Inspiring Conversations with Karis Brame of HairByKare

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karis Brame.

Hi Karis, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in Chicago, I spent a lot of time in salons watching my mom do hair. I was always by her side helping as her little assistant, and without even realizing it, I was learning the skill that would later become my own business. Seeing the confidence people walked out with after sitting in her chair inspired me from a young age.
I officially started taking paying clients during my freshman year of high school. What began as something I loved quickly turned into a real business that I have continued to grow while balancing school, cheerleading, and everything else in my life. Every client has helped me improve my skills and become more confident in what I do.
For me, hair is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a form of art. I love being able to create something unique for every person who sits in my chair. The best part isn’t just the finished style; it’s seeing someone’s confidence grow and knowing I played a small part in making them feel beautiful. That’s what keeps me motivated to continue growing Hair by Kare and improving my craft every day.

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?
It definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like any business, I’ve had to learn how to work with all kinds of clients. Some people can be difficult to communicate with or have expectations that are hard to meet, and learning how to handle those situations professionally has been one of my biggest lessons.
I’ve also had moments where I wasn’t fully confident doing certain hairstyles. Instead of pretending I knew everything, I chose to keep learning, practice, and step outside of my comfort zone. Every challenge has helped me become a better stylist and has pushed me to improve my skills.
Those experiences have taught me that growth comes from being willing to learn. Every difficult client and every style that challenged me has made me more patient, more confident, and more prepared for the next opportunity.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
HairByKare is a home-based salon built on creativity, comfort, and confidence. I specialize in braiding styles and love creating looks that make my clients feel beautiful the moment they leave my chair. Whether it’s knotless braids, stitch braids, or another protective style, I focus on making sure every client leaves happy with quality work.
One thing that sets my brand apart is the experience I try to create. I want every appointment to feel comfortable, relaxing, and welcoming. I know getting your hair done is more than just a service—it’s self-care. I also love giving back to my clients by offering deals and affordable pricing whenever I can because I want quality hairstyles to be accessible.
What I’m most proud of is that HairByKare has grown through consistency, passion, and word of mouth. I started taking clients in high school, and seeing people continue to trust me with their hair means everything to me. I want people to know that when they book with HairByKare, they’re not just getting their hair done—they’re getting someone who genuinely cares about helping them look and feel their best while providing a cozy, positive experience from start to finish.

What makes you happy?
What makes me happiest is cheerleading. It’s so much more than a sport or an after-school activity to me—it’s a part of who I am. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, the moment I step onto the track, the court, or hear someone call “set cheer,” everything else disappears. It’s where I feel the most confident, the most free, and the most like myself.
Cheer has changed my life for the better in so many ways. It has taught me discipline, confidence, resilience, and how to keep going even when things get hard. It has given me lifelong friendships, unforgettable memories, and goals that reach far beyond high school. Because of cheer, I’ve found a dream of continuing at the collegiate level, and it’s something I work toward every single day.
More than anything, cheer has given me purpose. It reminds me that my past doesn’t define me, that I can always grow, and that every challenge makes me stronger. My motto has always been “keep it going,” and cheer is the reason I live by those words. It’s the one thing that has consistently brought me joy, and I’ll always be grateful for the person it has helped me become.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairbykare.as.me
• Instagram: hairrbykaree