Today we’d like to introduce you to Kenyetta Dunlap.
Kenyetta, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Hair has always been my passion from a young girl growing up in Albany, GA, where I styled family member’s hair as well as my own. I’ve always known that hair is a huge part of who you are as a woman. It has always brought me joy to enhance the beauty of a person because when your hair looks good, you feel good! My family moved to Atlanta just before I started high school, and when I started, I tried to take up Cosmetology during high school, but classes were always full. After graduation I continued to build a list of clients, some that I still service 20 years later. I worked at various jobs but was never ready to commit to hair. Out of all the jobs I’ve had, hair has always been there, following me along the way.
After working for Fulton County Schools for ten years, I received a managerial promotion and instead of being excited I felt trapped and unsure of my future. Every day I would ask God for a sign to help me decide if this was the right path for me. I was working for the school while still maintaining my client list, spending time with my husband, raising kids, maintaining our home, and attending college. I finally made a choice after talking it over with my husband.
March 2014 is when I took a leap of faith towards my passion. I put in my letter of resignation and my journey started. I went downtown the next week and enrolled at CEI Hair Schools of Atlanta and graduated within a year while working on my bachelor’s in Business at Clayton State University. I then obtained my license as a Master Cosmetologist and certified Make-up Artist. Soon after I established my brand, Sunshine Glam Hair Studio LLC (SGH Studio) and I opened my first salon. Named after my childhood nickname ‘Sunshine’. As a full-time entrepreneur and the demand from my clients I later started a virgin hairline, also named after myself, Ken’ D. Collection Premium Virgin Hair. A brand that has been featured in Cutting Edge Hair Magazine and presented at The Bronner Bros. Hair Show.
Another passion of mine has been writing as far back as writing in my journal as a child. I loved to write poems, songs, and short stories. September 2020, despite the pandemic, I published my first novel, Revenge: Is it Real or Fake? Available on Amazon and Kindle. My goal is to create a legacy for my kids, and I have already started the foundation. And be an example of determination, courage, goal setting, confidence, and strength and trusting in God first.
Has it been a smooth road?
It definitely has not always been a smooth ride. There have been ups, downs, wins and losses. Through it all I have kept my faith in God. Having the support from my husband, family, and friends to remind me that I am worthy is the motivation to keep going.
After the birth of my daughter in December 2019, I stepped away from the chair for a few months only to come back and have to close my business due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Although it has been a challenge, I am thankful for the extra time spent with my family. I also had time to finish and publish my novel. It has also given me time to set more goals for the future with time to reflect on past learned lessons.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Sunshine Glam’ Hair Studio – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I have been known to be called the ‘Hair Doctor’ by many because I believe in the integrity of my client’s hair. Sunshine Glam’ Hair Studio LLC promotes beautiful, healthy hair. We specialize in quality hair extensions, sew-ins, quick weaves, custom colors, and trending cuts for women.
Sunshine Glam’ Hair Studio has been featured in hair magazines and styled for local hair shows. In 2016 we were featured as a platform artist at the Bronner Bros. Hair Show in 2016 in Atlanta, GA, where I showed off my signature cut & color techniques. SGH Studio has also served in the community by giving makeovers to the homeless at the Salvation Army and various churches. We host our annual ‘Glam’ me Pink’ cancer awareness pampering party every year in honor of survivors and their families.
Being a part of the hair industry is a forever changing business because styles change, and new trends are formed all the time. As a beauty professional, I continue to educate myself by taking continued education beauty courses to stay fresh in the industry. My love for the beauty industry as a whole has inspired me to expand my Ken’ D. Collection brand. We now offer more from the collection: lace glue, silk bonnets, silk wrap scarves, mink eyelashes, and 2021 hair care products will be added.
As an author, I plan to continue to publish more books in the near future and work on writing a stage play. Revenge: Is it Real or Fake? II will be released September 2021.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love the city of Atlanta. I’m just a little country girl from Albany, GA, but Atlanta raised me to be the girl boss that I am today!
Pricing:
- E-book – $9.99
- Paperback – $14.99
- Handmade Wigs – $100 & up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sunshineglamhairllc.com , www.authorkenyettadunlap.com
- Phone: 678-489-1163
- Email: sghstudio@outlook.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/sunshineglamhairstudio, www.instagram.com/kendcollection_virginhair
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/sunshineglamhairstudio
Image Credit:
Kim Griggs
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