Today we’d like to introduce you to Tyisha “SunKissed” Brown.
Hi Tyisha “SunKissed”, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My story begins when I was a little girl. I was an only child for the first 10 years of my life, and as I got older, I was ready to move past the ponytails and barrettes. That’s when my mom started taking me to a stylist named Sharita who lived around the corner. She did everyone’s hair in the neighborhood and became a huge inspiration to me. Watching her work made me want to try it myself, so I began experimenting with braiding my own hair. The results weren’t perfect—I got teased sometimes—but I was proud that I was doing it on my own.
I started doing hair in my neighborhood, charging just three bucks. By high school, I was doing hair more regularly. As the oldest of four girls, I naturally took on the responsibility of doing my sisters’ hair, too. That’s where my love for maintaining natural, healthy hair really took root.
After high school, I worked at McDonald’s from age 15 to 21. I wasn’t fulfilled, and I realized there was no growth, no raise—just routine. Around 2010, after dealing with my own hair catastrophe and feeling stuck in a dead-end job, I decided to take a leap of faith and enroll in cosmetology school. In 2011, I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, but I stayed committed. I graduated shortly after giving birth, and I’ll never forget punching out of my last shift with my baby in my arms. Despite people telling me I wouldn’t finish school because of my pregnancy, I beat the odds.
In 2013, I earned my license and began working at a salon inside Walmart under the Regis Corporation. That role taught me a lot about the professional side of hair—how to manage time, suggest products, and run a business. The customer service skills I had developed at McDonald’s translated well into the salon world, and I began to find my rhythm in this new field.
After leaving Regis, I worked at several salons around Toledo, learning and growing alongside other stylists. One of the most transformative experiences was working at Royal Kuts Barbershop. That’s where I truly found my grounding. I built a solid client base, learned how to work in a team environment, and experienced the difference between commercial and independent salon spaces.
By 2019, I was renting a booth at Blessed Hands Beauty Salon, and it quickly became more than just a workspace. I started selling snacks, oils, and jewelry—anything that made people feel good. I realized how much I loved offering retail experiences alongside my hair services.
At the same time, I was dreaming of my own space. I told my cousin I was looking for a storefront, but would still be open to working in her salon. Then, one day I happened to drive past 719 Phillips—the same salon I grew up going to, the place tied to both my first hair trauma and my family’s long-standing beauty traditions. I met the landlord, and with just $100, he let me secure the space. That location became my home base for six years.
In 2022, I put myself on a self-funded hair tour, traveling to Chicago, Cincinnati, and Atlanta. I worked in different salons, connected with new clients, and gained fresh inspiration from each city’s unique style and energy. It was an unforgettable, empowering experience that elevated my confidence and expanded my brand.
Tragically, in 2023, the landlord of my Phillips location passed away, and I was forced to take a step back. During that time, I began renting a booth at Razor Sharp, a barbershop owned by the same person who had owned Royal Kuts. It felt like a full-circle moment—new people, but a familiar and supportive environment.
Not even three months later, I was back at 719 Phillips. The new owner welcomed me with open arms, and my space was beautifully renovated. It truly felt like we had never left. With that fresh start, I rebranded from Crowns R Sunkissed to Respect Your Crown—a name that reflects my personal motto and everything I’ve stood for since the beginning.
Today, my work extends far beyond hairstyling. I create natural, herbal products that nourish the body from head to toe—everything from shea butters and bath salts to growth oils and custom tea blends. I’ve studied herbalism to deepen my knowledge and create more intentional wellness offerings. I also host poetry nights twice a month as a way to build community and honor creativity. Honestly, there’s not much I haven’t done. My journey has been about resilience, growth, and empowering others to see their beauty and their worth.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s definitely been a challenging journey, but each obstacle has contributed to the person and entrepreneur I am today. I’ve had my share of struggles, from catching the bus with a stroller to getting sent home after an hour at a dead-end job, then catching another bus to a salon to try and get walk-ins. I had to hustle hard just to make ends meet.
But things started to change when I got a car and landed a job at Smart Style, which became a turning point. It opened my eyes to the possibilities and helped me transition into solo entrepreneurship.
As I grew, I encountered challenges like securing furniture and dealing with building issues, clients , contractors—things like water damage, lights, and air conditioning problems that could’ve stopped me in my tracks. But I always reached out for support through the connections I made by keeping a good space with others, who provided invaluable guidance and helped me keep moving forward
There were even times I had to close the salon temporarily, but through it all, I made sure to keep my professionalism intact. No matter how challenging the situation, I stayed focused on my vision and the importance of maintaining my relationships. Keeping those connections has been crucial to my journey.
Through all the highs and lows, I’ve learned that staying grounded, building relationships, and maintaining professionalism have been the keys to my growth.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m an entrepreneur with a passion for self-care, beauty, and empowerment. I wear many hats, including being a stylist, author, therapist, and event organizer. Through my businesses—Respect Your Crown and Respect Tha Mic—I aim to uplift and inspire others in their personal and professional journeys.
Although I’m most known for locs, I specialize in healthy hair overall. I offer loc classes to help students perfect their craft or even begin their journey from scratch. Whether they’re beginners or looking to refine their technique, I’m committed to empowering others through education. Additionally, I offer Reiki services for energy healing and use essential oils for aromatherapy to enhance emotional and physical well-being. My self-care product line, which includes herbal yoni washes, oils, and body custards, is designed to nourish both the mind and body.
I’m most proud of creating spaces for people to heal, grow, and express themselves. Hosting events like the 419 LOC Show and open mic nights through Respect Tha Mic brings together community and creativity in ways that allow people to feel seen and heard. And, of course, publishing my book The Art of Manifesting was a dream come true, as it’s about helping others tap into their potential and manifest their best lives.
What sets me apart is the combination of my skills and experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to work in various fields—beauty, wellness, event management, and mental health—and have learned how to integrate them in a way that offers a holistic approach to self-care and empowerment. I believe in being genuine and offering personalized services that meet people exactly where they are. Building strong relationships and maintaining professionalism while staying true to my vision is what has helped me stand out.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is how I can be of service to the people who come to me—whether they’re requesting my services or simply in need of guidance, healing, or care. Doing someone’s hair is one thing, but for me, it’s deeper than that.
It’s not just about giving someone a nice style—it’s about empowering them to feel confident in their own beauty, and making sure they have the knowledge and tools to maintain it once they leave my chair. I ask myself, Do they feel secure with their look? Do they know how to care for it? Because styling hair is the easy part. The real impact comes when someone feels good about themselves long after the appointment is over
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.respectyourcrown.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/Respecty0urcr0wn
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/respectyourcrown
- Other: https://Sunkissedbrown.com
