Today we’d like to introduce you to Kinetra Stewart.
Kinetra, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I always knew I was going to be a Cosmetologist since I was 9 years old, but I didn’t know exactly when I would pursue the career. I immediately joined the military (Air Force Reserves) after high school and went to college after my return. I worked part-time as a cashier at Wal-Mart during this time. I didn’t have enough hours at Wal-Mart and needed a job that would support my financial needs, so I bounced between two jobs until I realized, I may need to join the military full-time. I inquired with the Air Force first since I was already in the Reserves, however, they were not accepting prior service members. My next option was the Navy, but I had to go back to basic training to join, and there was no way I was doing that. So, I inquired with the Army and that was the more appealing option for me since I didn’t have to go back to basic training. It wasn’t until after I separated from the Army that I would finally pursue my Cosmetology degree in January 2010.
I am now retired from behind the chair and have a podcast called Hair What I’m Saying, where we share and discuss real conversations and raw experiences related to the beauty industry, self-care, personal growth, and the experiences that define us. I stil offer Bridal Hair Services on the side.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has not been a smooth road at all. Being an entrepreneur, business owner, and employee of your own business has many challenges. The most challenging part was growing a successful business, to only shut it down due to having to PCS to a different city and state due to the military and repeat this process all over. I was not in the military at this time but was a part of a military family. It’s physically and emotionally exhausting. Every clientele’s market in these different cities and states are looking for different things, so I always had to pivot and cater to whatever that market was searching for, even if it was something I didn’t necessarily enjoy doing until I could build trust with these potential consumers before I offered my specialty.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I don’t specialize in anything because to specialize in anything means you are the expert in all areas of that craft, but my preferred and most booked services are Bridal Hair, Hair Extensions, and Natural Haircare. I’m most proud of my ability to pivot when something is no longer working out. I don’t allow it to defeat me and determine my outcome in a negative way and that’s what I am most proud of.
I believe what sets me apart from others has not much to do with my craft, but just who I am to my customers. It’s more than hair, it’s about connection and making my customers feel heard and seen with whatever it is they are experiencing with their hair and beyond.
What matters most to you?
Being true to what aligns with you and your purpose is most important, regardless of how things in the beauty industry are evolving, especially with social media’s influence. We are no longer only cosmetologists in this industry; we are actors, comedians, entertainers, etc. Social media has influenced us to show up in different ways in these spaces, which adds to the criteria to get a client to book an appointment. If it’s overwhelming and genuinely not you, keep showing up the way you choose. It doesn’t have to look or be like everyone else.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.hairwhatimsaying.com and www.thevintagehipster.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_hairwhatimsaying_
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@hair_what_im_saying
- Other: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hair-what-im-saying/id1707681095
Image Credits
Carla Taylor
