We were lucky to catch up with Kayra Theodore recently and have shared our conversation below.

Kayra, appreciate you joining us today. One of the toughest things about progressing in your creative career is that there are almost always unexpected problems that come up – problems that you often can’t read about in advance, can’t prepare for, etc. Have you had such and experience and if so, can you tell us the story of one of those unexpected problems you’ve encountered?

As my community online started to grow, I’d find myself in spaces amongst people at the level where I want my art to reach. When I’d cross paths with celebrities, casting directors and other creatives, they would tell me how they’ve come across my page and love how unique the art in the hair is. I realized that there is a disconnect because if everyone loves and has seen my work, then I’d internally question why it hasn’t translated to being hired to do hair for red carpet events, or on screen projects and things in that realm. And on top of that, when I’d be hired to model for projects, many times the hairstylists don’t know how to work with textured hair. So there is a need for what I do, but when do I get to be included in those spaces? I would love to exist on a project beyond someones moodboard and I’m trying to navigate bridging that gap.

Kayra, 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 mom used to take my sister and I to the African Braiding salon to get our braids once in a while. At the time, jumbo box braids weren’t a thing but I had seen a photo of a beautiful woman with then and I knew I had to get that. I went to the shop and showed them the style. All the braiders kept saying the style would be too heavy, the braids are too big and they can’t do it on me. I made it my mission that the next time I get braids, I’ll do it on myself. On my first try, everyone around me thought I got them professionally done. When they found out I did them myself, I started getting inquiries on if I braid other peoples hair and I said I do. Thus my side hustle was born!

I do everything from braids, to loc retwists, to slick back ponytails, to creative editorial hairstyles! And I work with all textures!

I’ve been told that I have soft hands when I braid. Many people think that the tighter the grip the longer your hair will last. That is a recipe for lost edges and breakage. I prioritize the health of my clients hair. I also think that my creative vision, speed and love sets me apart from others. Braiding is so natural to me so I move with a sense of knowing even when I don’t have a plan going into the hairstyle if granted the space to freestyle.

I want anyone who sits in my chair to know that my ultimate goal is to help others love their texture. Our hair is so beautiful and has the ability to take on so many forms. The first step is to develop a relationship with it, The first step to that is to take an even deeper dive and learn to love yourself as yourself. As I do your hair, I want to get to know you as a person and maybe you will get to know more about yourself in that process.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist in my eyes would have to be the impact. When I started sharing my hairstyles and braiding techniques online, people felt inspired to embrace standing out and even start their own journey on braiding their hair. I love that my art inspires people to show up as their authentic selves and to really make the effort to love their hair.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal is to continue on showing people how beautiful textured hair is. It’s been an uphill battle of people telling specifically black people, what is acceptable when it comes to our hair in various spaces. I want people to see and feel how beautiful our hair is, no matter what shape it takes. I also want people to get to the root of why they wear their hair in specific ways. I love all styles but if you decide to straighten your hair for example, I hope it’s because you just want to do it and not because you don’t love your true texture. I want everyone to explore hair with love.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayratheodore?igsh=NnZ5eDVvazVrdGJu&utm_source=qr
• Twitter: https://x.com/kayraszn?s=21
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@kayratheodore?_t=ZT-8wl8hud8flu&_r=1