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

Hi Ranay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I wanted to create a service that helped other woman and men feel beautiful/ handsome and also help them be able to express who they truly are. I grew up doing hair and I always noticed the effect I had on others when it came to me doing creative styles and braids on them. So with hard work and dedication I took the necessary steps to start a mobile braiding business !

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am the owner of Touchedbynay_ where I service Faux Locs and braids of all styles. I started at the age of 9 just doing it for fun and also because it became a safe space for me . As I got older I noticed more and more people wanting to get their hair done by me so at the age of 16 I started touchedbynay_. It first started off as me just doing hair in my mothers’ living room with a plastic table and chair . After gaining more knowledge on how to be more professional I soon moved into a suite . The suite was shortly lived due to my lack of knowledge on how to properly gain clientele in that area . After months of research and hard work I did a complete 360 and became strictly mobile . I wanted to create an atmosphere where the client could be comfortable, and experience luxury at the same time . Being mobile caught a lot of attention and has been what I stuck with . I love what I do , like any other entrepreneur I took risk and some risk weren’t as good as others but I learned many valuable lessons that has made me the successful business woman I am today . There is always room for improvement but I want to say that when God puts something on your heart don’t ignore it because 9/10 there is a blessing on the other side of it . Keep pushing for your dreams no matter how hard it gets because at the end its always worth it . My business has helped so many woman and men express themselves along with just making them feel great about themselves and that’s something I will forever enjoy doing !

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 would take my friend to North Point Mall for a shopping spree and then Cheesecake Factory after ! There is so many nice stores to shop from without having to worry about it being so crowded and great restaurants surrounding the mall to eat and get drinks at!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom (Keya Erving )was a big part of keeping my ideas alive . She always encouraged me to keep doing what I loved and to also focus on the purpose God gave me as well as my husband (Anthony Kinsey ) who always inspired me to keep my head up and never give up on my dream no matter what life throws at you . I’m very thankful for them !

Website: https://tbnscheduling.as.me/

Instagram: Touchedbynay_

Other: @thatdollnay on TikTok

Image Credits
Ranay Baldwin for all images

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