 |
| Kaneesha Willis |
Interview by Shauna Harris
Free Ambition: Where did you grow up?
Kaneesha Willis: I grew up in Decatur, GA.
Free Ambition: You have years of experience from working in salons since age 13, how did that prepare you for working in the hair industry?
Kaneesha Willis: When I started working in the salon at Professional Hair Designers in Decatur, GA.
I was working under Jarmecca Whitehead as an apprentice. Later assisting the other two, a stylist and makeup artist in the salon. Each hairstylist had their own specialty.
Nikki (Jarmecca) was great at weaves, extensions and short hair. Fanni was amazing at natural hair care. Jessica was the bomb with makeup and lashes. And Shaunita (CEO) was good at a little of everything.
Working under these beautiful cosmetologist allowed me to be more open-minded in the industry, and diverse. From that point on I knew that I would not limit myself in this industry as to sticking with one particular technique or skill.
When I started as a salon assistant, I was responsible for managing appointment books, marketing, maintaining the salon appearance, and providing proper services to clients and guests. At the time, I did not know that I was preparing myself to become a professional cosmetologist, however, it all came together once I began my career as a professional after cosmetology school.
I understood the importance of communicating with others, being able to speak with individuals confidently about their hair, educate clients on services and upholding a professional image.
Free Ambition: What is you favorite part about working in cosmetology?
Kaneesha Willis: My favorite part about working in cosmetology is being able to meet random people, and make a change in their life by making them feel good about themselves inside and out.
Free Ambition: Have you participated in local or national hair shows? If so tell me about those experiences, and which one was your favorite.
Kaneesha Willis: I have attended the Bronner Brother Hair Show in Atlanta. I have been attending the shows for a few years now. I really enjoy the hair shows because you get to learn new techniques, try new products and network with other individuals in the industry from across the country.
My favorite are the platform artist performances because it inspires me as an upcoming hairstylist to go above and beyond. When I attend the shows I watch the platform artists perform amazing new techniques, while educate the audience on their company’s products.
I would one day like to become a Platform Artist in this industry. It seems as though the artist is having fun while working. I do also attend classes in the exhibit halls as well on different areas in cosmetology. I try to take classes in the areas that I am weak or want to know more information about.
This year, I do plan to go to Premiere Beauty Trade Shows as well. I want to continue to be open-minded and diverse in the industry.
Free Ambition: Do you think the use of weaves is here to stay? Are there do's and don'ts to buying weave?
Kaneesha Willis:Yes, I do believe that weaves are here to stay. Weaves has been around for quite a while now, like since the ancient Egyptian times and its still around now. I don’t think that it will be going anywhere anytime soon.
I do believe that when you are deciding to purchase weave you would need to make sure you are buying quality hair, it matches your hair color and texture, and you seek a professional for installment. Keep in mind of your everyday lifestyle and your overall image. Don’t purchase hair that you know very little about or is not your hair texture if you want it to look natural.
Free Ambition: What are some of the hair trends that Atlanta women are frequently asking for?
Kaneesha Willis: Women in Atlanta are following the hair trends of sew-ins, quick weaves, braids and natural hairstyles. A lot of the women are into weaves and extensions to protect their natural hair from being damaged, or to grow it out to being natural.
Some are making weaves and extensions their go to hair styles for the convenience of low maintenance. There are also women who would rather wear their natural hair and get silk presses, blow outs, and protective styles (Bantu knots, braid outs, and other wet sets).
Free Ambition: I know that you offer services for women with natural tresses, what would you say to a woman who was trying to decide is if natural is for her?
Kaneesha Willis: When some women decide to go natural it is normal for them to have a fear of growing their hair out natural due to it is something that they are not use to. We live in a society where we are judged by how we look. And starting with relaxed/straight hair and then deciding to go natural can cause a lot of attention and different people opinions and views of you. And sometimes those judgments can effect who we are as a people and causes us to reject this change.
You cant allow it. Change is good. We was born with natural hair and we live with it. This change is actually healthier for us and also allows us to recognized who we are as a people and help us to embrace our culture more. The transition from being relaxed to natural is not easy but over time it is rewarding. You must educate yourself as well as seek a professional who can assist along the way during your transition and maintenance of your natural hair.
Free Ambition: What are some of the biggest mistakes ethnic women can do to their hair?
Kaneesha Willis:
Some of the biggest mistakes that ethnic women can do their hair is:
- Over process it with chemicals
- Cause heat damage from over-using hot tools
- Not using heat protectors
- Not providing proper maintenance outside of the salon
Free Ambition: How can someone contact you for hair and makeup services?
Kaneesha Willis: I can be contact by phone
678-914-3431
Email stylenbeat@gmail.com
Facebook: Style & Beat
Twitter @styleandbeat
Instagram @styleandbeat
Free Ambition: What are some of the obstacles that you have faced working for yourself?
Kaneesha Willis: I have had to learn time management, being patient with others, remaining a professional image at all times, learning business management skills, and to surround myself with other individuals with the same like mind.
Free Ambition: Do you have any advice for people who are deciding to study cosmetology?
Kaneesha Willis: My advice for those who are studying cosmetology is to stay focus. Keep your mind on your goals and plans. Be a student to the industry, because you are never done learning. Network with others in the industry other related fields such as fashion, modeling and photographer. Be patient with yourself. Its okay to be different. Believe in yourself.
Free Ambition: Are people of color being discriminated against in the hair and makeup industries, such as being hired for music tours, movie sets, high fashion photo shoots, etc?
Kaneesha Willis: Yes, people of color are being discriminated against in the hair and makeup industry. It not as bad as it could be, but it does exist. Most times if you are not able to prove that you are capable of performing certain hair or makeup techniques than most likely you are not hired for the job. Having a portfolio and experience is very important when it comes to providing services for music tours, movie sets and high fashion photo shoots. Try to be diverse as possible within the industry. Start by providing services to others outside of your race. Collect images of your work to add to your portfolio.
Free Ambition: How can people follow you?
Kaneesha Willis: People can follow me by reading my blog on www.styleandbeat.blogspot.com
Free Ambition: How are you currently promoting yourself ?
Kaneesha Willis: I am promoting myself through social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and Pinterest. I have a professional profile on Style Seat. I just recently joined Atlanta Natural Hair Care and Thumbtack.
Free Ambition: What is your biggest pet peeve about clients?
Kaneesha Willis: My biggest pet peeves about clients is when they do a “No Call, No Show”. I believe that you are responsible for letting your stylist know that you are not able to show up for your appointment, need to reschedule or running late. We are on a schedule ourselves; in order to keep our clients happy, and keep business running smoothly, I will need to stick to schedule.
Free Ambition: Who are some of the celebrity clients you have worked for?
 |
| Chante Moore |
 |
| Basheerah Ahmad |
Kaneesha Willis:I have worked with music artist, Chante Moore, and celebrity fitness trainer, Basheerah Ahmad.
Free Ambition: What motivates you to be successful everyday?
Kaneesha Willis: What motivates me to be successful everyday is finding out who I am as a person, and how what I know can change the people around me. Hair has allowed me to educate myself on where I come from and who I am. It has also led me to educating myself on other topics that can effect me and others that are a part of my culture.
Free Ambition: Who inspired you to become an entrepreneur?
Kaneesha Willis: My 12th grade Entrepreneurship teacher, Towers High School football coach, Mr. Tony McKee. He actually made me think about where I wanted to take my career. He encouraged me to tap into my creative thoughts and bring them to life. He help me plan for my future. He also installed the importance of educating myself, planning for my finances, and understand business.
Free Ambition: Where do you see yourself in a year?
Kaneesha Willis: In a year, I see myself as a well known cosmetologist in the city of Atlanta. Providing services for children, women and men of all ethnic backgrounds. Traveling the world networking with other professionals and making a name for myself.
Free Ambition: Where do you shop?
Kaneesha Willis:I shop some of everywhere. I like to shop online with online boutiques, I do thrift shopping, I purchase things from consignment stores and a few unique pieces from other upcoming designers in the city of Atlanta. I don’t have a particular location where I may shop, anywhere with cute clothing that you wont see too many people wearing it.
Free Ambition: What is your style?
Kaneesha Willis: I don’t really have a style. I pretty much wear whatever fits my mood or the environment that I am in. I like a lot of vintage clothing’s, some urban wear, and preppy styled clothing.
Free Ambition: Who is your favorite entrepreneur? Why?
 |
| Kimberly Kimble |
Kaneesha Willis: Kimberly Kimble is my favorite entrepreneur, because she has done everything that I want to do as a cosmetologist and entrepreneur. She has her own salon. She does freelance work outside her salon, and also gets her staff from the salon to work with her.
