Have you ever imagined turning your passion into a successful business? I certainly did! My name is Kendra Philson, and I am thrilled to share my story as the owner of AutKENtic Beauty, a salon dedicated to empowering clients through natural hair care right here in beautiful Raleigh, NC.
In this post, I’ll walk you through my journey, from the inspiration behind my salon to the challenges I faced along the way. You’ll see what makes AutKENtic Beauty stand out in a competitive market. So, grab your favorite drink, get comfortable, and let’s jump into my story!
Where It All Began
My Passion for Hair and Beauty
My love for hair care began way back in childhood. I fondly recall the joy of playing with my dolls, giving them the wackiest haircuts and often leaving them bald as a cue ball (I even tried to give my brother Quintrell Butler a hair cut..he wasn't having it😆). It was around 7th grade that I realized this hair obsession was more than just a phase. My mom, Tina Willis, taught me how to cornrow and plait. She made sure I had regular hair appointments and braided my hair, ensuring I always looked fabulous (and my dad, Quintin Butler, even threw in a plait or two for school). The hair saga took a turn when I begged my mom to braid my hair again, and she just was not interested! I had too much hair! I adored her braids, but it was clear: either I learned to do it myself or embraced the eternal ponytail! That was the moment my hair passion truly took root and started styling my life.
As I grew up, I embraced my passion with enthusiasm! I began styling my own hair, and my go-to look was a fresh relaxer and a doobie wrap with those iconic purple rollers on top. My cousin Tonya Lowe, who was my stylist back then, always ensured my hair was silky with lots of body and curls after every appointment! As the years went by, I found myself diving into YouTube videos and magazines to learn new styles. I often dreamed, "How amazing would it be to have my own salon?" However, it wasn't until July 2021, after reconnecting with my now-husband Demetrius Philson, that I decided to pursue Cosmetology as a career. I'll never forget September 29, 2020, when he messaged me on Facebook. Early in our conversation, he asked, "What do you really want to do?" Without hesitation, I replied, "I want to own a salon suite." Throughout our relationship, he constantly encouraged me and checked in on my beauty school progress. Fast forward to July 2021, I took the leap and enrolled in beauty school at Johnston Community College (JCC) in Smithfield, where I was taught the art of hair care and met incredible young women who shared my passion for beauty. My journey through beauty school has been a revelation, showing me just how strong, courageous, and determined one must be to chase their dreams!
My journey, like any other, was filled with challenges. JCC was 1 hour and 40 minutes from my home in Navassa, NC. Despite the daunting task of driving from Monday to Thursday, attending classes from 5 PM to 11 PM, and then returning home to work the next morning, I persevered! Demetrius offered me a place to stay, reducing my commute to just an hour from JCC. For three semesters, I relied on God, making the two-hour trip each week. Through His grace, I received a new job, financial growth, and daily safety on the road. God not only blessed me, he extended the blessings to my husband as well. I moved three times—from Greenville, NC, to Clayton, NC, to Durham, NC—all in pursuit of my dreams and a new life with my husband. Despite the blessings, the journey was tough. I missed my old life, faced challenges at my demanding new job with overtime, and worked to maintain my new relationship. I nearly quit school after being denied a place to sit and work while waiting for class. Instead, I went to Best Buy, bought a 3-prong car charger, and worked from my car 💪🏾! Each setback only strengthened my resolve to establish my unique place in the beauty industry.
The Vision Behind AutKENtic Beauty
Creating a Space for Natural Hair Care
The name AutKENtic (pronounced as authentic) Beauty captures my journey toward embracing my authentic self: celebrating and accepting my skin, natural hair, unique traits, and personal journey. Like many young girls, I often aspired to have hair like celebrities or alter my features to align with media standards. In a moment of prayer, I asked God to help me become my true, authentic self and never look back, and He answered that prayer. I no longer desire to imitate others and I am genuinely content with who I am, which is an extraordinary feeling. I wish for all women to experience this same sense of fulfillment. Natural hair is often mischaracterized as "nappy" or "bad hair", which is simply untrue. While some hair textures may require more care, feel more textured, or need specialized products, it is indeed GREAT HAIR. God did not create some hair as "good" and others as "bad"; He crafted unique crowns for each of us, and it is time we start treating them as such. We must stop concealing hair issues or creating them in an attempt to emulate heavily edited and filtered media portrayals. Whether your hair is relaxed, natural, styled in braids, or worn under a wig, its health is what truly matters. It's time to embrace your true self! AutKENtic Beauty is a community haven where everyone can learn to love their hair.
At AutKENtic Beauty, I excel in services tailored specifically for natural textures, such as silk presses,trims, and smoothing treatements for natural curls. For example, my popular smoothing treatment service, enhances natural curl patterns, and reduces frizz, attracts clients eager to see their hair's versatility. The focus on education is essential; I work closely with clients to help them understand their unique hair types and how to maintain its health.
My ultimate aspiration is to create an inviting space where clients can shed their apprehensions and leave feeling empowered. This commitment drives everything I do at the salon.
Overcoming Challenges to Open the Salon
Turning a Dream Into Reality
Starting a salon is a challenging endeavor! Each step, from securing a suite location to building a brand, tested my commitment. There were days I questioned whether I could continue.
Building my client base was one of the most significant challenges. I started small, offering services to friends and family, who then spread the word. This grassroots effort helped me create a loyal client base. Within the first year, I gained repeat clients who became ambassadors for my brand.
Opening day was a pivotal moment. As I unlocked the doors, excitement rushed through me. It was one of the proudest days of my life, and I will never forget the first time my client walked in.
What Makes AutKENtic Beauty Different
Putting Clients First
What sets AutKENtic Beauty apart is my personalized approach. I prioritize understanding each client's unique needs. I listen closely to their concerns, ensuring I address them specifically. This strong trust builds a relationship that lasts.
I also emphasize education about natural hair health. I believe that informed clients make wiser choices for their hair care. For instance, I offer tips on at-home care, enabling clients to feel confident managing their hair between visits. Clients appreciate this knowledge, stating that it empowers them to embrace their natural texture.
I have created a soothing and calming atmosphere in the salon. Using high-quality products, I enhance hair health and ensure every client enjoys a delightful experience from start to finish. My goal is for clients to leave not only looking beautiful but also feeling knowledgeable and confident about their hair.
Looking Ahead: The Future of AutKENtic Beauty
What’s Next for My Salon
Looking back at how far I’ve come fills me with excitement for the future of AutKENtic Beauty. I am eager to expand my service menu and introduce more innovative treatments while maintaining my signature focus on natural hair. Additionally, I am dedicated to developing unique packages for women and children to ensure a tranquil and soothing salon experience.
I envision AutKENtic Beauty as a community hub where women, especially women of color, can feel empowered and uplifted in their natural beauty journey. By providing a supportive environment, I hope to foster a sense of belonging.
A Journey Fueled by Passion
Every step of my journey has been shaped by passion, determination, and a desire to create a space where natural hair is celebrated. With each client who walks through the doors of AutKENtic Beauty, I am reminded of my purpose—to make a positive impact on the lives of others by helping them embrace their authentic selves.
If you are in Raleigh, NC, and seek a salon dedicated to natural hair care, I warmly invite you to visit AutKENtic Beauty. Let’s begin this journey together toward unveiling your true beauty!
Thank you for being part of my adventure—here’s to many more beautiful stories ahead!
Natural Hair | Raleigh, NC | Healthy Hair
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