We were lucky to catch up with Skylar Kennedy recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Skylar thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to go back in time and hear the story of how you came up with the name of your brand?

When I embarked on the journey of establishing my business, Skylarized Hair Experience, I was driven by the desire for the name to resonate with my passion and embody my personality. From a young age, I’ve been captivated by all things glitz and glam. My name, Skylar, has been a source of numerous compliments over the years.

In crafting the identity of my business, I envisioned a space where clients not only receive exceptional hair services but also emerge from my chair feeling truly glamorous. To encompass this vision, I decided to infuse my name, Skylar, into the essence of the business name. Skylarized Hair Experience was born, reflecting my commitment to providing a haircare journey that goes beyond the ordinary, leaving clients with a sense of glamour and sophistication. The name Skylarized not only pays homage to my identity and legacy, but also embodies the high-quality experience I strive to offer to each client who enters my salon.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

My name is Skylar Kennedy, and I’m the visionary founder behind The Skylarized Hair Experience. My journey in hairstyling began with cherished memories of watching my grandmother style her an observing talented hairstylists as a child. Inspired by the beauty and confidence they instilled in their clients, I started learning braiding and curling techniques at the age of 9, practicing on baby dolls and childhood friends.

Despite obtaining a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Rehabilitation Counseling, I felt a misalignment with my true passion. Choosing to pursue a career as a hairstylist was met with fear and confusion, but I followed my heart and obtained a license as a natural hair care specialist. My goal was to create a brand that blends luxury and affordability, catering to everyday women seeking empowerment and community in their beauty experience.

With a focus on convenience and quality, I focused my skills in protective weaving hairstyles, understanding the importance of preserving natural hair health. Whether my clients are corporate professionals, stay-at-home moms, entrepreneurs, or fitness enthusiasts, I aim to provide hairstyles that are convenient, polished, and protective.

The Skylarized Hair Experience goes beyond hairstyling; it’s a lifestyle brand that empowers clients to embrace their best selves. Through transparency on social media and a commitment to moral integrity, I strive to create a space where every client feels seen and heard. I believe in showing up as my best self, both aesthetically and morally, as a reflection of my brand’s values. My business/brand is deeper than hair. It’s a lifestyle fueled by women’s empowerment.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to make women look and feel confident. Seeing the transformation in my clients’ confidence after they leave my chair is incredibly rewarding. The loyalty and retention of my customers speak volumes about the impact of my work. Moreover, witnessing their hair growth journey and knowing that I’ve played a part in enhancing their natural beauty is truly fulfilling. The fact that my clients refer their friends and family to me is a testament to the trust they have in my skills and the positive experience they’ve had with me. Ultimately, knowing that I’ve made a difference in the lives of the women I serve is what fills me with the most pride.

The main things I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about my brand and work are:
1. Empowerment: My brand is all about empowering women to embrace their natural beauty and feel confident in themselves. Through my hairstyling services, I aim to uplift and inspire others to feel their best.

2. Quality and Expertise: With years of experience and a dedication to continuous learning, I provide high-quality hairstyling services. Whether it’s protective weaving hairstyles, custom wig units, or other services, clients can trust in my expertise to deliver exceptional results.

3. Community and Support: Beyond just hairstyling, my brand fosters a sense of community and support. Clients can expect a welcoming and inclusive environment where they feel seen, heard, and valued.

4. Hair Health: I prioritize the health of my clients’ hair above all else. From using quality products to promoting protective styles, I aim to enhance hair health and promote growth while achieving stunning results.

5. Transparency and Integrity: I believe in being transparent and honest with my clients, both in-person and on social media platforms. My commitment to integrity ensures that clients can trust in the authenticity of my brand and services.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media has been a journey rooted in authenticity and consistency. From the beginning, I made a conscious effort to show up as my authentic self, sharing not only my hairstyling expertise but also snippets of my personal life and experiences. By being genuine and relatable, I was able to connect with my audience on a deeper level, fostering trust and loyalty.

Consistency has also played a crucial role in growing my social media presence. I made it a point to post regularly, whether it was showcasing my latest hairstyles, sharing hair care tips, or simply engaging with my followers through Q&A sessions or behind-the-scenes glimpses. This consistent presence helped keep my audience engaged and invested in my brand.

One piece of advice I would offer to those starting to build their social media presence is to refrain from comparisons. It’s easy to get caught up in comparing your journey to others’, but focusing on your own unique voice and journey is key to building an authentic and genuine following. Instead of trying to emulate what others are doing, focus on showcasing what makes you unique and valuable to your audience.

Another tip is to stay motivated and inspired by curating brand visuals on platforms like Pinterest and creating mood boards. Surrounding yourself with visuals that align with your brand’s aesthetic and values can help keep you focused and inspired as you navigate your social media journey.

Overall, building a social media presence takes time, patience, and dedication. By showing up authentically, posting relatable content consistently, refraining from comparisons, and staying motivated with brand visuals, you can effectively grow your audience and build a meaningful presence on social media.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been multifaceted, but a significant aspect has been embodying my brand values in every interaction. Being a walking model for my work means that every hairstyle I wear serves as a representation of my brand’s capabilities and style. This not only showcases my expertise but also acts as a powerful marketing tool as people see firsthand the quality of my work.

Moreover, maintaining professionalism in all aspects of my business—from initial consultations to the final appointment—instills trust and confidence in my clients. By consistently delivering exceptional service and results, I establish myself as a reliable and trustworthy hairstylist, encouraging repeat business and referrals.

Incentives and customer appreciation initiatives have also played a crucial role in growing my clientele. Whether it’s offering loyalty rewards, referral discounts, or hosting special events for my clients, showing appreciation for their support fosters a sense of loyalty and encourages them to continue patronizing my services.

Utilizing social media as a platform to promote my services has been instrumental in reaching a wider audience and attracting new clients. By showcasing my work, sharing client testimonials, and providing valuable hair care tips, I engage with potential clients and demonstrate the value of choosing my salon for their hairstyling needs.

Overall, the combination of being a walking model for my brand, maintaining professionalism, offering incentives and customer appreciation, and leveraging social media has been the most effective strategy for growing my clientele and establishing my brand in the beauty industry.

Contact Info:

• Website: styleseat.com/skylarized
• Instagram: @skylarized

Image Credits
Photographer: @visualsbyveronica (Instagram handle)