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

Hi Keziah, thanks for joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Flashback to July 11th, 2019 – the day I took a leap of faith and quit my job without a plan in mind. Feeling like a fish out of water in the beauty industry, I decided to try my luck as a freelancer, putting myself out there on Thumbtack. I was flooded with makeup requests and was able to build my portfolio and reviews. After realizing clients demanded more from me and turning down countless big opportunities, I realize I needed to level up. I rebranded as THE KEY LOOK, ditched the solo hustle, and started seeking bigger business opportunities.

Skipping ahead to mid-January, right before the chaos of the pandemic hit, we landed a major gig for a memorable bat mitzvah that was taking place February 2nd, 2020. Our business had also become official at this point. With about 30 women needing hair and makeup for the event in only 3 hours, the challenge was set even higher. The client did not spare any expense as it was her only child who was celebrating a huge milestone.

I set out to build a team for THE KEY LOOK. I was able to recruit two stylists and an assistant to help me carry out the task. Despite a few clients not completely satisfied with their glam, I persevered, making sure everyone felt like a superstar that day. The client’s trust in me and the significant investment she made inspired me to keep spreading beauty and joy.

This milestone marked a turning point in my journey, solidifying THE KEY LOOK’s reputation in the industry. It taught me valuable lessons in leadership, adaptability, and staying true to myself as a business owner. It reshaped my vision for the future and set the tone for more growth and success ahead. It’s these moments that define us and fuel our passion to keep shining bright.

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

My fascination with makeup blossomed at 19, while I was exploring the world of modeling. It only took one session in the makeup chair for me to see how amazing makeup was. I found myself visiting the makeup artist almost every day because it gave me such a confidence boost. As I navigated through cosmetology school, the universe threw me a curveball – an opportunity with Sephora. Two managers from Sephora in Bridgewater, NJ presented an opportunity that spoke to my soul, and I knew that working there was meant for me. Starting as a cashier, I absorbed every ounce of creativity from my talented Sephora family.

However, as my skills flourished, I outgrew my role at Sephora and sought new horizons. I dabbled in selling life insurance and freelancing for various bridal hair and makeup companies to expand my portfolio. Landing a position at Macy’s in Herald Square, I envisioned myself as a makeup artist but ended up taking a different path. Determined to bet on myself and leave Macy’s behind, on July 11th, 2019, I leaped into the unpredictable world of freelancing with only $300 to my name, embracing every opportunity that came my way. I used $25 of that money to advertise my services on thumbtack. The response was overwhelming, and soon I found myself booked solid, fueling my passion and determination.

With each job, I grew more confident in my abilities, setting milestones to elevate my business. I honed my craft and positivity, and passion became my driving forces. A pivotal moment came when a bride named Silky tipped me generously and praised my work, affirming my passion for making others feel beautiful. Embracing the solo artist within me, I hustled to build my reputation, but the growing demand urged me to expand my horizons.

Recognizing a gap in the industry for inclusive beauty services, I built a team of 15 diverse stylists under “THE KEY LOOK,” championing representation and celebration of all skin tones and hair types. At The Key Look, inclusivity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s our DNA. Our commitment to diversity extends beyond skin tones and hair types; it’s a celebration of individuality and empowerment. Focusing on wedding styling allows us to craft unique experiences for brides seeking a touch of diversity and fun on their special day. Beyond providing exceptional service, my mission is to empower black women in an industry often lacking adequate representation. By providing a platform for black women to shine and feel seen, The Key Look stands as a beacon of inclusion and excellence. We aim to redefine the wedding experience for all by offering a space where anyone can feel beautiful and valued. Our mission is simple: to make every bride feel extraordinary and every moment memorable. Together, we’re rewriting the rules and reshaping the narrative of beauty in weddings.

The journey of building “THE KEY LOOK” has been nothing short of magical, filled with amazing opportunities and heartwarming connections. This is a place where beauty knows no bounds, where every voice is heard, and every heart beats with anticipation. The Key Look isn’t just a brand; it’s a movement—a celebration of individuality, diversity, and unapologetic self-expression.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

Building my reputation in the wedding industry has been all about blending authenticity with innovation. By staying true to myself and infusing every event with a touch of my unique style and personality, I’ve resonated with couples looking for more than just a cookie-cutter experience. As an owner of a bridal hair and makeup team, my reputation in the wedding industry has been built on a foundation of reliability, trust, authenticity and consistency.

One of the cornerstones of my reputation has been my unwavering commitment to exceeding client expectations. By providing top-notch services, staying on top of industry trends, and delivering flawless results, I’ve earned a reputation for reliability and quality. My strong communication skills and emphasis on building meaningful connections with clients have played a significant role in solidifying my reputation. By listening attentively to their needs, offering personalized solutions, and maintaining open lines of communication throughout the process, I have been able to earn their trust and loyalty.

Additionally, my success in the industry can be attributed to the close relationships I’ve built with clients. By speaking their language, understanding their vision, and being accessible through their preferred communication channels, I’ve been able to create a sense of partnership that goes beyond a typical vendor-client relationship.

Beyond delivering exceptional hair and makeup services, I’ve prioritized building strong relationships within the industry. By collaborating with wedding planners, photographers, and other vendors, I’ve not only expanded my network but also enhanced the overall client experience through seamless coordination and teamwork.

Ultimately, my commitment to excellence, genuine care for my clients and collaboration has been instrumental in shaping my reputation as a trusted and respected business in the wedding industry. By maintaining high standards, adaptability and prioritizing client satisfaction, I’ve been able to solidify my reputation as a respected sought after professional and set myself apart as a go-to professional for wedding beauty services.

Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?

Prioritizing and creating a positive and supportive work environment for your team members is essential. Clear communication, mutual respect, and ongoing training are key pillars of any management approach. I truly believe in setting clear expectations for roles and responsibilities while fostering a sense of teamwork and collaboration among your team.

Recognizing and rewarding team members’ hard work and achievements is fundamental to keeping morale high. Whether it’s celebrating milestones, offering incentives, or providing opportunities for personal and professional growth, strive to show your team that their contributions are valued and appreciated.

At the core, promote work-life balance and prioritize the well-being of your team members. Understand the demands of the industry and encourage self-care, flexibility, and open communication to support a healthy work environment.

By prioritizing these values and initiatives, you will aim to build a strong, motivated team that is passionate about delivering exceptional service to all clients and driving success for your business.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.thekeylook.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/thekeylookllc
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/thekeylookllc
• Other: Tiktok @thekeylookllc Pintrest @thekeylookllc

Image Credits
Attimi Photography Love and Covenant Megan and Kenneth Marta Moraschi Photography Alykuler Photography Perfet Wedding NYC Trisha Keeler Photography