If you had told me years ago that my love for hair would lead me to become a Cécred Pro Trainer, I might have laughed in disbelief. But here I am, living proof that when passion meets opportunity—and a little faith—amazing things happen.
My journey in the hair industry started young. My older sister, a cosmetology student, was my first inspiration. Watching her work, I became obsessed with the magic of transformation and the confidence a fresh style could bring. That passion led me to where I am today—20+ years behind the chair, perfecting my craft, and now stepping into a new role as an educator.
I found out about Cécred’s business grant program through two amazing clients. At first, I hesitated, but after a push from my father in January I applied. Winning the grant came at one of the hardest moments of my life—just three days after losing my father in June. That email wasn’t just an opportunity; it was a sign to keep going. It allowed me to reinvest in my business, upgrade my tools, and refocus with a new sense of purpose.
Then came another life-changing moment. Dr. Kari reached out, and before I knew it, I was offered the role of Cécred Pro Trainer. It was confirmation that my years of dedication, my highs and lows, my wins and lessons—all of it—mattered.
Education is everything in this industry. Being a Cécred Pro Trainer means I get to pour into other stylists the way I wish someone had poured into me. It’s about giving back, pushing the industry forward, and ensuring that healthy hair is always the goal.
For any hairstylist looking to grow—invest in yourself, stay consistent, and never stop learning. Your next opportunity might be right around the corner, waiting for you to take that leap.
Cécred: What inspired you to pursue a career in the hair industry?
My inspiration to pursue a career in the hair industry began early, growing up with an older sister who was in cosmetology school. She’d often style my hair, and I’d be fascinated by the different techniques she used. I was captivated by how hair could be transformed, and I started seeing the connection between hair and confidence. When I saw how good it made me feel to have my hair done, I knew I wanted to help others feel that same sense of empowerment. I wanted to create beauty and confidence for everyone who sat in my chair.
Cécred: How did you discover Cécred x BeyGOOD Fund? What motivated you to apply?
Kaye: I discovered Cécred’s business grant program through two clients, Nikki Foster and Timothy Clark, who both encouraged me to apply. At first, I hesitated, unsure if I should take the leap. After talking to my father, he encouraged me to apply, so I did. I trusted that the process was in God’s hands. While continuing to focus on my clients and personal growth, I applied, putting my faith in the opportunity to bring something positive into my business and career.
Cécred: What did winning the grant mean to you, and how has it impacted your career and business?
Kaye: Winning the grant was a deeply emotional experience. It came at a time when I was grieving my father’s passing, and I was uncertain about continuing my work. I received the notification just three days after his death, a moment when I was ready to quit. The email felt like a divine sign, affirming that I was meant to keep going. It gave me the strength to continue and reinvest in my business—upgrading tools, improving my services, and refocusing on my career. It’s been a catalyst for personal and professional growth, reminding me that I have a purpose.
Cécred: When did you first learn that you were selected to become a trainer in the Cécred Professional Program?
Kaye: I learned I was selected to become a trainer when Dr. Kari reached out to me via email, asking for a one-on-one conversation. At first, I wasn’t sure what the discussion would be about, but I made time for it. I had a client in the salon that day, so I stepped outside for privacy. Dr. Kari congratulated me on winning the grant and praised my efforts in the industry. She expressed how much progress I had made and how I had proven myself. That’s when she offered me the role of Cécred Pro Trainer, which was an incredible honor.
Cécred: In what ways do quality training and education help professionals become stronger advocates for healthy haircare?
Kaye: Quality training and education are essential for hairstylists to advocate for healthy haircare. As the industry constantly evolves, we must stay up-to-date on new products, techniques, and technologies. A strong foundation in education ensures that we can make informed decisions about haircare, providing the best results for our clients. By staying informed, we can promote long-term hair health, educate clients on proper maintenance, and ensure the hair we work with is protected and well-cared for. For me, healthy hair is always the ultimate goal.
Cécred: What does being a Cécred Pro Trainer mean to you, and how do you hope to make an impact while supporting the professional haircare community?
Kaye: Being a Cécred Pro Trainer is an opportunity to give back to the industry and help other stylists advance in their careers. My hope is to share everything I’ve learned over the years, from overcoming challenges to mastering new techniques, so that others can grow without facing the same obstacles I did. I want to be a resource for fellow stylists, providing the knowledge and tools they need to succeed. Through this role, I aim to foster a community where professionals continue to grow, support each other, and provide the best possible service to clients.
Cécred: As a Cécred Pro Trainer, how do you see the program empowering other professionals in the industry?
Kaye: As a Cécred Pro Trainer, I see the program as a powerful tool for elevating the entire industry. It allows stylists to access high-quality education, learn about cutting-edge products, and become better equipped to serve their clients. By sharing our knowledge, we empower professionals to make informed decisions, which ultimately improves the quality of service in the industry. This program ensures that stylists can meet their clients’ needs while keeping hair health a top priority.
Cécred: What challenges have you faced in the haircare industry, and how have you overcome them?
Kaye: One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is the lack of mentorship in the early stages of my career. I had to navigate many obstacles on my own, learning through trial and error. However, this process shaped me into a more resilient and resourceful professional. Over time, I became a pillar in my community, not only because of my technical skills but because I understood what clients want from the perspective of someone who’s also a client. This experience has made me passionate about providing mentorship to others and helping new stylists avoid the struggles I faced.
Cécred: What advice would you give to other hairstylists looking to grow their careers or start their own businesses?
Kaye: My advice is to start by defining your business goals. Write a clear business plan that outlines what you want to achieve and how you’ll get there. Know your strengths and weaknesses and always invest in further education. Building a successful business takes time and consistency, so be patient with yourself. Focus on providing excellent customer service, building trust with clients, and ensuring they always leave satisfied. Word of mouth is your best marketing tool, so make every client feel valued. Lastly, remember that mistakes will happen, but the key is to learn from them, make improvements, and keep moving forward.