Today we’d like to introduce you to Leilani Jeanis.
Hi Leilani, 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’m a Georgia girl, born and raised, and the daughter of two rebel kids who grew up in very traditional families, so it’s no surprise my life never followed the normal path either. I’m one of five kids, and if my family had a “dark horse” award, I’d probably win it without competition.
My childhood had its fair share of chaos, and adversity shaped a lot of my early years. I learned almost everything the hard way, which didn’t make life easy, but it taught me who I was. It gave me the kind of grit you can’t teach. School was never my strong suit. I didn’t graduate, and I had my first child at 19. For a long time, it felt like life was happening to me instead of with me.
But that’s not where the story ends. I’m now a mom of two, in my fifth year of sobriety, and I’ve built a career and a life that I’m genuinely proud of. None of it came easy, but my stubbornness and resilience ended up being the two things that saved me over and over again.
I’m grateful for every lesson because it’s what got me here, stronger, grounded, grateful, and finally in a place that feels like mine.
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?
We were an unconventional family, to say the least. I didn’t come from money, and I was no stranger to struggle or chaos in my formative years. Becoming a single mom while I was still a kid myself was one of the hardest things I’ve ever gone through. I fell deep into addiction and started following in my late father’s footsteps as life got heavier and I got more lost. Breaking my family’s cycle was, and still is, the hardest fight of my life.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a hairdresser who specializes in vivid, creative color, including rainbows, character inspired looks, tie dyes, and anything wild. Color is where I feel the most alive. Every client is a new canvas, and I love turning a vision, a character, or even just a vibe into something they can wear. I’m drawn to the unconventional, and nothing is ever “too much” for me. What I’m most proud of is helping people step into the version of themselves they dream about, their boldest and most fantasy driven self.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
My version of success comes from the enrichment, camaraderie, perspective and wisdom I gain from my colleagues and clients. The most fulfilling part of my job is getting to connect with people of all ages and from every walk of life. There’s an unspoken safety in the salon chair, a space where people feel free to open up. It’s an honor to be trusted with so many stories, The joyful ones, the painful ones, and everything in between. Success, to me, is staying grateful and present in every moment, even the ones we’d rather not be part of.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.instagram.com/killforhue/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/killforhue/
