We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kenya Fauntleroy. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kenya below.

Alright, Kenya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.

I entered the beauty industry 18 years ago in a kind of roundabout way. I was a 25 year old who had been working for a fragrance company as an applications chemist. After graduating with a Biology degree from Spelman College I was picking at straws trying to figure out what I wanted to do for a career. My initial plan as a biology major was med school of course. However, I quickly determined that it wasn’t the path for me. On the other hand I still loved science so I kept my major.. Within a year after graduating I started a job at a local fragrance company. It was something different, They manufactured fragrances for just about any personal care or household item you could think of. While there I continued to try and find my “real” career path. At one point I had enrolled in an online Master’s of Public Health program. That was short lived. Eventually I moved from the compounding department of the fragrance company to the applications department. My manager had a background in formulation of various products pertaining to haircare. She had major experience with many of the black haircare companies. After working alongside her as an applications chemist for a while I decided to pursue what had long been a hobby. I enrolled myself into a part time cosmetology program. Once completed I took my state board exam and obtained my license. I had no plans to actually use it. It was just my “hobby” Fast forward a few months, I was introduced to a local salon who’s focus was natural haircare. At the time black women had just started embracing their natural hair again. The trend of growing out relaxers had begun. The salon’s science based method of training appealed to me so I applied to be a part time assistant. Just months later I found myself as a stylist, no longer an assistant, with a steady flow of clients on a part time basis. Still, I maintained my job at the fragrance company which offered me a sense of stability. It was a guaranteed check that came with health benefits. The salon owner, eager for me to be full time on the floor, constantly reassured me that when I was ready he could guarantee me a full book of clients. As the next 3 months passed, it was evident that I could bring in more income working in my passion, doing something that I truly loved. I just had to take the risk, take the leap of faith. For me, the risk was quitting what I thought was a stable position to explore the unknown. A few days after deciding to take that risk, I was informed the fragrance company would be closing later that fall. I took it as confirmation and pushed forward. 18 years later I can say that I’ve been working in my gift. I’ve been able to meet the most wonderful people, gained experience with being an educator as well as mentor for others on a not so conventional path. I’ve been blessed to maintain a steady and growing book of clients and I am now starting an apparel line aimed at celebrating our imperfections called MAD MURCH. (Mperfect and Dope)

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a natural haircare professional who entered the industry over 18 years ago , working for a salon whose niche clientele were African American women wanting to grow out their relaxers. With a focus on healthy hair, After building a consistent client base I opened my own suite and became Texture Life Haircare. I provide services including silk pressing, textured styling and hair color. My overall mission is to help clients fall in love with their own hair. While I see nothing wrong with the occasional wearing of extensions or enhancements, there’s something to be said for feeling comfortable and empowered in one’s own skin, or more appropriately, hair. In keeping with the spirit of this mission the brand MAD Murch was developed. I was wearing t shirts and hoodies featuring my Texture Life logo in different color ways while working. Clients admired them and expressed interest in being able to purchase them. I thought it would be great to come up with different designs so that it wasn’t just my logo on a shirt. The designs would celebrate imperfections and being comfortable in one’s own skin. With that in mind, I developed the first two designs. Clients have been very supportive and feel a sense of pride wearing the designs.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been through referral and word of mouth. I started in this industry well before social media was available. In order to grow my client base I simply made sure I did good work. I made myself more available and accessible. If another more established stylist was going to be on vacation or had limited availability I made sure I was the back up. I’ve also kept up with continuing education and staying up on the latest trends and technology in the industry. Because I have a solid client base for Textured Life Haircare, they became my initial audience and customer for Mad Murch.

We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.

Keeping in touch with clients has gotten easier with social media. Clients can stay abreast of everything going on by checking my pages. I also send out newsletters periodically. I believe brand loyalty is fostered through being responsive when they reach out. Simple communication can go a long way to build trust in not only you but your brand.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.madmurch.com
• Instagram: @M.A.D.MURCH
• Facebook: Texture Life Haircare
• Other: www.texturelife.co IG: @Texturelifeatl

Image Credits
DRG Photo Studio Ty Pleas Media DO Photography