Meet Kenya Stemmons | Author and Salon Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenya Stemmons and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenya, why did you pursue a creative career?
I have always been a creative person. I love having a unique perspective on life and outwardly demonstrating it through my outter appearance. I love expressing myself through my clothes, particularly my hair! I love bright colors and short haircuts. I have a 9 to 5 career that is very structured and technical, so that leaves me craving for me to explore my creativity. So, I started a career in cosmetology and created my own home-based salon. I’m now pivoting my career once more and embracing my creativity by publishing my first fiction novel. I’m an avid reader and thought that the pandemic would be a perfect time to test my creativity and write a novel. I am proud to say that it is finished and will be published in Fall 2022. My fiction novel, Golden Rose, will be self-published. So, that way I still get to mix my creative side with my prior business experience of owning and operating a salon. I always strive to be the best version of myself and my creativity gives me the confidence to embrace any new endeavor I choose.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have a very long career history and I believe my success and work ethic were formed when I entered into the Army in 2000. There, I learned how to be organized and punctual. These two characteristics have served me well throughout my academic, professional, and entrepreneurial career. I had many challenges to overcome to get to where I am today. I was born into a two-parent household, but that was torn apart by the drug epidemic. Although my family was fractured, I leaned on education to keep me focused on my goals of being a business owner and working for the Federal government. I earned a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Business Administration from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, then my Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Illinois Springfield, and my Master’s of Cosmetology from Empire Beauty School. Most recently I completed by first fiction novel using the education provided by Udemy.com. One of the keys to my success is using a calendar and lists to help keep me focused on my daily, monthly, and yearly goals. I started off my setting 10 year goals and then I work my way backward and formulate an actionable plan to keep me focused and on track. Writing down my goals is the biggest game changer. The one take away I want people to know about my story is that I have endured many adversities, but I persevered. When something unexpected happens or I suffer a loss, I let myself feel that emotion, then the next day I think of a solution so I never stay in a defeatist mindset.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I am such a hip nerd and foody! I love museums and zoos. So, if I had a friend visiting the Atlanta area, I will definitely take them to the Georgia Aquarium to see the mysteries of the ocean. I love history, so I would definitely suggest the National Center for Civil and Human Rights, then grab some refreshment at The World of Coca-Cola. The Fernbank Museum of Natural History would be next on my list followed by Zoo Atlanta. The metro-Atlanta area has so much to offer in food and ambience. If I wanted a quick delicious breakfast, I would head over to Flavor Rich in Suwanee, GA, but if I wanted a sophisticated date night or Sunday brunch, Canoe in Atlanta would be my choice. If I wanted to hang out, a walk along Atlanta Belt Line is a great choice to see and interact with people and the best part is there are local restaurants along the way to enjoy!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have such a great support team! They are small in number, but mighty in force. I want to shout out my sister, Kellee, who by far has been my greatest supporter. There were many days that she offered an encouraging word, financial help, or an idea to help me pursue my dreams. I also have a great friend, Carla, who has supported me since the 99’s & 2000’s…lol. All joking aside, her actions show me her love and support, continually. I remember her being there in some of my darkest moments and helping me…unselfishly. It’s easy to say you love someone, but it’s definitely harder to show it. And these two have shown me repeatedly that I can depend on them and I thank them from the bottom of my heart.

Instagram: kenya_hairsalon

Linkedin: Kenya Stemmons

Image Credits
Christian Bentulan with Stardust Book Services and Kansas Street Publishing, LLC