcoming and personable environment for my clients. I think that sets me apart from larger salons,” Davis said.

Being a cosmetologist has always been her passion, she said. It’s what she enjoys most.

“After graduating college, I felt that I owed it to myself to explore other options that I could only achieve with a degree,” she said. “However, I always wanted to return to the hair industry. It was scary taking the leap back into it because building up a clientele takes time and patience but there’s no time better than now.”

Davis’ business offers a full range of services, including cutting, coloring, highlights, lowlights and more. Beauty maintenance was fueled by family and fanned into flame at CV Tech. Davis said the program was life-changing for her.

“It set up my entire career that I would not have had otherwise,” she said. “I obtained my license before I even graduated high school, it cost me nothing.

“I had no debt going into my career right out of high school. I kept my license active and stayed up to date with trends and further education.”

Davis was an exceptional student as evidenced by her selection twice as a Student Ambassador, which is similar to student council in common education. She also competed in various district and statewide competitions related to the haircare industry and to leadership.

CV Tech Superintendent Dr. Gayla Lutts said she recalls Davis’ servant heart.

“I am so proud and excited for her,” Lutts said. “As a student, she was a leader. As an employee, she always went above and beyond her prescribed duties and responsibilities. Now, as a local business owner, I am certain she will serve the community well.”

Applications are currently being accepted for daytime and evening Cosmetology and two dozen other full-time programs at metro area campuses in Chickasha, El Reno and Yukon. High school students attend a half-day in the morning or the afternoon. Adults have the option to attend a half-day or full day in most programs.

Tuition is free for high school students and adults under age 24, who live in the district and have a diploma or equivalent. The Next Step Scholarship for young adults requires proof of residency. Books and fees are extra.

Otherwise, in-district tuition is $2 per credit hour, plus 15 cents per hour in fees. Most programs require 1,050 hours to complete. For those who do not live within a technology center district, the cost is $5 per hour, plus 15 cents per hour in fees. For more information, visit cvtech.edu. To speak to a CV Tech career counselor, call (405) 262-2629.