Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiki Williams.
Hi Kiki, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I would love to share my journey with you.
I’ve always carried a deep sense of pride in living impactfully and showing up for others. This passion has influenced every area of my life, including my career. What began as a simple path in hairstyling and salon management quickly evolved into something much greater, a path to entrepreneurship.
Years ago as an employee, I often found myself spending extra time with clients, not just nourishing their hair, but genuinely getting to know them, and pouring life and encouragement into them whenever it was necessary. I worked in management for a franchise that didn’t embrace this kind of culture or time spent on clients, which ultimately made me realize that I needed to create my own space, so I did. In 2019, I opened the doors to my own space, and called it Salon Empowered.
As a salon and business owner, my passion for meaningful connection deepened. I went back to school to study psychology, and completed courses to become a certified life coach. I wanted a better understanding on how to navigate the many challenges that would come through my salon doors, and how to best execute the power of meeting people where they are. This unique combination of full-service haircare and personalized, empowering life coaching has become the staple and foundation of my brand. My mission is to ensure every person leaving Salon Empowered feels fresh, both externally and internally.
More than six years later, the doors are still open, the business/ community continues to grow, and I’ve had the honor of working with people from all walks of life along the way. The opportunity to make this kind of impact every day is something I hold with pride and deep appreciation.
Being the owner of Salon Empowered has honestly been one of the most fulfilling journeys of my life. It’s not just what I do, it’s who I am.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Honestly? Salon Empowered has been in business for more than six years, and the journey has been anything but smooth. As a single parent and full-time business owner, I’ve faced my fair share of incredibly big challenges: emotionally, financially, and professionally.
Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship has often meant making difficult choices between showing up for my daughter and showing up for my business. As it turns out, my daughter almost always wins.
One of my most difficult seasons came just five months after I invested my entire savings into launching my salon, when Covid-19 hit. The pandemic literally brought the world to a halt, and industries similar to mine (the beauty industry) that are directly hands-on were hit especially hard. Like so many others, I faced major setbacks, lost clients, and struggled to stay afloat.
There were so many moments where I questioned if I’d be able to continue, but through faith, perseverance, and the support of my community, I kept going.
Now, more than six years later, I’m extremely proud to say that I’ve found a better balance.
It’s been a long and bumpy road, filled with so many lessons, personal and professional growth, and a deep sense of gratitude. However, while the journey continues, it is no doubt that I am stronger, wiser, and more empowered than ever before.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
For sure. I am a salon/ beauty business owner, aspiring author, and certified life coach who specializes in natural haircare and the empowerment of others. I am particularly known for my expertise in fortifying hair that is beyond stressed and requires more than standard care. What distinguishes me from other businesses is the level of service I provide. My clients can attest that it is not uncommon for me to go beyond what is considered “normal” to make sure they are happy and satisfied. They are all truly worth my efforts.
Committed to professional growth, I consistently study new products and remain informed about the ever-changing trends within the industry. This dedication ensures I offer superior services and the best possible treatments to every client who entrusts me with their hair.
Equally meaningful to me are the authentic relationships I have cultivated with my clients over the years. I have shared countless many moments of vulnerability with clients, offering support during times when they have trusted me with personal and often deeply emotional stories. My approach is rooted in authenticity and genuine care, which has been integral to the success of my practice. As a result, I am proud to say that I have fostered lasting connections, often referring to my clients not just as customers, but as deeply cherished friends; they are literally the best.
As a consumer myself, I often find myself looking to be handled the way I handle my clients, and fortunately for me it seems so hard to find, so I say with confidence that my combination of service and expertise is a rarity in today’s service industry for sure.
What does success mean to you?
Ooo that’s a good one.
I think success looks incredibly different for everyone.
However, for myself, I believe success means living in alignment with my values and purpose. It’s about being the woman, mother, and leader who embodies strength, trust, grace, perseverance, and integrity. I believe success isn’t about recognition of status, material things, or a large social media following; rather it’s about making a meaningful impact, nurturing the people around me (myself included), and finding fulfillment in the journey as I reach for my goals. If I can lead with authenticity, remain grounded in who I am, profit, and help others grow along the way, then I would consider that success.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.salonempowered.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Makiiyaw
