Today we’d like to introduce you to Toya Kent.
Hi Toya, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story is pretty much a triumph story of perseverance. I had a colorful childhood and early adulthood. I faced so many hurdles in life that I essentially should have not survived from. I was a young mother to three beautiful girls and I started doing hair when I wanted to exit a career that was no longer serving the life that I envision for myself. While working being a hairstylist, I saw a need for better quality hair that the young ladies were using and I started doing my research on who was supplying hair to the U.S. I found that most people were getting their hair for China and that was low grade so I went to a different a source in a more exclusive country.
I found one quality source donor and ran with it. That excelled my company to where is today. I supply premium Burmese and South American hair extensions. Also, while working in the salon, I noticed that a lot of ladies were spending an abundance of money on hair weave and essentially just tossing it in the trash. Being a single mother with limited income, I understood that this needed to be changed. I worked to formulate a mixture of products and my knowledge for hair science and created my bundle reviver shampoo and conditioner which preserves the life of hair extensions and make them like new again.
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?
No, I had people oppose my vision and make a mockery for me to transition from my previous career to one of a more reputable one. I have been sabotaged, stolen from and my kindness and giving heart has been taken advantage of. Many people didn’t believe in my product or me. I also had to deal with heartbreak from love and my family and be my own support system.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in helping others protect their investment (hair extensions) and also providing them with high-quality, premium hair. I am proud of my formula for my bundle reviver which set me apart from the others. Not only do I have my own salon, Studio Mink which is located in the heart of the luxurious Galleria / Uptown area – I also have a hair factory that is opening in August. This will allow the public to process the hair I source at a wholesale price. This will be an opportunity for smaller hair businesses or stylists to gain immediate access to quality Cambodian and Burmese extensions here in the city. I saw a need after the delivery services started to get back running after Covid -19, that the delivery times and delays were horrendous. I wanted to provide a solution to the hair/beauty community. I am proud of this because it will increase profit gain for the smaller business, it will be no wait, no shipping delays or language barriers or the headache of lost packages. I find value in helping others and not gatekeeping information. It doesn’t dim my light to light another’s candle so I like to help others as much as I can.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up I was very curious. Curious in how stuff worked, how it was built, and pretty much the in and out of things. Whatever I wanted I tried, I end up being really good at it. To be honest, there was nothing I ever did that I wasn’t talented with. I asked a lot of questions and wanted a clear understanding. I also strived to be the best at what I did no matter what it was. I was the most driven and determined child ever. In high school, I never really belong to a cliché or crowd- I was the kid that was the floater to all the crowds, I was the social butterfly. I was super sociable and knew how to mesh with anyone.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lushxxi.com
- Instagram: lush_xxi
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lushxxipremiumextensions
Image Credits
Michael D. Bishop (shotbybishop_), iamkre8tiv, Dejah G (PictureMePeachie)
