Meet Whitney Kammerich

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

Hi Whitney, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I started Gilded Locks, I wasn’t just creating a brand — I was creating an experience I felt was missing.

I’ve been doing hair since 2016, but in 2021, while I was home with my newborn son, everything shifted. That time away gave me clarity. Coming back, I didn’t want to just return to work — I wanted to create something special. Something intentional.

I didn’t start my business just to do hair — I started it to do it differently. I saw a space in the industry for something more elevated, more personal, and deeply client-focused.

And over time, my passion evolved into something even deeper — helping women navigate hair loss, postpartum shedding, and all the seasons of change that come with being a woman. I know firsthand how emotional hair struggles can feel, and it’s become one of the most meaningful parts of my work — helping women feel like themselves again.

To gild something means to elevate it — to layer it in beauty, detail, and intention. That’s exactly how I approach my work. Taking what’s already there and enhancing it in a way that feels effortless, refined, and uniquely personal.

Because at the end of every appointment — when my client and I look in the mirror and see her again — there are truly no words for that moment. The confidence. The emotion. The way she carries herself just a little differently walking out than she did walking in. That’s what it’s all about.

Gilded Locks was built around that belief — that great hair should look as natural as it feels, and true luxury lives in the little things: thoughtful placement, intentional color, seamless extensions, and an experience that feels as good as it looks.

At its core, Gilded Locks isn’t just about hair — it’s about restoring confidence, honoring every season of life, and helping women feel like the most elevated version of themselves.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My journey didn’t begin in a salon — it began in an art studio.

I originally went to school to become an art teacher and majored in drawing. I’ve always been drawn to creating, to detail, to bringing beauty to life with intention. Eventually, I shifted into general education and spent time teaching in the classroom. But no matter how fulfilling parts of that path were, I couldn’t ignore the feeling that something was missing. I wasn’t creating — and I felt it deeply.

My family, especially my grandmother who was a stylist herself, would always tell me I was meant to be behind the chair. That I had the eye, the passion, the calling. And eventually, I listened.

I moved to another state to complete a 3,000-hour apprenticeship and ended up launching a salon with the very person who trained me. During that time, I taught high school by day and worked in the salon at night — taking clients late into the evenings. It was demanding, but it shaped the work ethic and artistry I carry with me today.

After getting married, I moved to Texas — where my husband is from — and soon after, we welcomed our son. During maternity leave, I finally had the space to ask myself: What do I really want to build? That moment of stillness gave me clarity, and that clarity became my vision.

Now, as a luxury extension and color specialist — and as the Lead Educator for Gilded Mane Extensions® — I’m finally doing the work I was always meant to do. I combine art, education, and transformation in a way that feels deeply aligned with who I am. What sets me apart is the level of thought and precision I bring to every transformation — from how the light hits the hair to how seamlessly it blends, to how it makes someone feel when they walk out the door.

It wasn’t an easy road — but it was the right one. I’ve learned that your path doesn’t have to be perfect to be purposeful. My story is about finding my way back to creativity, and building something beautiful — one blend, one client, one vision at a time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: We’d kick things off with a coffee and pastry from Fiction Coffee in Dallas before heading to Bishop Arts District to stroll, shop, and check out local boutiques. Dinner would be at Paradiso — stunning ambiance and amazing seasonal dishes.

Day 2: A full spa day at The Joule downtown — massages, facials, and pool time — followed by dinner and rooftop cocktails at Monarch with views of the city.

Day 3: Brunch at Hudson House (oysters + martinis, yes please), then we’d head to Highland Park Village for luxury shopping and a mid-day rosé at Honor Bar. Evening: lowkey movie night or a concert at The Kessler.

Day 4: A Fort Worth day! We’d start at Joe T. Garcia’s for margaritas and Tex-Mex, visit the Modern Art Museum, and wrap with dinner at Clay Pigeon.

Day 5: Relaxation day — maybe a blowout or extension refresh at my studio, then sunset drinks on the patio at Sixty Vines.

Day 6: We’d hit up the Dallas Farmers Market, explore Deep Ellum for murals and live music, and get BBQ at Pecan Lodge. It’s a must.

Day 7: One last luxe brunch at Rise No.1, then a lakeside walk at White Rock Lake before sending them off feeling spoiled and glowing.

Dallas-Fort Worth has so many hidden gems — from chic rooftops to soulful spots with character. It’s the perfect place to slow down, glam up, and make memories.

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?
If I had to dedicate a shoutout, it would go to a few key players. First, my family — especially my husband — for being my constant support system through every pivot, late night, and new idea. Transitioning from teaching into the beauty industry wasn’t always a smooth road, but their belief that this was my calling never wavered.

Second, the mentors who poured into me when I was just starting out. I made it a point early in my career to really listen — and their willingness to share not just techniques, but real-world wisdom, gave me the foundation I needed to grow with purpose.

And lastly, my clients. They’re more than appointments on a calendar — they’re part of the reason I’ve been able to build a brand rooted in trust, transformation, and confidence. Their loyalty, referrals, and openness have been everything.

And a special shoutout to @caseyhairartistry— the vision of @gildedmanehairextensions has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my journey. Embarking on the education side of things has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected, and I’m so proud of what we’re building: a brand rooted in intention, artistry, and impact.

This path hasn’t been solo — and I wouldn’t want it to be. It’s the people behind the scenes who make the dream sustainable.

Website: https://gildedlocks.glossgenius.com/

Instagram: @gildedlocksbywhit

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/

Other: TikTok- @gildedlocksbywhit

Image Credits
@kayleevphoto
@capturedbybledi