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

Khadija, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The story behind More to the Chair is truly remarkable. It all began when a young woman came into my space, referred by someone who didn’t even care for her—which made her visit all the more interesting. As she sat in my chair, she began sharing her hardships and how she ended up where she was. I listened and poured into her, offering words of encouragement.

Then came the aha moment. With conviction, I told her, “That’s why you came to this place—there’s more to this chair!”

What happened next was completely unexpected and spirit-led. As I was shampooing her hair, she suddenly lifted her head and shook it back and forth—while it was still wet! (If you know, you know—that’s not something people do, especially mid-shampoo!) You can imagine how messy it could get, but she couldn’t help herself. She was moved by the Lord.

With conviction in her voice, she declared, “That’s it! That’s it!!” It was as though we had been working on something for months and had finally figured it out. I stepped back, surprised and intrigued, as she looked up at me and said, “That’s your brand—More to the Chair!” In that moment, it felt like a light bulb turned on in my mind—I’d been praying asking God that exact question, what my brand was?

At the end of the day, I couldn’t shake what had happened. As soon as I got into my car, I searched online for #MTTC and “More to the Chair.” To my surprise, there was nothing—no hashtags, no websites, no social media presence. While hairstylists often use terms like “Beyond the Chair” or “Behind the Chair,” there was no More to the Chair. It was like God had handed me something completely unique.

In that moment, I knew “More to the Chair” wasn’t just a phrase; it was a calling. I started praising God right then and there, thanking Him for the clarity, the vision, and the opportunity to pour into others through my work.

#MTTC is more than hair—it’s about connection, transformation, and purpose. And it all started with a divine moment in the salon.

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

I’m Khadija Harris, founder of More to the Chair—a luxury hair salon, wellness spa, book hub, and community gathering space where beauty, wellness, and culture come together to inspire transformation. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., I’ve seen firsthand the harsh realities of inner-city life, where many young people faced challenges like violence, incarceration, and addiction. These experiences shaped my determination to rise above my circumstances and create a positive, impactful path for myself and others.

My journey into the beauty industry began at the age of 16 when I took a job as a shampoo assistant to help fund my education at a military school. That first exposure to the world of hairstyling ignited a passion I didn’t know I had. I started experimenting, styling friends and family, and discovering the joy of helping others feel confident and beautiful. What began as a necessity turned into a calling, and I dedicated myself to becoming the best cosmetologist I could imagine.

Today, at More to the Chair, I specialize in creating healthy, relaxer-free hair and empowering my clients with education on how to care for and nurture their hair. My brand is built on the philosophy that “a healthy head of hair starts from within.” We focus not just on hair but on creating an environment where clients can relax, recharge, and reconnect with themselves.

What sets More to the Chair apart is its intentional design as a space for beauty, wellness, and cultural connection to collide. From offering top-tier hair care services to being a hub for artistic and cultural expression, More to the Chair is more than just a salon—it’s a movement. I’m deeply proud of the way we inspire clients to embrace their natural beauty and create a ripple effect of positivity and self-love within our community.

I want potential clients, followers, and supporters to know that More to the Chair is about more than just hairstyling. It’s about transformation—of self, community, and culture. Whether it’s through the styles we create, the books we share, or the connections we foster, we are here to help you take a deliberate pause, nurture yourself, and unlock the key to vibrant, healthy hair and a balanced life.

Have you ever had to pivot?

My journey has been one of faith and trusting the process, even when it meant making major pivots. I transitioned from a career in human resources and customer service—fields that gave me invaluable skills and experiences—to becoming a cosmetologist and following my true passion. That shift wasn’t easy, but it was necessary to pursue my dream.

One of the most challenging pivots came when the salon I was working at closed, and I had only three weeks to find a new salon home. It was a moment of uncertainty, but my faith never wavered. I’ve always believed that God is my shepherd, guiding me each step of the way, and this was no exception. I felt like I was on assignment, doing the work I was called to do.

Looking back, I realize that every pivot I’ve faced has been a blessing or a form of protection. God always makes a way, even when the path seems unclear. These moments of change have strengthened my faith and reinforced my commitment to the work I do today. Each pivot has brought me closer to fulfilling my purpose, and for that, I am deeply grateful.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals have been the cornerstone of my success. Over the past 13 years, I’ve built a strong network of over 500 women, rooted in trust, authenticity, and genuine care. My approach is simple: treat others the way you want to be treated and always be honest. I don’t chase fads or trends, and that consistency has earned me a loyal client base.

Even when clients explore trendy styles elsewhere, they often return to me when they’re ready to focus on maintaining and restoring healthy hair. Knowing that I’m their go-to for real, long-term hair care solutions has been both humbling and rewarding. It’s a testament to the value of building relationships and staying true to your mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.moretothechair.com
• Instagram: Moretothechair
• Linkedin: Khadija Harris
• Twitter: Moretothechair
• Other: https://store.sendowl.com/s/cccfbaa7-52d1-4c67-867a-3d3ab7a600ad?

Image Credits

Ajani Olaitan of Aristar Image Studio