We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lauren Kunijo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Lauren, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about your team building process? How did you recruit and train your team and knowing what you know now would you have done anything differently?

I initially began as ‘Lauren Kunijo LLC’ and ran my own salon of one for a few years before becoming Kenna Kunijo. I met Kenna about a year into owning my own salon and really felt like we were like-minded in regard to business and also morals. For me, I wanted each and every client to feel special, heard, and leave feeling their best selves. Hair is terribly personal and it’s about more than just doing great hair. I also have a heart for giving back and aiding the community and finding someone who also valued that and was willing to put in that work was/is such a rarity. We then grew the idea of Kenna Kunijo. We knew it wouldn’t be just the two of us forever. So we began interviewing and hiring stylists/assistants once we had the space for our salon. For us, it was not simply a matter of talent. We knew we could teach anyone how to do hair. What you cannot teach is character.
When we hire a stylist, it is definitely a process. We do not hire anyone to go on the floor with less than 5 years of experience. however, every stylist is welcome to apply for our assistant program. We have a few of our senior stylists who have come from other salons; done interviews and a working interview and have been assessed and put on the floor as a stylist at the level that matches their current skillset.
Our assistant program is really unique for Charlotte. It is a two-year program with 23+ classes taught throughout to refine and expand the skills learned in beauty school. When they go on the floor after the program, they are essentially entering with a skillset equivalent to 5 years of someone without the program.
I think the largest mindset that sets us apart from other salons is that we do not tolerate an environment that is anything less than a team mentality. We have a “no drama” policy which is very untypical of a salon environment and I pride myself on that. I dont care if you are bringing in a million dollars for us, but stirring the pot; we will show you the door. *in a kind way*

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 back background and context?

Hi, I’m Lauren *insert awkward wave*. I am co-owner of Kenna Kunijo salon. I have been doing hair for 15 years. I have a passion for making people feel their most beautiful selves. Giving clients the version of themselves they have been craving is gorgeous. Every day is different behind the chair, which makes it so adventurous. Looking back on my life I now see crumbs so to speak that speak to me loving the world of hair at an early age. I was so inspired by how hair could shift colors and shapes. I loved how hair alone could completely shift someone’s appearance or vibe. I specialize in lived-in color and extensions. Practicing all work with integrity. There have been times I have told a client “no”. This isnt to be mean, but to preserve the integrity of their hair or work towards strengthening their hair. Im not afraid to change the narrative and work towards their goal versus just doing exactly what people ask of if what they are asking for will fry and damage their hair.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

To only worry about myself or to do it my way specifically. Coming from a salon I owned individually and then going into a co-own relationship can only sometimes be my way. Recognizing the compromise in a partnership was a vital lesson and what makes us so successful.

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

COVID. Scary! We are an in-person, client-facing business. So to have a pandemic where you are urged to isolate yourself, how do we make an income for ourselves and our staff!? Through many meetings and lots of brainstorming, we found our pivot. We decided to sell root touch-up kits and toning kits. Our thought was; people are going to color their hair; they might as well be with our high-quality products and the formulas they are already used to seeing from us. Additionally, it would only benefit us if we could not have to color correct all these box dye jobs.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.kennakunijo.com
• Instagram: Laurenkunijo
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/kennakunijo

Image Credits
@ericaserranophoto @allblissphotography