All this week I have been reminiscent of the fact that this week marks the 4th year as a salon owner! Alot of times, people assume that this success has been somewhat instant. Absolutely NOT!! This journey really began as a child, because God gave me the passion and “gift” of doing hair at a VERY young age. Being brought up with parents that were “trailblazers” in their own right, they kind of ushered me in other career areas that they thought would be more “appropriate”. Well, I have never really conformed to alot of things (which can be good or bad),so I had to “fight”  my way  to be a hairstylist first. Eventually, they gave in (told ‘ya).But, even with “words” that were spoken to convince me that this was not a stable career, I started out part time,trying to somewhat but with out success conform to society.Sometimes, You just have to do what God has “called” you to do!!

When I went full time in the hair industry I never once looked back. I thought the procrastination was time wasted , but realize it was a necessary process.It makes me appreciate where I am even more.When I worked as an independent stylist in salons,  I observed and learned from others. And then it was my turn to step on out and open my own! I remember when I had contacted a salon owner that I had been reading up on.I emailed her and wanted to meet with her (she lived in another state) and visit this fabulous salon!! She emailed me back and it said……in short “write a business plan and put God first” . BALANK STARE at the computer for 20 minutes!! At first I didnt get it, One year after I opened up my salon I totally “got” it, and I emailed her back to let her know (didnt know whether she cared or not but I did anyway).Putting God First had everything to do with it! I honestly can say that  being a”spirit led” business owner IS important point, blank, PERIOD!My Journey the last 4 years have been……exciting.I say that word because I’ve learned to trust God more than ever.I’ve learned to “be still”.I’ve learned that its all in “God’s timing” and not mine.God has given me peace in the midst of storms,He has fought battle after battle.I’ve learned to deal with people through prayer.I have had to cancel out “words” that have been spoken against myself,my business, and my stylist because they were NOT from God,and therefore NOT true.I’ve had to cast down and renounce “pride” AND right some wrongs on my part. But, I just Thank GOD, because ” He never left Me nor forsake me” and “with God for me who can be against me”

Believe me there were times I wanted to pack up,slam the door and scream KICK ROCKS!!!! All the times when things broke down, hot water tank going out,floods, IPOD man coming (inside joke),but all in all I keep “hearing” to keep going because HIS plan is bigger than this. So, I have to Trust what I hear from God and keep going!!

But I thank God for who HE has sent in my life. First my husband, sometimes I look at him and think ,”he had no idea what he was in for, when he married me.” But I love how he is such an amazing father,and holds it down at home while I pursue my dreams. and I say to him, Thank you babe,you have made our  life easier and your humility is not overlooked.I embrace your quiet spirit and listening ear.When I needed you,you were there.When I win ,we both win,and God has a plan for us beyond anything we could ever imagine.**wink,wink**.

I thank my parents and sister (brother in law)for encouraging and being there for me.Especially my mom who is my greatest inspiration growing up watching her take the world on taught me I could do anything. I gotta thank my (step) father who when I just cant… he steps in like a father does,no words can express my gratitude towards a “real” man.

and I LOOOVVE and appreciate my talented,anointed team that only GOD could have brought together.(it was all divine connection) My Kathy (my bff ,I cant even tell you why I love you so much without crying,eventhough you  are simply who you are ) Keeley( my tell it like it is encourager),Shonda (it is funny how God works, u came in like a true team player and keeps me laughing all day) Kelly C ( I already love you for what you have brought to the salon, you came in and added too, never taking away from). My Kadija ,girl you have such an anointing on your life, but you have provided stability in an important part of the salon.Your loyalty has not been over looked,you are a blessing to me and the salon, and you will be blessed 100 fold!! Cierra ,my care bear, I just LOOOVVE my assistant and thank God for her in this season. (prayer works and this WAS a divine connection). I’m grateful for all past employees (assistants) and pray that God continue to guide you and keeps you.Tarrah, you are my O.G. I miss you and soo proud of you for stepping out with your own salon. You really were there for me when I had to learn to depend on the strength of others.Success is all over you!! and AYANA I have not forgotten about you, she is my invisible partner, she keeps it ALL together behind the scenes. I cant imagine you not being apart of the bigger picture.Thank you. and thank you to all my friends who have supported my funky attitude and didnt care and loved me anyway. I love ALL of you!!

I’m going to keep praying and trusting God,thank you for another year of “HIS” great works!!  -Kelli

So,you sit and look through all the hair books, and magazines,watch all the reality shows,stare at the ladies hair in front of you in the grocery line,And decide “I WANT THAT  HAIRSTYLE”.You immediately make a hair appt. your excitement is rising.You get to your stylist,explain the style,then Boom,your stylist gets to work.Now, it’s time for the reveal…….you look in the mirror….blank stare…you say the infamous”maybe I just gotta get use to it”.

Yes, we have all been there! So how do you avoid this mishap? One thing you can do is consult with your stylist, Let them know you are looking to get a new look and if you can add a few more minutes to your appt to discuss it.Then bring a photo of a similar look.(please dont bring a million pictures of different haircuts in 100 angles,it happens all the time,thats too much).Next ask your hairstylist their honest opinion. This is who YOU trust with your hair,and this is THEIR specialty.Make sure you are comfortable with what you BOTH have decided together. Allow me to give you an example of something that ALWAYS happens with me. When clients come to me new or old,and ask for a short cut,tapered on back and sides,and show me a picture of Halle Berry,Rihanna,etc. alot of times the biggest request is they want the shortest part not very low.Ok,I totally understand not wanting it shaved,but a feminine taper is usually best.But they grab this picture and say,” but I want it just to lay softly against my nape”. Well, this is where I step in as a professional and as someone who usually wheres my hair short.Certain style require certain textures,”IF” you want the best long term results. You have to remember Halle Berry and Rihanna have a fine texture of hair,so their hair naturally lays “softly against their nape”. Now that doesn’t mean this style cannot be accomplished , because I can relax and mold the shorter parts and it WILL be what you want….But, that next week the hair will began to lift up like a duck tail and the style will begin to lose its shape.9 1/2 times out of ten when the client returns they ask me to cut it down.(Told you so,lol).

My point is when choosing a new look,consider YOUR texture, YOUR  lifestyle, the current condition of YOUR hair, and even your maintenance routine.Trust your stylist and embrace what looks good on you and what works FOR you. HAPPY HEALTHY HAIR!!!  http://www.hairbykelli.com

It is SO important even VITAL to talk to your stylist about ALL medication,illness,surgeries,stress,anything that will effect your hair and skin. It is important to know these things.Because everything that you put in your body will come out including in your hair and skin.Your Hair and skin will also show signs of illness and leave residue displaying medication.Medication and illness will also cause hair to become excessively dry,brittle,and split.Most often as a stylist I can often pinpoint when clients are on High Blood Pressure,Thyroid,and anti-biotic medicines.Keeping this in mind, it CAN effect your chemical services and there are certain shampoos and conditioners that are designed to work with these conditions.I see it so many times where clients hair begins to break or split when it could have all been avoided if clients would truly come clean about their medical history without embarrassment.This also avoids the “blame the stylist” theory.(just sayin’) .

If you are having chronic symptoms dealing with your hair it its NOT relating to hairstyling abuse.You definitely want to mention it to your doctor and ask for a blood test.Often, we get our yearly physical and get a clean bill of health.But,nowadays you have to ask  specifically for blood test.These illnesses can include lupus,thyroids,anemia,hormonal imbalance, or it may be something that you can more so control like a deficiency in nutrition,iron,protein,zinc,or biotin.Something to think about ….

I often get questions about little girls hair.Well, allow me to be transparent as a mother of little girls,who happens to be a hairstylist who has had a journey of our own.I willingly admit,I am still learning.My journey really begins with my older daughter.She was born with a “head full of hair”(sounding like I’m old and southern,lol)beautiful soft curls ,it was ALOT of hair.We did pretty good until she was about three ,It was still softer hair so I did a lot of accessorizing ,but by four I realize her hair was still the same length. so for the next year I did the best I could with it. mind you , there was NO blow drying, pressing or any heat applied to her hair.not only was it not growing but her ends were very split. I just didnt get it!!!! OK age 5, she cut I chunk of hair off in the front.Now you look a mess!! Is this how we are entering kindergarten?! By now I’m researching,back tracking, praying for a solution.I DID find this website online called “SWEET NATURE by EDDIE” after going through the site with a fine tooth comb, I decided to order the products.LOVED IT!!!!!! and my baby’s hair was soft, and growing!!!  Six months later it reverted back again. Big Sigh! fast forward to six months later I was referred to a hair and skin doctor (not a dermatologist) She was more so an herbalist. and expressed that it was her diet (being exposed once again how much I “DON’T” cook) and suggested all these organic products for her that she sold there plus this special topical solution that she is known for. I bought it all.IT WORKED! I changed my baby’s diet and decided to keep braids in her hair fast forward two years. Her hair looks GREAT!! OMG!! what did I do specifically, lets back track I changed her diet(less fast food) IS NUMBER ONE. #2 I used only organic products on her hair.#3 I kept it in a protective hairstyle (braids) .

Those three easy steps really work.Now I know when dropping off your little girl at school you see all the different hairstyles some cute,some …well as moms we want our little darlings to look there best at all times. and we tend to look at others for inspiration. But, every head of hair is different.I think the BIGGEST mistakes we make is being impatient and trying to “throw a kiddie perm” in it. thinking that is going to make things better. It’s not.Please know that those are regular relaxers with a child with spiral curls on the box.Don’t do it,because a lot of times it is the beginning of the end for your child’s hair. Instead use these tips ~ Be patient  use good utensils like a wide tooth comb, detangling spray bottle,moisturizer.

~Don’t opt for the cheap products on the shelves. Invest in natural and organic products .Sweet nature by Eddie is great, and so is Shea Moisture products.

You WILL see a difference in there hair.

~Moisturize!!!!!!!! not oil but a cream based moisturizer made of natural ingredients. I actually shellac my girls hair with it, especially the ends.

~Opt for protective styles such as braids,and two strand twist, and hold off on the press and curls for special occasions.

~ What you put in your body does make a difference. eating right, vitamins, and water is a great start!

I’ll eventually post pics of her progress that I have taken over the years. I do know there are some different circumstances,but give your girls a good head start and be conscious with what you do with there hair.

I know I see it ALL the time!!!!!A potential client see’s a stylist’ work on some form of advertisement whether it be a card,website,Flier, or even a referral.The work looks great,they come highly recommended and the potential client is EXCITED!! Now from a stylist perspective this is what we see (sometimes) an impatient client. I have seen SOME clients come in with unrealistic expectations, and expecting IMMEDIATE results .which in some cases can definitely be done.But I’m talking about the people that truly need repair work and is adamant in saying what they are not going to do. Sounds familiar? Well ,you have every right to do this,its your money, and your time. But …….expect limited results(sorry).

Let me give you an example,the front of your hair is broke off lets say from a weave(hypothetical) or constant pressing(shrugging shoulders)it measures 1 1/2 inches,the rest of your hair measures about 5 inches with a couple of 3 inch patches in the middle.The BEST result would be to get it cut, but you say” I don’t want to cut my hair right now or can you just add a couple of pieces in the front”………..blank stare with cow mowing in the background while tumbleweed rolls by…….big sigh..truthfully you probably wont like the results.Sure there are some stylists that will spritz,quickweave,and shalac that hair into  a one day style (kudos to those types of hair artist) but let’s work on long term results!!

I have a client who came to me as a referral, hair was stressed out, have been on meds for YEARS.So a lot of repair work was needed. She faithfully came every other week,and I’m a pretty honest person, her hair looked mediocre at best(I’m serious) but she kept coming and I kept caring for her hair. I’m SO serious but at the ninth month ****Breakthrough****her hair starting growing rapidly,it no longer was dull and lifeless.She said her hair hadn’t looked like that since she was in her twenties( she was a long way from that age ).But  consistency  was the key.1.She kept coming.2.she kept heat OUT of her hair.3. She trusted her stylist and was patient.Her words,”IT didn’t take a short amount of time to do this to my hair,so It wouldn’t take a short amount of time to repair it!” Words of Wisdom!!

What is the difference between oil and moisturizer? There is a BIG difference, The best way I can describe it is to think when you get out of a bath or shower,you dry off and your skin is tight feeling.Now if you put oil (let’s say baby oil” on your skin,It pretty much “sits” on there and gives it a high gloss shine. But,if you put lotion,which is moisture based,your skin is instantly re leaved of that dry tight feeling. Well,that’s exactly what  happens with your hair,moisture is the KEY to dry hair. Two major concerns/questions that I get from clients is “will it revert my hair(press) and when I use it it’s dry by the end of the day. Let’s address these concerns,If you have natural hair and is worried about a water based product reverting your hair,I would suggest using  less than a dime size and putting it on at night prior to wrapping your hair and even putting it in prior to blowing drying and flat ironing.If you are concerned that the moisturizer you have been using “pink stuff” doesn’t do much of anything. You may want to change products.Unfortunately there are MANY misleading products out there,that do not do anything,and they contain ingredients that are designed to dry it back out. I myself prefer natural products that do not contain mineral oil, sulfate,or parabens. It does make a BIG difference in your hair and with natural ingredients,the moisture will actually LOCK in the hair shaft and you wont have to moisturize but every few days .

Now please understand that I DO NOT count out oil. My favorite hair oils are extra virgin olive oil,Argon oil,jojoba oil,coconut oil,rosemary oil and morrocan oil. Olive oil is heavier but its a healing oil,Argon and Morrocan oils are my favorites to use in the salon because they are super light weight,you don’t need to use much and it provides softness, healthy (not artificial shine),and leaves your hair with body and bounce.Jojoba,rosemary,and coconut oils I love to use on my little girls hair. they smell great and a good idea to have around in your beauty basket.

Great tip of the day- mix  less than a dime size of your favorite oil and another half dime size of your favorite “NATURAL” moisturizer and you are on the road to great ,soft,manageable healthy hair!

I was talking to my fellow stylist , and we were discussing how clients resist hearing the word”no”. Well, here is a breakdown of why a stylist SHOULD say NO. I am honestly into healthy hair,your hair. I consider myself more of a longtime stylist, meaning, I consult,transition,map out,discuss,care for,transform,and maintain your hair.So, on your first appoinment we are NOT doing relaxer,tri-Color, with two tracks on the side.What?? No!!! I don’t do color on a new client because I have to analyze your hair, and how you will manage it. If it’s already in a damaged state , I can’t and you shouldn’t! Also, color is big change therefor I like to do things in stages (sometimes),and even though the process is longer the results will be better in the end and your hair healthier.Now, I have to admit, in my earlier years I had to learn to say no.As  stylist we try to appease clients, and build,but the reality is you are going to lose them anyway by doing something you knew in your spirit NOT to do.When you do do it and there hair is damaged, guess whats going to be said…”girl she took my hair out,she doesn’t know what she is doing”.

Prime example Micheal Jackson’s doctor..He chose to supply the “KING OF POP” with deadly medication,he knew the risk but he wanted the money and the status of being Micheal Jackson personal doctor…Now look at what happened.He lost him anyway……(extreme example,but do you get the point)

I know it can be frustrating when things change. More than often when I get new clients,no soon after they sit in my seat,instead of telling me all that they are looking for they complain about all there last stylist did,or worse all the last few stylist did. BIG TURN OFF!!! Let me tell you why,#1 if you do this to them,you’ll do it to me.Plain,simple,period and THE truth dot com!!! Well, just know I dont approve such behavior . #2 I have a VERY good memory and there are going to be key words that are going to expose the truth. Plus, the first thing I’m going to ask you is did you let your stylist know? more than often not..I’ll give you an example.There was a time when I was having THE HARDEST time finding an assistant. The reality is my clientele was too big to NOT have one,but it was getting discouraging for myself and my clients. At one point a particular assistant was just not working out, and I was getting complaints galore!! Of course I was trying to get things together,and apologetically keep together ALL that I had built so far.But had my clients (mainly the ones thats been with me forever)not kept me update with the poor job my assistants were doing,I would not have known to make appropriate adjustments. The reality is I’m paying someone to do a job,and you are paying for a service,need I say more?? So, when people leave there stylist because of an assistant,communicate with your stylist your issues.

Another thing I see often is clients that ABSOLUTELY truly love how there stylist do there hair,but for some reason or another they just choose to try someone else,whether its because that stylist relocated, or the client did,or no reason at all. But, then they expect the new stylist to do things exactly how the other stylist did it. THING IS, every stylist has there own technique….(crickets)that’s all.And its not fair to impose other peoples technique’s on others.

Bottom line if you love how your hair looks and feels when you leave the chair,well,build a rapport with the stylist,keep communication open about your concerns .Client and stylist relationships are just that!! A RELATIONSHIP!!!