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

Renata , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you have a hero? What have you learned from them?

My heroes are my parents. They’ve been my greatest inspiration, showing me how to navigate a world filled with barriers while striving to be my best self.

From them, I learned the importance of stepping out on faith. They taught me to embrace freedom and pursue my dreams, even when fear and uncertainty crept in. As hardworking individuals with traditional 9-to-5 jobs, they were hesitant when I decided to start my own business, and I understand why—they come from a different era.

My father worked in maintenance, but he never let go of his creative passions. He’s a percussionist, drummer, and artist with a gentle, kind spirit. He’s always been an incredible provider, and even in his retirement, I find joy in watching him continue to grow and evolve. Recently, he was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, but his resilience and ability to find joy in life have been a powerful lesson in strength and grace.

My mom, on the other hand, is the heart of our family. She raised all three of us as a stay-at-home mom before re-entering the workforce when I was a preteen. She worked in food service, became a bank teller, and later transitioned into social services. Her dedication to growth inspired her to pursue a dual bachelor’s/master’s degree at Lincoln University, where she graduated with pride.

Their love for each other—spanning 52 years of marriage—has been a guiding light in my life. Their support, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment inspire my work as a hairstylist. It’s a reflection of the love and care I’ve seen in them. My hope is to leave a legacy of love and service for my clients, just as my parents have left for me.

To have had them in my life for 44 years is an honor, and the lessons they’ve taught me are the foundation of who I am today.

Renata , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

To reintroduce myself:
My name is Renata Hall, and I am the owner and stylist of RK Hair Loft, located in Philadelphia, PA.

I specialize in working with natural hair in all its forms because Black hair is powerful, versatile, and beautiful. From curls and coils to waves, braids, locs, and afros, our hair is an art form—a living, poetic masterpiece that tells a story. To me, your hair is my museum, and every style I create is a celebration of who you are.

For over 200 years, we’ve been told how to wear our hair, often in ways that deny its natural beauty. At RK Hair Loft, I’m committed to breaking those barriers by empowering my clients to embrace their hair in all its glory. Whether you’re rocking your curls, braids, afros, or locs—even in predominantly White spaces—your hair is your birthright, and it deserves to be worn with pride.

I strive to provide a safe, welcoming space for Black men, women, and children to feel seen, understood, and celebrated. Every appointment is an opportunity for us to have meaningful conversations about the beauty and resilience of our hair while I bring my clients’ visions to life.

What sets RK Hair Loft apart is not just the styles I create but the deeper mission behind the work. I’m proud to be part of a movement that redefines beauty and uplifts our community.

Whether you’re seeking a stylist who understands your unique needs or simply looking for a place to feel at home, I’m here to provide a space where you can truly celebrate your natural beauty.

Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?

Honestly, funding my business has been a challenge. There have been moments when I wasn’t sure how I’d stay afloat, but with faith and determination, I’ve always found a way. I truly believe that even when resources feel scarce, God provides enough to keep me moving forward.

I’m incredibly grateful for the way my heart and mind align, allowing me to navigate the ups and downs of entrepreneurship. Being a creative spirit often attracts the right energy, and I’ve been blessed to have the support of great people and family who uplift me.

I’ve been able to fund my salon with the income I earn from my clients, and I’m proud to say that I’ve managed to sustain my business while maintaining my lifestyle. It’s a blessing to do what I love and make it work, even in challenging times.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

During the pandemic, I had the incredible opportunity to take a class at Harvard University titled Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking. This course had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy. It not only enhanced my communication skills but also inspired me to write and publish an article with the school and on Medium titled Segregation in the Hair Industry.

The experience reaffirmed my belief that my work goes beyond styling hair—it’s about breaking barriers and sparking meaningful conversations. My philosophy is rooted in challenging outdated norms in the hair industry and advocating for change that reflects our times. I strive to provoke thought about the deep history of the hair industry and the pivotal role Black culture plays within it.

This course, and the reflection it inspired, solidified my mission to not only transform my clients’ hair but also to educate and empower them to embrace the beauty and significance of our heritage.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleseat.com/rkhairloft
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rkhairloft

Image Credits

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