I still remember the moment that changed everything. I was sitting in a meeting at my corporate job, being reprimanded by my boss and their boss—two people who were supposed to have my back—for something that wasn’t even my fault. As their words buzzed around me, I thought, “There must be a better way to earn a living.” That thought planted a seed of courage. By the end of that day, I gave my notice and walked away, unsure of what was ahead but absolutely certain I couldn’t stay.

The stakes were high. I was just 24. My husband and I had recently purchased our first home and were dreaming of starting a family. My corporate job provided us with financial stability, a flexible schedule, and health insurance—things I knew I couldn’t easily replace. But I also knew I was meant for more. Grinding away at a soul-crushing job was not the life I wanted, and it was certainly not the legacy I wanted to leave behind.

I’ve always had a gift. I can see potential—whether it’s in people, ideas, or places. Even more, I have a knack for helping others see that potential in themselves. That gift is what nudged me toward a bold new path. As soon as I quit my corporate job, I enrolled in cosmetology school. I already had a bachelor’s degree, but my passion for the beauty industry and entrepreneurship had been quietly simmering for years. I was obsessed with the idea of transformations—not just physical makeovers, but the way they can spark confidence and reveal the brilliance someone didn’t realize they had.

What I didn’t know then was that my journey behind the chair was just the beginning.

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Seven years into my career as a stylist, life looked very different. Two moves, two kids, and a full book of loyal clients filled my days. But that restless feeling returned. I knew I was making an impact with my work, but I wanted more.

Growing up in a dysfunctional home, I often felt like life was happening to me, not for me. It was only through faith and the guidance of female mentors that I began to rise above the circumstances I was born into. Those women shaped me, and I knew I wanted to pay it forward by mentoring others. For so long, I thought the only way to make a meaningful difference was to become a teacher or missionary. Yet, there I was in the salon, realizing that I was already making a difference—right where God had placed me.

The next step was clear: I needed my own space and the autonomy to grow the kind of community and business I envisioned.

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Starting a business was intimidating. I had no roadmap. No mentors. Just a laptop, a baby sleeping beside me, and a burning desire to create something meaningful. I spent late nights Googling everything: How to write a business plan? How to get a loan? How to secure a lease? Slowly but surely, I pieced it together.

I leaned on my community. A client in commercial real estate helped me to find potential spaces. A friend with a brick-and-mortar store shared her experiences. I even connected with someone in the bridal industry who generously shared her knowledge. These women—and their generosity—gave me the confidence to move forward.

Walking into the bank with my business plan felt like stepping onto Shark Tank. I’ll never forget the thrill (and shock) of having my loan approved. Negotiating my lease was a test of nerves—I walked away at one point—but in the end, I got exactly what I wanted. When I finally opened the doors to my salon and bridal hair and makeup company, I had no idea if anyone would want to join me.

Six years later, I’m in awe of what we’ve built. We’ve grown to a team of 25, expanded into a space three times the size of our original location, created a true partnership developing the next generation of leaders in our industry, and worked on over 700 weddings.

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This journey is one of purpose, passion, stamina, and tenacity. Stamina isn’t something you just have—it’s something you build. If you’ve ever wondered how I do what I do, the answer is simple: I’ve been building this stamina for years. And confidence? It’s not innate. It’s earned through trying, failing, learning, and trying again.

More than anything, my story is about empowerment. My passion is to mentor and uplift others the way I wish someone had done for me. I want to inspire people—especially women—to believe that it doesn’t matter where you begin. You can create the life you dream of. My purpose is to empower women to see and reach their God-given potential.

At the end of my life, I hope my kids and grandkids will say, “She was kind, she made a positive impact on others, and she lived with joy.” If they do, then I’ll know I’ve succeeded in the work I was called to do.

Warmly,
Kendra