Today we’d like to introduce you to Destiny Kelly.
Hi Destiny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story is pretty unique as in I started off as a “Salon Baby” shampooing and styling clients at the age of 12 alongside my Mother. Not realizing what my true passion was I attended Georgia Southern University and received a Bachelor of Science in Health Education and Promotion and a Master in Healthcare Administration. During that time at GSU, I was the top hairstylist in the Statesboro. Styling all of the students on campus for a reasonable price. After finishing college I moved to Atlanta and interned at Grady Hospital. That’s was when I realized the corporate world was not for me and that hair was my true passion. I started my Cosmetology apprenticeship under my mother and received my Master’s Cosmetology License in 2016. I worked as a stylist building my portfolio and had a salon suite in the College Park area for 3 years. In 2018, I decided to open up my own storefront salon in the Cascade Area of Atlanta Georgia named Salon N-V-Me. Salon N-V-Me is home to 6 Talented stylists, 1 Lash tech and 1 MUA. Salon N-V-Me is coming up on its five years anniversary in May.
The name Salon N-V-Me stemmed from my mother’s hair salon which was named N-V-US. My mother Cyrita Kearse has been in the industry for over 25 years and has always inspired and motivated me to do what I love, which is helping people from all different aspects feel beautiful. My mom currently works alongside me and helps me manage the salon.
Alright, 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?
The road to entrepreneurship has not been as smooth as I have made it seem. What people don’t realize is that yes it’s glamorous to have your own salon but it takes hard work and money. In which sometimes the money isn’t readily available. The first 3 years of most business pushed out more money than I was making and it as very hard finding a dependable and licensed stylist is hard. Within those three years, Salon N-V-Me was hit hard because of covid in 2020. During that time the salon was forced to close for three months. Not only did I make no money nor did the salon make any money. The transition from having a booked salon to closed for three months to having limited clients that were forced to wear masked was very devastating.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Master Cosmetologist who literally does everything such as hair extensions(sew-ins, tape-ins, quickweaves, etc.), natural styling (silk presses, twist outs, cuts, etc.), Permanent Coloring, lash extensions and PMU(Microshading). There’s almost nothing that I haven’t tried that I can not do. Out of all of the services that I offer my specialty is Natural styling and Coloring. Those two services are what I am known for most passionate about. I am most proud of being myself in this industry and allowing my authenticity to attract different brands and people to my business. I have gone IG viral a couple of times but my proudest moments have been being able to teach individuals how to manage their natural hair and fall in love with the hair texture that they were born with. In 2019, I taught a class sponsored by Aunt Jackies on how to use their natural products as well I have recently taught an online class with Curl Box on natural styling. I believe what sets me apart from others is that I am a direct build board of what I teach and preach.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My favorite childhood memory is growing up with my 3 siblings. Dinnertime used to be so much fun from cracking jokes to trying to figure out how we were going throw the food away without our parents finding out. Family is very important to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: Stylesbydestiny.com
- Instagram: Stylesbydestiny
- Facebook: Styles by Destiny
- Other: TikTok stylesbydestiny1
