Today we’d like to introduce you to Kiwaina Bennett.
Kiwaina, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’ve been braiding since I was about 14. I learned from watching family members and just by practicing. Growing up, I’ve always had my hands in hair. After graduating high school, I went to Lonestar college off and on for a couple of years not really knowing if this was the right place for me. Years later, I then became a receptionist at a Toni & Guy Salon. Being able to see the stylist work throughout the day really opened my eyes. I always knew I had the talent to do hair professionally, but I think I was letting fear get in the way of actually pursuing my dreams. I then received my braiding license from Franklin Beauty School. Meanwhile, I started taking clients as a mobile stylist with styles I was comfortable with (braiding) under the name @Kiwainab_styln. I was featured on Toni & Guy page for one of my Braiding styles.
About a year later, I then enrolled in Paul Mitchell the School Houston while working in at another salon in Katy. I joined the design team at school which was a club that went out to do hair for certain events. Going to Paul Mitchell may have been the best decision. I was going to school full time, working part-time, and still taking my clients in between. There was never an off day.
I graduated from Paul Mitchell in November 2018. Now, I am doing an apprenticeship at a well known Houston salon called The Upper Hand Salon: Hyde Park. I decided to do an apprenticeship because personally, I wanted to gain more education before actually taking clients at a salon. I want my clientele to be diverse. I want to be able to take any client that sits in my chair. While working at this salon, I had the opportunity to be on a segment for Channel 2 news for this past Mother’s Day Supermom Special. Being able to put on a smile on her face is why I do what I do. A simple hairstyle can change a person’s life.
Has it been a smooth road?
For the most part, it has. The most difficult thing was finding a salon with a good apprenticeship program.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with KiwainaB_Styln – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
KiwainaB_Styln is a MOBILE STYLIST company. I specialize in all braiding (Box Braids, Feed-In Cornrows, Havana Twist, Kinky Twist, Goddess Locs), Extensions (Sew-ins and Clip ins), as well as Natural hairstyles (Silk Press, Up does, etc.), and Protective styles. I am known for my braiding. My clients can say my braids last for quite a while and don’t do any damage to their hair as well as my Silk Presses. I am most proud of the continuous growth that I have year after in my craft. I will never stop learning, I will always make sure the client is happy.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love our city, but for me, being a hairstylist, I would the say the humidity.
Pricing:
- Box Braids – $100 and up. Hair is not included.
- Cornrows and Crochet styles – $65 and up
- Traditional Sew In- $120
- Closure Sew In- $140
- Silk Press- $85 and up
- Travel Fee- $15 and up depending on location
Contact Info:
- Phone: 832-914-7144
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/kiwainab_Styln
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kiwainabstyln/
Image Credit:
All styles done by @Kiwainab_styln
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
