Today we’d like to introduce you to Keturah Smith.
Hi Keturah, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
K Slay started when I was in college at Arkansas State and then continued over at Mississippi State University. I’ve always done my own hair and everyone would ask if I could do theirs. So, I started doing hair on top of working a part-time job and running track. At that time doing hair was just a little side hustle to make ends meet because my mom really couldn’t financially support me being a single mom of 4 kids and I really didn’t want to add any more stress or pressure on top of her. It wasn’t till I graduated with my BS in Psychology and I moved to Texas when everything really started coming together before my eyes. I moved to Texas in hopes of becoming an HR director or family and marriage counselor but it was so hard trying to find a job. I was getting declined left and right so I just settled for a collection agency job and hoped to move within the company one day, January 2020 I received a message on my Instagram hair page (keep in mind I wasn’t doing hair in Texas I actually wasn’t logged into my IG page since I left college) from a shop owner asking if I’d like to rent out a suite to do hair. I looked up the address and seen it was 2 mins away and I knew at that moment that was my sign from God that I need to get back into doing hair. So, I took a leap of faith and literally built my business from the bottom up. Having no clientele and no family in Texas did have me anxious but I knew my God had a plan for me. I did my research, networked, made business cards, and did everything that I could to get my name out there and now 2 years later I’m blessed, booked, and busy, and one of the best Locticians in Dallas Texas.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it a relatively smooth road?
The road wasn’t smooth at all. There were ALOT of trials and errors. Some struggles I faced was gaining clientele, I had no family and a very small circle of friends when I moved to Texas so I had to build my clientele from the ground up. I also was working two jobs starting off so I was having a hard time balancing my 9 to 5 job as well as working in the shop from 5 pm to as late as 2 am. I’m such a people pleaser which is a blessing and a curse at times, but when I first started working, I’d sacrifice my sleep just to get another client in. But I learned the hard way, that was not the best decision. I found myself being angry, depressed and drained all the time. I came to the realization that sleep and me-time should be a priority. So, I just had to find balance and I love my clients for sticking with me through all of this cause now my mental, my happiness, and business is better than ever.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
So, I am a Master Loctician! I’ve been doing Locs for 10 plus years. I specialize in Starter Locs, Loc Maintenance, Loc Retwist, Loc Repairs, Loc Extensions, Loc Combining/Wicks, and Instant Locs. Everyone loves me mainly because of the care I put into my clients locs and my creativity with the Loc Styles. I take pride in executing the desired looks for my clients. I shock myself at times how I can literally look at something and instantly know how to do it on the first try. I had a client come in and show me a Black Power Fist created with Locs and I’ve never did anything to that extent but I had confidence I could do it and I definitely did the dang thing! I love my creativity and my God-given talent, it’s such a blessing! I’d say what sets me apart from the others is just my vibe! I’m all about positivity and helping the people grow around me. I’m here to help not only with your Locs but Advice, helping with connects, or even the best food restaurants to go to cause ya girl lovessss to eat!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
The advice I give to people who have an idea of wanting to start something or in the process of starting something is to put God First, or if you have a higher person, put them first and ask for guidance. Without my God, I would not be where I’m at today. Second advice is to START. I didn’t know how to run a business. I didn’t have the clientele but I knew I would get it if I just start and put myself out there. Network, make business cards, Promote! Literally, just start and build that momentum. And lastly, have faith and confidence in yourself, there will be downs and there will be ups but if you push yourself those Ups will outweigh the downs, Guaranteed! Only thing I wish I knew when I was starting out was more about Business Credit. That’s one thing that doesn’t get taught to the minorities and that has to change and I plan on continuing to enlighten future business owners the steps to building business credit.
Pricing:
- Loc Retwist: $100 and Up
- Loc Repairs: $200 and Up
- Loc Extensions: $700 and Up
- Loc Detox: $150 and Up
- Full Hands-on Loc Classes: email: kslayx3@yahoo.com for dates/pricing
Contact Info:
- Email: kslayx3@yahoo.com
- Website: StyleSeat.com/keturahsmith
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/kslayx3?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kslayx3/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC-Ab_S0tFgxE3j-N3cd-qAA
Image Credits
Jarrius Carter
