Today we’d like to introduce you to Key Rentz
Hi Key Rentz, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always braided hair, as young as 10 years old. My little sisters were my first clients. Although those braids were hideous, practice made perfect. I did hair in middle, highschool and college. My clients ranged from classmates to family friends. I was always told that being a hairstylist is a hobby and to focus on a career that is more stable. I always had hair as a hustle while still working my 9-5. Once some of my videos/styles went viral, I could no longer manage a 40 hour work week at Suntrust banking. I begin to do hair full time and he rest is history
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?
It has not been a smooth journey. I have faced many challenges including but not limited to balancing my social, personal and work life. Long hours, especially for intricate styles, can take a toll on the body and personal life.
While I’m always trying to be an innovator and creator Non-Black stylists and businesses have profited from African-inspired braiding styles without acknowledging or crediting their cultural origins. The beauty industry often overlooks Black hair care, making it harder for braiders to find high-quality products at competitive prices and recieve the credit we deserve.
Building a brand has been one of my hardest task that I have yet to master, Access to funding and business loans can be difficult due to systemic barriers in banking and credit systems. Many Black women rely on personal savings or informal lending to start their businesses. The cost of renting a salon space, purchasing products, and marketing can be overwhelming.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am a beautician who specializes in braids. I am mostly know for my innovating stitch braiding technique and mastering tribal braids. My unique tribal braiding style has had social media in a Frenzie. My work has been seen on many celebrities, Cosomopolitian, and even Vogue magazine. I recently started my own natural hair growth line, which helps women and men grow their beards, hair, and eyebrows.
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I have always been a risk taker, going against the grain. I always told myself , I’ll try anything once. Futhermore Being a business owner and/or entrepreneur is a major risk in itself. There is no guarntees that it will “work out”.
I have always kept God first. My major risk was to stop working in my 1 bedroom apartment and relocate into a beauty shop officially. My fear was financials . Having to pay 2 rents sounded diabolical to me. The first week , I made 3x as much as I would have made working from home. I was able to pay my booth and apartment rent that same week .
Pricing:
- thekey2beauty.com shows all avaibilty and pricing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thekey2beauty.com
- Instagram: @hairbykey___
- Facebook: hairbykey
- Youtube: @hairbykey
- Other: tik tok : @hairbykey___
