Today we’d like to introduce you to Meme Kelly.
Hi Meme, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
In 2010, I received my Bachelors in Public Health from Dillard University. Due to the lack of experience and opportunity in my field in my city, I decided to pursue my passion for hair. Because I used all my financial aid, I had to pay for school out of pocket. I got a better-paying job as a casino dealer at Harrah Casino in New Orleans to pay my way through school. I received my beauty license in 2013 and started building my brand from there. I began my beauty career doing a lot of fashion shows and events. I created a glam squad, which consisted of other hairstylists, makeup artists and barbers from in and around my city. We were the goto glam team for all fashion and hair shows in the Southern region for two years straight. From there, I was persistent with building a clientele so I can become a full-time entrepreneur. I participated in pop-up shops, networking events, street marketing, and then social media. It took some time but within two years, I was able to leave my main job and now I have been a full-time entrepreneur for four year. Currently, I have a thriving brand and a buzz as being the #1 Kids Hairstylist in New Orleans.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
For the most part, it has been a smooth road. I hit a few bumps but who don’t. My first struggle was trying to build clientele. It took a while but I had to remain consistent and patient. My second struggle was selling retail. When I launched my first set of products, I was ignorant of how to launch products or build campaigns. After a year, I had to discontinue my first line of products and restrategize. The birth of SILK ME KIDS products came from that and it been up ever since.
We’ve been impressed with Silk Me Kids, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Silk Me Kids is the Walt Disney of kids salons and spas, established in 2017. We provide a creative, family-friendly, safe environment where children can be themselves. Our products provide manageability, soft hair and moisture. Being the first salon and spa in New Orleans, our salon services leave children feeling like confident, beautiful divas. Silk me kid’s mission is to become the educational leader within our community to provide our children with spotlights and opportunities for forth and to embrace their natural tresses. The purpose of the salon is to provide beauty services for ages 2-16. We provide silk press, natural styling and healthy hair care services. Our priority is healthy hair care. We have created hair care products to satisfy the needs of babies, kids, and teens. Because we want to uplift and empower our kids and their natural tresses, we provide kids with opportunities to be in major spotlights ie, billboards, branding advertisements, and campaigns.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is being able to put smiles on kid’s faces. There is a self-esteem and attitude change from the time they walk in until the moment they leave the salon. The ultimate goal is to see them happy, and that moment makes it all worth it in the end. It truly warms my heart.
Contact Info:
- Email: silkmekids@gmail.com
- Website: silkmekids.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/silkmekids
- Facebook: facebook.com/silkmekids
- Twitter: twitter.com/silkmekids
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWtTVsmpMPr4JWOOreRMRBg
Image Credits
Shot By Irv Corey Shot by MK Juston Jacques Photography
