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

Frieda, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of the most important things small businesses can do, in our view, is to serve underserved communities that are ignored by giant corporations who often are just creating mass-market, one-size-fits-all solutions. Talk to us about how you serve an underserved community.

Giving back to the community is at the heart of what I do, and being able to provide a Day of Care for the unhoused is an experience I hold dear with Marianna Frank and her husband. Partnering with a mobile shower unit, I had the privilege of not only helping individuals freshen up but also offering haircuts and hairstyles (which is my gift to the world) clothing, and shoes to those in need. Seeing the joy and confidence restored through something as simple as a retwisting locs reminds me why I love this craft.

This work isn’t just about styling hair; it’s about uplifting people, restoring dignity and showing genuine care, Engaging with the community in this way strengthens my brand beyond just beauty services; it reflects my dedication to wellness, self-care, and humanity. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve and look forward to continuing to use my skills to make a difference.

Frieda, 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?

My Journey: From Young Braider to Beauty Industry Powerhouse

My journey into the beauty industry began humbly in Lexington, NC, where I started braiding hair in the sixth grade. By the time I was 11, I was already servicing adult clients, perfecting intricate micro braids. At just 13 years old, in the year 2000, I styled my first wedding for my uncle and his bride—a milestone that hinted at the greatness to come.

Even with my natural talent, I saw hair as just a side hustle, not realizing my true worth in the industry. Life took its turns, and by 2014, I found myself at a crossroads—married with six children and facing personal challenges. Determined to turn my passion into a career, I made the bold move to Atlanta, GA, in 2017 to take hairstyling seriously. I worked at a salon in Buford, GA, while networking at expos and events, spreading the word about my craft. While living in Atlanta, I began writing a children’s book titled Nobody Knows Me. This project was inspired by my experiences and the desire to create a story that resonates with young readers. It’s a reflection of identity, self-discovery, and the importance of being seen and understood.

In 2019, family obligations brought me back home, and shortly after, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. While many businesses struggled, mine thrived. I prioritized my clients’ health and safety and shifted my focus to servicing locs—a decision that changed everything. As loc extensions became increasingly popular, I not only mastered the installation process but also learned how to create them myself.

In 2021, I opened my own salon, FreeKay Styles, specializing in natural hair care—from blowouts to my signature loc services, my bread and butter. I continued expanding my brand, networking with other salon owners, and attending major industry events. A defining moment came when I attended Bronner Bros. in Miami, where the creativity, competitions, and beauty influencers reshaped my vision.

Through a hair group called Legion of Glam, I met Jonathan and was mentored by industry legend Terrence Davidson. That mentorship propelled my career to new heights—styling for major names like Judy, the owner of Kaleidoscope Hair Products, at Essence Fest, working with Megan from Basketball Wives, models at New York Fashion Week, and even styling for the BET Awards. I competed in hair competitions, went on tour, and built a clientele that now spans the country, with clients traveling from Hawaii, Houston, New York, and New Orleans just to sit in my chair.

In October 2025, I took another major step and joined Alpha Chi Pi Omega, a sorority dedicated to the beauty industry. Now, with nearly 25 years of experience, I am on the brink of my next milestone—opening my own hair school to educate and inspire the next generation of stylists.

My journey is a testament to resilience, talent, and the power of recognizing my own worth. From a young girl braiding in Lexington to a nationally recognized stylist, educator, and soon-to-be school owner, my story is still being written—one loc, one style, and one dream at a time.

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

Growing a strong and loyal clientele in the beauty industry takes a mix of skill, strategy, and consistency. Here’s a solid foundation that combines both modern marketing and good old-fashioned relationship building:

1. Deliver Exceptional Service- always give exceptional customer service
2. Word of Mouth & Referrals-encourage happy clients to spread the word
3.Leverage Social Media- post consistently on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook
4. Create a Signature Style or Niche- specialize in something so you become the go to in your area
5.Network Like Crazy- attend events, expos, pass out business cards, wear your logo in public
6.Use Booking Platforms and Google- use platforms like Square, Gloss Genius or Style seat
7.Collect and Share Client Reviews-Ask satisfied clients to leave a review on Google, Yelp, or your booking site
8. Offer Promotions- First-time client discounts, birthday specials, or loyalty programs
9. Follow Up and Stay Connected- send thank-you text or emails after appointments
10. Be Authentic- people connect with you. Let your personality, passion, and professionalism shine through everything you do

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the habit of saying yes to every client and overbooking myself from early mornings to late nights-sometimes working from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Nonstop hustle was the only path to growth in my mind. But I was running on empty- physically, mentally, and creatively. Over time, I realized that saying yes to everyone meant saying no to myself. I prioritize quality over quantity and understand that rest is a form of productivity. Now, I’m more intentional with my time, my clients, and my energy-and my business is better for it.

It took time, growth, and a few hard lessons to realize that not every client is my client, and that overworking doesn’t equal excellence. I had to learn that rest is necessary, that time off is productive, and that protecting my peace allows me to show up fully present and creative. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish- its self-respect. Now, I work smarter, not harder, and I only accept clients and opportunities that align with my energy, my purpose and the brand I’m building.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://freekaystyles.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/freekaystyles
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/freekaystyles