Life & Work with Kayleen Gipson of Ohio

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleen Gipson.

Hi Kayleen, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Well to begin to understand how I got to where I am today I have to give credit to my Mother and Late Grandparents. I grew up an only child in the suburbs with a very protective mother and very giving grandparents. My hair journey started at a very young age I had A LOT of hair and it was very thick. Thankfully my family made sure I went to the beauty salon sometimes up to every two weeks. I grew up heavily in church, playing sports, dancing etc. so looking the part was mandatory. My family loves looking good and I definitely don’t blame them. When I became of age and my mom couldn’t afford to get my hair done I would either try to do it myself or I would have to work for it through my grandfather. He would have me doing anything under the sun from washing something, helping him care for my grandmother, or helping him with his landscaping business. That man made sure I knew how hard work pays off. With his resilient discipline and my moms exhaustion of dealing with my thick afro I took matters into my own hands. I would watch endless hours of Natural Hair tutorials trying any and everything because I watched one Chris Rock documentary called “Good Hair” and it inspired me to never relax my hair again because it makes your scalp black internally. As a preteen that scared the crap out of me. I should’ve known then I would be a hairdresser. So into my adult years college didn’t work out so I decided to take hair more seriously. In the summer of 2017 I enrolled at Paul Mitchell the school. Fall of 2018 I graduated and immediately started in a salon 2 weeks later. I have tried to find my footing in the industry over the years. I have also had a lot of growing up to do. In 2020 my world (and I’m sure many others) crumbled completely. My whole family besides myself all got Covid in some form. Multiple family members hospitalized, my grandmother was the first person in Cleveland to die from Covid and my grandfather proceeded her in death 7 months later. The toll of that and working in a industry I once felt so alone in, I gave up. I quit doing hair for two years tried to follow social norms got a great job with a 401k, I thought I could escape the hair industry. I thought if I just stay busy everybody would forget I ever did hair. I was so wrong I was still taking clients, still doing consultations, still loving making people look and feel good. So I had a conversation with myself after feeling defeated for the last time I promised myself I would come back and kill it! (And I have) I now have my LLC, I have a greatful amount of clients, and I have a 5 star average with all of my reviews on my platforms. I have also recently been nominated for the Industry Awards. I am dedicated to problem solving needs and making people feel good in the Black Hair Community. I love what I do and I pray I get to continue doing it for a long long time.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not been smooth I really had to learn from asking, watching and not taking things personally. I feel like a lot of time people have intented to help me along the way but didn’t have the capacity or the resources. I am not one to give up easily. I was raised to keep asking questions until I understand whatever I’m trying to know. I had people that were not so nice to me, I had people judging me. I have had a lot of struggles but it comes with the territory when you are bold and confident in who and what you stand for.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a Natural Hairstylist, friend, professional, problem solver, perfectionist (to an extent), visionary, a giver and many other things. I specialize in healthy natural hair of all types and more specifically Locs. I am most proud of my resilience and dedication to my clients. I think my authenticity and kindness sets me apart from others. I can be in any room around any crowd and still remain myself. I just love life and the opportunities that come my way.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I am loving the Keke Palmer podcast right now for inspiration and I attend Faith Fellowship church online for my word which always inspires me.

Pricing:

• $65 Silk Press
• $80 Retwist
• $75 Two Strand Twist

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Kayshinehairpro.glossgenius.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kayshinehairpro