Elvonda Kennedy-Young is an internationally recognized celebrity hairstylist based in Houston, TX. Her cosmetology career began in 1999 and her experience has included platform artistry, educator and trainer and product development for major brands, including Soft Sheen Carson, Mizani/L’Oréal and Bronner Brothers.
She has styled several of Chicago and Houston’s local celebrities, as well as singer Chrissette Michele and actress Sanaa Lathan. She has been featured on TVOne’s Sister Circle Live and Crown Salon in Sugarland, TX and was recently voted “Best Organic Salon” by Living Magazine and was also featured by OK! Magazine and Star Magazine for hosting a day of beauty for 50 victims of Hurricane Harvey.
What motivated and inspired you to start your own business?
My passion for fashion and hair was more intriguing than clothes.
Tell us about your business.
I consider myself a “hair care specialist”. In my business I enjoy educating and assisting women in the day to day challenges that they face regarding their hair. Outside of hair styling, my approach is to first educate the client and treat any issues.
Are you currently running any promos/contests/giveaways that you would like our readers to know about?
During the month of January 2018, I am offering $100 for new clients that’s designed to make a weekly visit affordable.
Where is your business based?
Sugar Land, Texas.
What were the first few steps you took to get your business up and running?
- Researched and educated myself to be able to service all hair types.
- Developed and maintained a loyal customer base, many of whom have been with me for 10+ years.
What has been the most effective way of raising awareness of your business and getting new customers?
Word of mouth – my customers notice improvement in their hair and bring their family, friends and co-workers.
What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Keeping up with the demand of reconstructing hair is my biggest challenge.
How did you overcome these challenges?
On-going challenge.
How do you keep motivated through difficult times?
My passion for hair keeps me motivated.
How do you distinguish yourself from your competitors?
My love for my business spurs me on to travel constantly in order to educate myself on the ever changing hair industry to provide the best hair care for my clients.
What is the best advice you have received recently?
The best advice I recently received came from Rob Willis who stated, “It’s time for your voice to be heard”. That inspired me to begin this journey.
What advice would you give to other entrepreneurs?
Stand firm in your beliefs.
What are your favorite business tools/resources and why?
A hair steamer because it infuses moisture in the hair that you cannot achieve with products.
What is a good article or book you have read recently?
“Nutrition and Hair Health” by The Trichological Society.
What are you currently learning about for your business or looking for help with?
Stem cell therapy for hair.
What are your goals for the next few months and how are you striving to achieve them?
To offer stem cell hair treatments. Currently preparing to attend classes to learn more about it!
What social media outlets do you use? List them below.
Facebook Simply Shears
Instagram @vonkyoung