Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Evans.
Keisha, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was about fifteen years old when I began coloring my friend’s hair, braiding, etc. When I was nineteen, I attended Molers Beauty College in Gretna, Louisiana where I gained plenty of hands-on experience. I quickly realized that while my fellow students had mastered the art of the social/therapeutic side of life as a stylist, my awkward unassuredness and social anxiety, left me lacking. I decided in those moments that although I loved making my clients feel amazing, I didn’t know if I could provide everything that came along with being a stylist. I would go on to begin a career in healthcare and while it was very fulfilling to remain in a position of service, the allure of the beauty industry was never really too far out of mind or practice.
Life came full circle (as it tends to) about a year ago when my sister Ashley came to me and asked me to be the Operations Manager of her new salon, What-A-Doll Beauty Bar. It wasn’t long before I was back behind the chair braiding and building clientele here in North Richland Hills. My clients have been amazing. Between the positive encouragement from them, Ashley and her Co-owner Franchesca, I decided to finish up my cosmetology hours, to better serve my ever-growing family of clients.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
To say it hasn’t been easy would be an understatement. Stepping out into entrepreneurship means sleepless nights, working 24/7 a lot of struggle and trial and error. Nothing comes to you in life simply because you want it. You have to work hard for every social media like, every person who sits in your chair and for every single person who decides to cross the threshold of your business doors. Many times, all we see is the pretty part of being a “Boss Chic” but I am here to tell you, it’s not easy as it looks. Being a boss is not for the faint of heart.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with What-A-Doll Beauty Bar – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
What-A-Doll is born of the idea that every woman should have the opportunity to control her own destiny and to do so in a place where every woman around her is there to support her success and that is what sets us apart.
While I am currently our resident braider, I am looking forward to adding many more services to my repertoire very soon.
I am also the founder of Know Thyself Love Thyself Youth Leadership and Development. KTLT is a non-profit organization for children ages 7-18. Our mission is to uncover every child’s untapped purpose, power and potential, giving them the tools to perpetuate change in their culture and community for generations to come. KTLT has group meetings both in New Orleans and in the DFW area.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am very excited about the future! There are transitions in the works for both What-A-Doll and myself. What-A-Doll will move to a new location, where we can expand our services. As for me, I’ll be finishing up my cosmetology hours with Tint School of Makeup and Cosmetology at the beginning of 2020.
Contact Info:
- Website: Whatadollbeauty.com
- Phone: 817-412-3989
- Email: Shebraidstoo@gmail.com
- Instagram: @shebraidztoo and @ktlt.nola.tx
- Facebook: @shebraidztoo
- Other: https://instagram.com/ktlt.nola.tx/
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