Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Blakely.
Leslie, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was raised around women who loved and cared for our kinky curly hair. Both my maternal grandmother and great grandmother were hairstylists. I too began doing hair as a little girl, and by the time I turned 20 years old, I’d become a licensed Cosmetologist. I left the hair world in 2001 but returned in 2013 with a rekindled yet enriched love for our kinky curly strands, which led me to birth Kinky Curly Beauty.
Far too few of us aren’t loving our hair as it grows from our scalps. And I’m showing my sisters how to be creative without the hand-held blow dryers, without flat irons and without chemical straighteners. Our hair needs love, patience and moisture, and that’s what I’m offering to our community… with a little artistry nestled in, of course.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
There are quite a few obstacles/challenges that come with wearing our natural hair without chemicals or heat. So many of us have been conditioned into thinking that straight is “better than,” or curls are “better than,” so much so that we look down upon our kinky textures. And because of that, we’ll cover our hair with wigs or straighten it for special occasions because many doesn’t feel like our hair is professional or formal/classy enough.
My goal is to prove to us that our hair is in fact better, and is in fact formal enough for weddings and galas. We just need to learn how to give it what it needs. We need to learn to care for our hair as it is and stop trying to transform it into ways it wasn’t designed to be. My goal it’s to help us fall in love with our hair in is natural, unbothered state.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Kinky Curly Beauty’s Hair Studio – what should we know?
My salon is a natural hair salon and I specialize in the care and maintenance of kinky, curly, coily natural hair without the use of hand-held blow dryers or any other straightening tools. I am a licensed Master Cosmetologist who specializes in the health and styling of our natural hair while wet. I’m known for my sleek, neat, moisturized flat twists.
I’m proud that every day when I walk into the salon that I’m making a black woman’s journey just a tad bit easier as I help them embrace the beauty in how we’re created. Confirming my sisters’ beauty in spite of not having the loose curls… in spite of not having the straight flowing hair, this sets me apart. Helping them embrace the beauty in their hair texture and refusing to conform to what society does, sets me and my salon apart. We are a beautiful people, created like none other. That alone sets us apart.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My family has been a huge support for me throughout the years. My Pastor is praying and standing in the gap for me continually as I walk into my destiny. Yet it goes without saying that the nuts and bolts of this brand/business is the Lord. He gave me the gift and I follow his direction daily… just He and I. This is a one-woman show. And by the grace of God, I’m not tired yet!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.kinkycurlybeauty.com
- Email: admin@kinkycurlybeauty.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/kinkycurlybeauty
Image Credit:
Kinky Curly Beauty’s Hair Studio, LLC
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