Today we’d like to introduce you to Dekira Hundley.
Hi Dekira, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always been interested in hair and beauty. Growing up, my older sister used to do my hair a lot, but I was very tender-headed. Once I got older and my mom stopped wanting to constantly pay for me to get my hair done, I started figuring it out myself. I learned how to plait my own hair and taught myself how to cornrow around 12 years old. From there, I started learning different trending styles and improving my skills.
At first, doing hair was just a hobby and a way to make extra money. I actually used to say I would never do hair full-time! But as I got older and started working regular jobs, I realized I could sometimes make more doing hair in one day than I could working multiple shifts.
During my senior year of high school, I started working out of a barbershop, created my first booking site, and began building my clientele with people from school. Since then, I’ve worked in different salon environments, continued growing my portfolio, and eventually moved into my own salon suite. Now at 20, I’m still learning and growing, but it’s crazy to see something I once considered a hobby turn into a business and career that I genuinely see a future in.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t always been a smooth road. One of my biggest struggles has been learning how to keep going when I didn’t feel like I had the support I wanted or needed. Social media can also be discouraging because it’s easy to compare your business to someone else’s and wonder why you aren’t growing the same way. I’ve had to learn that what works for another stylist may not work for me, and a lot of building my business has been figuring out my own strategies and continuing to improve my craft.
I’ve also had to learn how important your environment is. I’ve worked in salon spaces where I didn’t always feel supported or like my concerns were taken seriously, which ultimately pushed me to find something better. Now that I’m in a salon suite with an environment and owner I really appreciate, I can look back and see that those experiences helped me learn what I do and don’t want around me as I continue growing my business.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
KrownedbyKiira is a hairstyling business specializing primarily in braids and protective styles. I’m known for styles like knotless braids, boho styles, Island twists, Fulani styles, and other trending looks. I really enjoy being able to take a style a client has in mind and make it fit them while continuing to improve and expand my craft.
What I’m most proud of is the growth of my brand. KrownedbyKiira started with me doing hair as a hobby and has grown into a real business with its own clientele, booking system, and salon suite. I want my clients to have more than just a good hairstyle—I want them to feel comfortable, welcomed, and confident when they leave my chair.
I’m still growing and learning, and I think that’s a big part of my brand. I’m not afraid to try new techniques, educate myself, and evolve with the beauty industry. My goal is for KrownedbyKiira to continue becoming a brand people recognize not only for beautiful hair, but also for the experience and care behind it.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I wouldn’t say I have one specific app, book, podcast, or blog that I follow. A lot of my motivation actually comes from seeing other hairstylists around my age, especially those in my area, grow their businesses and improve their craft. Seeing people who are in a similar stage of life as me accomplish their goals reminds me that I can do the same. I also use social media as a way to stay inspired, learn new techniques, and keep up with what’s changing in the beauty industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=31458585
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krownedbykiira?utm_source=qr
