Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayla.
Hi Kayla, 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?
I started as an independent stylist in 2016, hired by first employee in 2018, and transitioned our business to LGBTQ+ inclusive in 2021 after covid made me realize just how important it was to make sure everyone who walked in our doors felt safe in all aspects of their wellbeing. As a queer woman, I started to see how important the human rights movement was in our state. We are now nationally recognized by the LGBT Chamber of Commerce as an LGBTQ+ company and are proudly part of Strands for Trans, Hair Has No Gender, Safe Space Alliance, and Everywhere is Queer. We host Trans and Queer beauty events and operate gratuity free, provide a sustainable hourly wage for all employees, and provide benefits.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Making the decision to operate and market ourselves as a queer inclusive space created a shift in our company. We had staff and client turnover which was a scary transition. We then attracted employees and guests who were aligned with our mission of “We Create a Sustainable Space Where People Feel Safe, Seen, & Celebrated”.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
We are queer and woman owned. We are a queer safe space. We welcome in our 2SLGBTQIA+ and allied guests with open arms. We specialize in alternative haircuts and vivid colors and holistic skincare and haircare products. We are green and sustainable with all the products we use and recommend. We offer benefits and PTO to our hourly waged employees vs. commission and tipping wages, which is much more common in our industry, unfortunately. I wanted to create a safe space for everyone – guests and employees alike. I would say I am most proud of the systems I’ve created to ensure each guest and team member is taken care of. We make sure to provide the best experience for every guest that visits us. We provide hair, skin, and natural nail services.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is freedom and options to do what we want, when we want and having fun doing it! By taking the time to build a strong foundation with my company, and empower my team, I am able to work on my business more than in it. I am able to make more connections with our local community and grow our company from the outside more effectively.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.enlightenedbeautyfargo.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/enlightenedbeautyfargo/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/enlightenedbeautysalon/
