Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kifeney Walker. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Hi Kifeney, thanks for joining us today. Often outsiders look at a successful business and think it became a success overnight. Even media and especially movies love to gloss over nitty, gritty details that went into that middle phase of your business – after you started but before you got to where you are today. In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. Can you talk to us about your scaling up story – what are some of the nitty, gritty details folks should know about?

Scaling up can be scary. You know you have to take risk and stand by those risk to create the life you want. Moving to another state, buying “the car” of your dreams, stepping into a new relationship, any relationship, for that matter is scary. Late nights making the business work by that being watching Youtube videos on how to create a steady income, working on clients to 11/12 a.m or even later, and how to make sure your taxes are being taking care of. Calling CPA’s and HR companies help scale up the business so you can protect your personal assets and be legitimate. Anxiety can creep in, you may have said the wrong thing to a client or wondering if I catered to them enough or wondering will they ever come or write a bad review. I’m learning that it is apart of business. All of this is very healthy and productive but it’s not for the weak. Business comes with the good, the bad, and the very ugly grind!

Kifeney, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I was recently covered in Knoxville Voyager article back in Sept/Oct 2023 and revealed my story of moving to Knoxville, Tn back in 2012 and conquering some personal obstacles and wanting to change my scenery from Augusta, Ga. I was looking for a new adventure when I got offered to work at Virginia College as an Cosmetology Educator. I jump on the opportunity. I have always had a passion for hair at an early age of 11 so I took it a step further when I knew I could be an business owner and really help my community. I’ve been an Cosmetologist 22 yrs and Educator for 20 yrs. Currently I hold dual license in Cosmetology and Barbering with various certifications. I also license the community in getting their Braiders License required by the TN. Knowledge is wealth and I enjoy sharing what I know and helping to improve someone else life and make a better situation for their family. I seen a need in the community for a natural hair stylist and with me servicing various clients back home and worked in different salon settings. I knew it was time to bet on myself this time. I had a young family at the time and I had to make it work. I worked at the school in the day time and I started building clientele in the evenings to progress in the new city. Word traveled fast and until this day I have never officially advertised my business. Word of mouth is always the best form advertisement. It was enough for me to open my own suite in 2019. Those were very scary times that lead up into 2020 when Covid-19 presented itself. I had faith that my business would succeed in that trying time. Fast forward to now, I just celebrated my 5th year being open and recently won Best Salon of Knoxville 2023!
I enjoy bring out the confidence in anyone how’s seeking a new change and ready to discover the Natural Aesthetic self. I love educating on the importance of a healthy regime for their hair and scalp. Discovering the natural you is always scary but well worth it. My slogan is “Brave you with a Bold look!” and trust me you would be surprise of how many people are nervous with being their authentic whole self. I enjoying breaking those boundaries.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Being resilient can be a challenge. I discover that feeling when I moved from Augusta, Ga back in 2012. With a new venture comes with sacrifice and lots of prayer. To get the new life I was looking for, I drove 5 hrs one way back home every weekend to do clients to make income to travel back to Knoxville after 2 days. My sister watched my kids for me while I transitioned to the new state. I stayed in a hotel for 6 weeks to accommodate housing due to not knowing anybody in this new city. I was scared, guessing my decision, and thinking “Is it really this serious to keep going?”. You know what, it was! I grew as a mature woman and started valuing my thoughts, mistakes, achievements and learning that boundaries are ok. It’s necessary in personal growth.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Word of mouth is the best form of advertisement. Being on time, listening to your client about the cares and desire for their service, offering snack and giving out promotional products are always for the win. Being diverse and being a well rounded stylist is always a plus. Staying current on new techniques and abreast with the latest information will gain trust in the client. Keeping your commitments will always win over anything. People are looking for trustworthy stylist and one who actually enjoy their profession and she is me!

Contact Info:

• Website: nadiversestudio.com
• Instagram: naturalaestheticsdiversestudio
• Facebook: Natural Aesthetics Diverse Studio w/Kifeney Walker