Name: Keara M. Stanley
Company: KMS GLAM STUDIO
Title: Master Stylist/ Salon Owner
Website: www.kmsglamstudio.com
Keara Stanley is the owner of KMS Glam Studio located in Desoto Texas. Originally born in Los Angeles, CA, Keara moved to Texas when she was eight years old. It wasn’t until she was 20 when her career as a hairstylist began. “I was struggling in college to the point where I asked my parents if I could go to cosmetology school. With the help of my supportive parents, I took a break from school, quit my job working at Walmart and dedicated every day to clocking my hours in cosmetology school. As a promise to my parents I went back and finished my Associates degree and haven’t looked back since,” she says. Check out our interview with Keara below to see why we #COSIGN her.
Growing up what were you into and when did you know that you wanted to become a hair stylist?
Growing up as an only child expands your imagination. I spent countless hours playing with my Barbie dolls. I had the doll house, the pink corvette, and as many barbies who’s hair I could comb. I loved dressing my barbies and dolls up in cute outfits and styling their hair. I even loved drawing girls dressed up in high fashion with beautiful hairstyles. In high school it turned into me doing my friend’s and family’s hair but never thinking that it would be my profession until college days.
Who inspires you the most in your industry?
I’m inspired by any creative individual who is willing to be unique and bold with their artwork. If I was to drop names I would have to say Kim Kimble, Ted Gibson and of course my mentor local hairstylist/salon owner Kaye Flewellen who’s inaugural mentorship program I have the pleasure to be a part of. I’m also inspired by anyone would told me I couldn’t make it as a successful hairstylist. I’m inspired to prove them wrong!
What has been your biggest struggle in getting to where you are now in your profession?
Learning the game of business. Being an entrepreneur isn’t an easy task. But when you tell yourself it’s impossible to work for someone else you have to figure it out. Learning how to manage finances I would say was my biggest struggle until I learned the right way to bookkeep.
Did you have a “leap of faith” moment, and if so, how did you decide to make the leap and what were the circumstances around it?
When I decided to branch out on my own from a corporate commission based salon to being an independent stylist. I had a strong clientele at the time but my concern was if my clients would follow me. I planned my exit right and gave my clients incentives to come see me at my new location. Now I can say I have many clients who have been with me for over 9 years! God is good!
How does your brand improve the industry you’re currently in?
We are bringing value back into the industry…period! The cosmetology industry is so saturated with unprofessional and unlicensed hairstylist just going it because it’s the popular thing to do or because it’s money in the business. There is longevity in valuing our craft, professionalism, and customer relationships.
What has been your biggest accomplishment to date?
Seeing my salon thriving is my greatest accomplishment. When I walk in and see my team busy with clients and building their clientele. It makes me feel warm inside to see motivated women about their hustle. To be able to create a positive work environment for me means the world to me. Opening my first salon with not a clue as to what I was doing and the many challenges that come with it. After celebrating 2 years of service I look back on all the obstacles I was faced with and see how they made me stronger. The growth I see now makes me feel accomplished and proud.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I see myself continuing to share my gifts with others. In ways such as mentoring up and coming hairstylist, participating at hair shows around the world growing the salon and expanding my hair care line. I just want to continue to bless others with what I was blessed with.
What does success mean to you?
Success to me means being happy and satisfied with your present situation. Success is knowing you’ve done all you can and never stop pushing for your dreams.
When it’s all said and done what do you want your legacy to be?
I want my legacy to be stylist helping stylist. Pushing stylist to be all they can be… not just skillfully but healthy and all around balanced.
Who do you #COSIGN?
- Kaye Flewellen @kflewellen
- Sonya Booker @shopsonyabees
- Crystal Gibson @prettyfacesskintique
- Camille Cooksey @standingroomonlydfw
- Yunnis Smith and Brandon Brown @dollastxclothing
- Chasidy Parker @themrsparkerr_massage
- Paxton Ingram @pxtn (season 10 The Voice)
- Myke Sims @Mykesimscollection
- Shira Kay @mrsluxestyle
- Tavon Burrow @cheftavonburrow
