Meet Whitley Kizzee of Pretty Natural Braids in Fort Worth

Today we’d like to introduce you to Whitley Kizzee.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
At the age of nine years old I learned how to cornrow braids to the scalp from my YMCA staff instructor Erica Freeman. She would let me practice braiding her hair during the after-school childcare and I would also practice on my dolls when I got home. Being raised by a single parent father, my sister and I did not like the way our dad tried to do our hair but we know he did the best that he could. As I grew older, my sister Danielle would have me trying new things such as sew in’s and quick styles. As I begin to style my own hair, my friends from middle school would ask me to do their hair up until high school! I started to love doing hair at this point in my life because not only was I doing what I loved but I was able to keep some extra cash in my pocket for things I needed or my dad would not buy. Going off to college was an experience and I was not sure how I was going survive until I met some of my basketball teammates that wanted to get their hair braided. I was known as one of the young ladies that can whip your hair up really cute! My greatest gift is making people feel and look beautiful!

At the time I was studying to become a teacher and sports coach but my junior year I came back home from college without a plan. I was stressed, depressed and tired from everything I had been through in school. Sometimes I was unsure of what I really wanted to do with my life. When I came back home, I knew I had to start looking for a job. I’m not use to being a dependent. I worked for Neiman Marcus customer care call center but I actually was stationed to work from home. This was the best opportunity that had come my way at the time because I had an interview by phone and completed training from home. I worked at Neiman Marcus for four years and attending University of Texas at Arlington college at the same time. I started to get overwhelmed with working and going to school so I decided to give school a break because It was something I was trying my best to accomplish without getting into student loan debt. One day I prayed and asked God for change. I wasn’t sure what change I was asking for at the time but I knew I wanted positive change. Sooner than later I begin to get back in the hair industry by doing my girlfriends braids. In 2016 my friend Marshua called me and said, “Whit remember when you use to slay everybody braids back in the day”. She asked me to braid her hair and she will post on her social media page to help me gain potential clients.

At this time I was still working for Neiman Marcus. I begin to perfect my craft one head at a time and not charge full price until I got better. By November 2016 I was able to quit my job and become a full-time braider. I love what I do and how I make people feel! It is now year 2019 and I have so far experienced working with other young ladies in their shop and I have also had my own personal suite. I am now offering group braiding classes and one on one beginner and advanced classes. I have come to the conclusion that this is my purpose. I love having the freedom to make my own schedule and do what I love everyday. I started to get a little burnt out because throughout my life I’ve always focused on working and accomplishing goals instead of living and enjoying life. I’ve learned not to take life so serious and indulge in the blissful moments while we are here on earth! As I continue to work hard, one day I plan to have my own braiding school and beauty lounge.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
April 2018 I had was under the weather for about a month long. I suggest planning in advance for taking sick time off and make sure to add a few more days off just for your personal recovery time off. It’s very important to take time out for yourself! Always take care of your first before helping or taking care of anyone else.

Please tell us about Pretty Natural Braids.
I am the owner of Pretty Natural Braids and Styles and I specialize in Natural Hair. A lot of women have transitioned back to our natural hair state and we have been so dependent on perms for several years, We don’t know how to manage our natural hair. Pretty Natural is known for having neat braids that can last a few weeks or longer. I am most proud of the work ethic that I put into my business and how far I’ve come to not give up. Every year I choose to perfect my craft by taking a braid class or investing in my business and that is what set me apart from others. I personally know that there is always room for improvement no matter how old you are.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My father enrolled me in a city league basketball team when I was 14 years old. At one of my basketball games, my teammates and I were on a fast break with the ball in our possession and the ball was passed to me. I literally stopped at the free throw line and pull up for a jump shot. I remember the entire crowd in the bleachers saying keep going “Whitley”, meaning I should follow through for the layup instead of the jump shot, but I didn’t know at the time that I should go in for the easy layup versus taking the jump shot. I made the jump shot and the crowd went crazy! After the basketball game, my coach came to me and told me what I should have done but It was definitely a good laugh and special moment!

Pricing:

• 2 Stitch Feedin Braids $45
• 4 Stitch Feedin Braids $60
• 5 Stitch Feedin Braids $70
• 6 Stitch Feedin Braids $90

Contact Info:

• Website: www.prettynaturalbraids.com
• Phone: 8178469251
• Email: prettynaturalbraids@gmail.com
• Instagram: prettynaturalbraids
• Facebook: facebook.com/prettynaturalbraid

Image Credit:
DeMarcus Williams Instagram @the_nikon_icon

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