Today we’d like to introduce you to Kifeney Walker.
Hi Kifeney; we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was a foster kid from age 5-21 and I had to make something out of myself. No question about it. I enjoyed drawing and crafts as a kid, and one day, my talent evolved into doing hair, and it just stuck! It helped calm my anxiety and gave me a boost in knowing I could use my talent to change a person’s life. Right after high school in ’98, I started Cosmetology School. It was a success, but I failed my test on the first try. I was humbled but discouraged, God allowed me to conquer that test on the second try and pass with excellence. Having patience is a real thing! Years later, I sought to get my Cosmetology Instructor license to teach; the rest is gold! It has been over 20 years, and it is still going strong with old and new techniques to help grow the next student generation and to enlighten the clients.
It wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has been challenging! There were days I wanted to give up, but this dream had to come to reality. I always wanted to leave home and create a life for which I was longing. So, I left my hometown of Warrenton, Ga. by way of Augusta, GA, for a new job opportunity. When circumstances happen sometimes life will lead you into a totally direction and this was good for me. That is when Virginia College called for the opportunity; this was the first time I had heard of Knoxville. I said, “Why not!” My sister kept my kids, Matel and Khamia, now 23 & 20, for weeks while I planned and got accumulated with the city. I drove home every week, 5/6 hours one way, 10/11 hours weekly, to check on the kids in Atlanta and do clients in Augusta, to keep the family afloat until it started to make sense. Most days were unbearable, but once I casted all my fears on God and stayed focused on the prize, life got a lot smoother and I became wiser as well. Those days were very trying. If I had not done it, I would have missed the life I wanted for my kids and myself. Freedom and Maturity is the Formula!
I appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Natural Aesthetics Diverse Studio?
It is a cozy salon studio located in North Knoxville. It is where you can relax, nap, and get pretty and handsome. I specialize in healthy hair Education with a target in Natural hair, hair loss, locs, color, cuts, consultations, and more. I also train individuals in the field who would love more techniques to add to their salon services. I certify students to become Licensed Braiders through the Tennessee State Board of Cosmetology and provide students with advanced training in DreadLocs techniques. I am also employed with Paul Mitchell the School Knoxville, where I’m a Dual Educator. I have valued my career, where I have Both Cosmetology and Barber Instructor licenses. (4 licenses) and a Certified Hair Loss Consultant. I offer a listening ear to clients needing more knowledge on keeping their hair healthy and teaching students who would love to grow and succeed in this industry. I also have traveled doing movies, commercials, and print work. My best memory was working with Tyler Perry in Atlanta, GA, earlier last year (2022). I have worked for Zotos Professional as a Brand Ambassador, weddings, runway shows, the local Care Cuts for the homeless, Sonic, Jupiter Productions, Independent movie productions, and much more.
Natural Aesthetics opened in early 2019 and the business endured the Covid shut down, thrived through the first 5 years of business (March 2024) which is the most crucial point of any business. Constantly staying focused and more business oriented, the business won Best Hair Salon of Knoxville through the Knoxville Award Program. I am here to educate and make Knoxville a place to receive all your services without having to travel. Let us keep it local!
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I loved watching movies with wild hairstyles and trying to recreate them on my dolls. I also enjoyed doing my classmates’ hair for senior pictures and prom. My best memory is rolling my foster mom’s hair for church on Sundays and doing my aunt’s French roll and spiral curls. They were my most faithful customers and I’m so glad my foster mom encouraged and fostered my spiritual gifts and now it’s my calling and this is what I’m designed to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: nadiversestudio.com
- Instagram: Mizkip
- Facebook: Kifeney Walker
