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

Kenya, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

I always harbored the desire to own my own business, but fear held me back. One day, fed up with negative thoughts, I took the plunge and opened my own hair salon to provide services on my terms. Having worked in various salons before, I recall a frustrating incident where the salon owner refused to use the air-conditioning on a scorching day, affecting clients’ experiences.

Driving past commercial buildings, I yearned for the affordability of a monthly lease. Then, I spotted a for lease sign on my current salon in Diamond Bar. I bravely explored the possibility, praying for the lease space. After contacting the owner and proposing a deal to manage the property for rent discounts, I submitted my resume and became a tenant.

Seeking guidance, I joined the SBA Inland Empire Women’s Business Resource Center, consulting with business advisors for insights. Using my savings, I launched my business, and the journey of ownership has been both rewarding and educational. As the sole proprietor, I’ve learned to manage all aspects, even during challenging times.

Kenya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My ambition has always driven me to make a positive impact in the hair care industry. I aspired to be known as the “attitude adjustment hairstylist,” aiming to uplift people’s spirits through my work. Inspired by my Auntie, who had a knack for making her clients feel fantastic after a styling session, I decided to pursue a career as a cosmetologist.

In my role, I provide hair care services, focusing on addressing challenges faced by both men and women. My specialties include hair extensions, braids, and silk press treatments.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

The most challenging period for my business was during the Covid-19 pandemic. Government mandates compelled me to pivot from indoor services to exclusively providing outdoor services for months. Throughout this time, my offerings were limited to haircuts and styling, and I could only attend to one client at a time. As a result, my business income significantly declined during this challenging period.

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

My clients spread the word through positive testimonials about the quality customer service they receive from me. The salon atmosphere provides a homely experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.kenyahaircreations.com
• Instagram: @kenyahaircreations
• Facebook: @kenyashaircreations
• Yelp: Kenyashaircreations