Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla Scott.
Kayla, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Even though my mom is a braider, she didn’t teach me to braid and neither did a YouTube video.
I started doing hair my sophomore year of high school and I was my only client for a long time. The first style I ever tried on myself was senegalese twist and they were awful but I was so proud of myself when I finished. Starting out, I was more into coloring hair and weaves but once I noticed how much cheaper kanekalon was versus brazilian, I quickly made the switch. I attempted to do my hair again months later, same style, and the improvement was obvious. I was feeling myself too much & hair had my heart after that. I then moved into braids but braiding didn’t come as easy.
It was a huge disadvantage at first because I couldn’t do all the styles people wanted or it would take me twice as long, but as I practiced, I got better and I adjusted. I started braiding my hair all the time and when I’d go to school, people would be like “Who did your hair?” and that’s how it started. Before I started taking it seriously, I kept my hair done along with close friends and family. I did my friend’s hair for free on their birthdays and anytime I just wanted to try a new style. They supported me so much & were my first and still, most loyal clients. I kept my prices low & gravitated towards girls from schools, teachers, their daughters, etc. I also jumped on the social media wave and created a page for people to see only my work and book appointments. From there, KaylaDenise, Inc. was born.
Great, 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?
Building clientele isn’t easy, especially in Atlanta, where you can find a braider anywhere. It’s hard to get people to trust you over someone they’ve been knowing for years. Also, braiding didn’t come as easy. When learning to cornrow, they teach you to keep the hair on top of your fingers as you braid. It’s called overhand braiding. I don’t know why but I was never able to grasp that concept. So because I already knew how to do box braids, I tried starting cornrows the same way and it stuck. I underhand braid every style I do, meaning I keep the hair under my fingers at all times.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I specialize in protective styles. Everything ranging from wigs, to retwist, to knotless braids. I’m mostly known for my braids and obsession with parting.
I’m currently focused on just maintaining a safe environment for myself and my clients during these hectic times. I’m also looking into the near future, deciding where I want to see my business in a year and what I need to do to get there.
I’m most proud of the clientele I built. The biggest concern for me starting out was that I wouldn’t have a healthy clientele or even a loyal one, but I was blessed to have both and I am forever grateful. I’m proud that out of all the talented braiders in Atlanta, people still chose to sit in my chair and when you love hair as much as I do, there’s no better feeling than that.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I personally feel like my drive is unmatched. We didn’t always have it easy & we’ve fallen on hard times. I’ve watched my mom struggle and have to sacrifice a lot to raise three by herself. We’ve been in situations I swore to myself I’d never be in again and I stand on that. I’ve lost people closest to me and lost myself, but when I’m working, my head goes clear and I hold on to that.
Pricing:
- Medium Knotless Braids: $135
- Jumbo Knotless Braids: $120
- Soft Locs (hair provided): $150
- Passion Twist (hair provided): $150
- Feed In Braids (4-6): $35-50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://stylesbyKD.as.me/
- Phone: 4702232559
- Instagram: @kayladenise.inc
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