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

Kindra , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

I build women’s confidence and save them time in the restroom mirror by offering healthy and beautiful hair solutions! Most of my clients who find me are just tired; of the responsibility of managing their own hair, hair breakage, or simply not having a style that brightens the room when they walk in! So they contact me, and to put a cherry on top I offer Soft Glam Makeup applications to compliment their new look!

I have been a licensed Hairstylist for 11 years. I enrolled in Cosmetology School because of the high work expectations and little money the jobs were offering. I had no prior experience with hair, and was lost after joining and returning from Army Training. All of my classmates, were clearly experts already. I studied for my exam and passed. I started working for SmartStyles in Walmart and this is where I cut hair the most. It was totally different from school. The base salary was not enough and I didn’t have clientele. I worked in a salon, was mentored, had 2 salon suites, and the money wasn’t there for me.

I started working at a Foster Care Agency with no background in social work so there was an income cap there. By this time, I was 22 married with one child – I needed more money, career advancement, and benefits. I then was able to land my dream job (or so I thought) at a Fortune 500 Company! I grew so fast! I received 4 promotions, worked on several projects, and was able to explore leadership. While there, once I made it where I thought I wanted to be still married with 3 children – I saw I needed to get back in the Beauty Industry. I began taking Makeup courses with some of Houston’s Hottest Artist, because I thought I wanted to only do makeup. My friends started asking me to do their hair again, and some employee friends. I did it, and then got more curious on how to perfect my craft. Now I was juggling re-learning hair and makeup, working a job, leading a specialized team of 18, Military, a fitness enthusiast, and being a mom/wife.

Something had to go. I started reading devotionals for clarity and attending Christian conferences! Something was happening, I didn’t know what it was. It was revealed to me in March of 2021, and I used that tragedy as motivation to allow God to carry me into something greater!

The Military taught me discipline and to never quit! Working at a Fortune 500 Company taught me how to run a business, service customers, conflict resolution, how to manage people, effectively communicate, and be a leader!

Now as The KB Glam, I’m not only a Hairstylist/MUA but I am a Business Woman! I am an Expert at Silk Presses and Tape-Ins! I teach the art of manipulating natural hair and I assist beauty pros on how to explore their creative talents to scale their businesses! Networking, learning from others, and meeting new people is the absolute best part of this lifestyle!

What makes me so different is, I care about my clients Five Star Experience! My only aim is provide a space of relaxation where my clients can unwind and be enriched beyond hair and makeup. This is a community of women loving on each other. Women juggle so much, but often forget about loving themselves. In my suite environment, I encourage women to explore new things and appreciate the flaws that make them unique!

What I am most proud of is my mindset shift. I was so doubtful of everything about my talents. For so long I allowed the devil to trick me. I would climb and fall backwards. Then I started to change my thoughts and speech about myself. Every since then I’ve conquered and gained! I became a dreamer, and I’m surprised everyday at where Stepping out on Faith has gotten me. This is why I smile at others daily, and service women with the utmost respect. You never know what someone is going through.

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

It’s only been 1.5 years back in business. The most vulnerable times (heartbreak/failure), is usually when a Pivot is necessary. What I’ve learned Sometimes pivoting is necessary during success too!

Earlier this year, I had high hopes on doing a collab. We had a great plan, and was going to do something Houston had never seen before. For me, I felt this was an amazing thing because I had only been back in business for 8 months. I ignored a lot of red flags, because I wanted this to work! The deal went bad, and I didn’t walk away with what I needed to kickstart perfecting this new skill. I was discouraged to the point I didn’t want to do it anymore.

Then, I looked around and said “You’re in control”! I asked some of my faithful clients if I could perform the service on them. I received more education, and I did my own research.

Fast forward to now 6 months later, I’m a Tape-In Expert! I didn’t allow someone to determine my altitude or stop my growth. I picked up the pieces with what I had, and I created my own platform to succeed.

What do you find most rewarding about being creative?

The most rewarding aspect is showing my children how to explore their talents. My children are 11, 6, and 4. I allow them to watch me create opportunities for myself as an entrepreneur just so they’ll know it’s possible!

I come from an environment where you pray, and let God handle it. While I’m so grateful for that mindset, I’m also proud that I know my voice and I use it show others that along with praying – you’ve got to to be confident and do the work!

Open up your mouth and speak life into any situation that lies dormant! Don’t be afraid to ask questions, and explore the possibilities of failing. You’ll never know who you’ll meet that will introduce you to your next level.

I don’t have a college education, but at every job or room I opened my mouth! I spoke up respectfully, I smiled, I dressed the part, and I learned from people who were educated and experienced. I took notes, and did the opposite of the masses at times. Yes, I was talked about, Yes some weren’t too fond of me because I wasn’t the follower, and YES I was uncomfortable at times.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://thekbglam.com/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/thekbglam
• Facebook: https://www.Facebook.com/thekbglam
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCIQmbtRKXZu6KY29CgSAnjA
• Other: https://booksy.com/en-us/715009_the-kb-glam-llc_hair-salon_36800_houston?do=open-widget&hl=en-US&gei=nhUFY-yKOMqhqtsP2M2RkAg&sourceurl=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dthe%2Bkb%2Bglam%26oq%3Dthe%2Bkb%2Bglam%26aqs%3Dchrome..69i57j46i175i199i512j69i59l2j69i60l3.3845j0j7%26sourceid%3Dchrome%26ie%3DUTF-8&rwg_token=AOfrVq5S0S_clgXrMZVRSbNpPKvmauv38VBNjUWGDqvinj9eIUVCm5XUMNoncTDicx3pSV3LeDbRsmlNsaQcv-a_d-VYp4a38A%3D%3D

Image Credits
Photos by Andre Kelly Photography Kellie Harris of LashedbyKell_ Kristel Alvarez of Hoodbillie Fitness Takeera Franklin of Irregular Looks MyLiza Matthews Jade Evans