Today we’d like to introduce you to Kameron Samples.
Hi Kameron, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a Georgia native, Brunswick, Georgia to be exact, home to the beautiful Golden Isles. There is where I fell in love with Hair. I was drawn in by the communal experience of a salon setting, the transformation of clients that would frequent the local shop, and ironically the smell of the products and styling tools. My brother and I would sit for hours and enjoy the “shop talk” as our barber prepared us for the coming week.
Growing up, we would visit my dad’s family regularly on holidays here in Atlanta. I can remember being engulfed in the lights, the bustling city day or night, and the history that Atlanta contributed to our nation with monumental movements especially in the hair industry. I always felt Atlanta to be my home away from home. Atlanta is known to be the hair capitol that encourages many to move, visit, and be a part of the evolution of hair. Upon graduating cosmetology school in 2012, I made a one-way trip to Atlanta and became a part of the evolving cosmetology movement I was inspired by.
Over the past ten years, I have been developing my brand, networking with hairstyling heroes, and placing my mark on the natural hair culture with my signature style, The K.Z. Kurlz. My goal in styling is to use individual personality and day-to-day lifestyle to assist in creating my client’s optimum hair goal. My methods have been proven to create a unique style experience that affirms who THEY are. My clients are the culmination of my brand. Each one is unique and perfectly created. As I give to them my gift of styling services and support, in turn they give to me kindness, encouragement, and inspiration.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Two of the most challenging parts of my journey have been the ongoing personal struggle with confidence and being consistent in marketing.
Most of my life/career, I have supported others. From working as an assistant manager for 14 years to supporting the growth of friends, family and coworkers, to branding my clients as the face of my company as opposed to myself, I lived a supportive role. In short – I adopted dimming my light so that others could shine. By doing this, I force the focus on others and not the importance of the light within me. This has led to lack of confidence throughout my journey. What I would like to highlight about myself which I include in my brand is; I am a light of inspiration, I am driven to the goals I set, I aspire to grow as well as be supportive, I am set apart, and most of all I lead with love. One of my favorite words to live by is – If it doesn’t flow, it doesn’t grow. Understanding how you flow can encourage growth within yourself and the ones around you.
The second challenge I’ve faced is marketing. I do most of my marketing myself through content creation. Although I have had support with marketing in the past, I feel that it takes away from my creativity. Creating content for myself has delayed the display of my styling skills and the confidence boost it gives my clients. Ironically, confidence is the delay of creating or posting. I am always thinking, “I could’ve done something different!”. However, when the content is published, I receive great feedback! I have accepted the fact that people will either support your content or give constructive criticism. Be open to receiving feedback, however it comes. I encourage anyone struggling with confidence and/or marketing to build from where you are. Your identifiable skills of engagement will grow as you continue your journey.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Over the years, I have explored many styles. I am skilled in working with many hair hairstyles and textures. I started with relaxed clients. Followed the natural hair movement into silk presses and flat-twist styles. Since, I have added on braiding, coloring, and treatment services. My favorite style to create is my own which I call K.Z. Kurlz. This style is a modern flare on the commonly known comb twists with a lot of body and movement. The K.Z. Kurl is a protective style set to reform natural curls for approximately 3-4 weeks. The style is flexible, creates fullness, and can be set in different directions when installed. K.Z. Kurlz allows clients to grow their hair without manipulation, only requiring oiling of the scalp. After the 3-4 week timespan clients return, receive a Cerebral Shampoo that is both cleansing and relaxing and then set again. With every service offered, the Cerebral Shampoo is included then finished with a 3-5min conditioning-massage. I’ve been told that it’s the best shampoo in Atlanta. I’ll let you be the judge.
Some have said, “Coming to you is more than just a hair appointment, it’s therapy.” I enjoy bringing a refreshing and open mindset to my client’s sessions. I call them sessions because it is truly a time when clients can literally let their hair down. This is our time to shed in a judgment-free space. We share experiences, culture or current events, and how things are going since we last saw each other. This is what I mean when I say “shop talk”. My clients trust me with more than just their hair. They trust me with parts of their life.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
The initial support of my journey started with my parents, brother, and family members, who became my first clients. One family member in particular, my cousin Meyocha Grier gave me my first pair of FHI flat irons. She also gave me my first job here in Atlanta, working alongside her. I am forever grateful for her continued support in me and for assisting in training me.
The development of my brand started with my godbrother and fashion stylist Jeramiah Roberts of Styled by Fashion Mr. LLC. He not only encouraged me to brand my skills but also helped me choose the name of my brand, supported me in overcoming my marketing fears, and was the initial test pilot of the K.Z. Kurl. He continues to be a walking billboard for the K-Stylz brand.
Others that have supported me were my two mentors, Dennis Clay and O’Brien Lynch, who took me in early in my journey. They nurtured my willingness to learn and adapt to the fast pace of the salon industry. My big brothers have always believed in me and encouraged me to grow beyond my fears.
Currently, my support comes from Perry Meeks and The Grain Grooming Studios family. Our team of skilled artists helped me grow my business with client referrals, one-on-one barbering and loc’ing tutorials, but most of all they have encouraged my confidence within with the place of belonging. As one of the first publicly LGBTQ+ affirming salons/barbershops in Atlanta, we create a space that welcomes every walk of life, something that you cannot get in a conventional barbershop or salon setting. At The Grain – Everyone is welcome.
I have collaborated with many of my teammates at The Grain. We have challenged each other to grow personally and professionally, sharpened each other’s skills and minds, and have supported each other inside and out of the shop. They are my salon family. Without them, I would not be thriving in the industry as I am today!
Pricing:
- K.Z. Kurl – $75-$150+
- Cerebral Shampoo- $40+
- Stitch Braids (w/o extensions)- $95+
- Loc Retwist- $85-$150+
- Starter Locs- $120+
Contact Info:
- Website: kstylzhair.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/kstylzhair
- Facebook: Facebook.com/kstylzhair
- Other: TikTok.com/@kzlyfestyle
Image Credits
Torrey Belcher- K-Stylz Branding Photos
