Meet Kifeney
"OMG, MY HAIR IS FALLING OUT IN THE SINK!!" This is the reason why Kifeney wanted to be the BEST! She said, “I NEVER wanted to ever hear that statement!” Kifeney was born with a creative purpose. Drawing and painting came natural to her, however she knew she needed to do more with her life, and to develop a career that would sustain her mentally and financially.
At the age of 15, doing hair became a calming mechanism. Helping her to get through life’s challenges. Always hungry for more knowledge, Kifeney would watch her childhood beautician every two weeks after school while she did her 3 foster sister’s hair. She was so fascinated with her mentor, the fact that she owned her own salon, had a huge clientele, and she knew everybody! “I LOVED THAT!”, Kifeney said.
Kifeney then began growing more into her craft of doing hair, branching out to her classmates, giving her a creditable name in her city. Graduating from high school, she knew that she wanted to become a Cosmetologist who was knowledgeable and does everything in the hair industry. Giving her an edge and an advantage on her competitor’s, Kifeney graduated from Augusta Technical Institute, located in Augusta, Ga in 1999. Working in a few salons as an apprentice, later accepting her own clients to grow into a mature stylist.
Kifeney grew to learn that her calling in the beauty industry was to educate. Having an organic love to help people grow and become more knowledgeable in the field, lead her to become a Cosmetology Instructor. Becoming a young instructor grew challenging, due to the student’s being the same age as her. “I didn't let that stop me.”, Kifeney stated. Committing to being a great mother, person, business woman, and instructor Kifeney began to soar in all aspects of life, at the young age of 25.
Over years of intense training, Kifeney took on the responsibility of being a Community activist by; Creating hair styling mannequin competitions for students, participating in Homeless Haircuts programs, visiting Nursing homes and VA- Spinal-Cord injury Veterans , creating training classes for different cutting techniques, and more. Kifeney’s persistence in her career lead her to gain a position as Director of Admissions for the school she once only instructed in.
“I wanted more!”, Kifeney said. Finally having the opportunity to grow within herself, stepping out on faith, and to grow her resume to further her future in the beauty industry was a dream come true. Packing the kids and the house, and venturing to Knoxville, TN (2012) it was. It was new territory, but it was their new home, giving the family more opportunities for success. Kifeney landed a job at Virginia College as a Cosmetology Educator, while building her clientele in a hair salon to grow her career in this new city. Knoxville needed a natural hair Stylist, which was perfect for Kifeney, as a specializing natural hair stylist. Things grew in a big way for Kip, by word of mouth, her business grew month to month.
While getting settled in Knoxville another opportunity presented itself! “Zotos Professional asked me to be their Brand Ambassador!”. The new position allowed Kifeney to travel all over east Tn. visiting Sally’s, CosmoProf, and SalonCentric stores and educate consumer’s on features and benefits of the Zotos Professional product line, carried in the store’s.
Always’s hungry for more, Kifeney went to work and train at Paul Mitchell the School Knoxville. Where training and connecting with a variety of different cultures, races, and backgrounds was a sweet spot. Kifeney quickly excelled in this newfound passion, and opportunities as a Texture Specialist and Cutting Specialist was in major need. So, adding a barbering license to her long list of things that she already has, Kip went back to school. Accomplishing a Barbering License and apprenticing as a Barber Educator.
After 16 years of diligent work in the industry, Kifeney is still wanting to go further in her career. She is currently taking a step back from teaching full-time and developing her brand ‘Natural Aesthetics’. located in Knoxville Tn. Natural Aesthetics is a calm, cozy, self-awareness, “speak your mind” exclusive studio. Specializing in natural hair, barbering, hair loss specialist, and getting your energy intertwined into your natural aesthetic! Kifeney has also managed to find the time to develop, ‘The Texture Academy’. The Texture Academy is in Oak Ridge, TN. The classes are State Board Certified and provides essential knowledge in textured hair like Braiding, applying hair color to natural hair, and silk presses to continue to grow this Billion-dollar industry the right way!
Kifeney is a constant inspiration to us all as she continues her journey in life. Parenting two children; Matel (son), a Sophomore at Voorhees College in Denmark, SC. Studying Psychology. A daughter, Khamia, a Junior at Central High school where she enjoys playing the drums. As they are the heart beats that keeps her engine running. Kifeney leads with Trust. “Trust, there will be more to come, but in the meanwhile, follow your dreams and passions and GO GET IT!!!”