Today’s Business Highlight: Locs by Ki

rosajaviersales
Jan 22
16 min read

Updated: Jan 23

This business highlight means a great deal to me because Locs by Ki represents exactly what exceptional, intentional hair care should look like. I've been a client of Kiara's for five years, and during that time I've seen firsthand how much knowledge, skill, and care she brings to her work.

As someone with tight, coily natural hair, I know how challenging it can be to find a stylist who truly understands both the science and the artistry behind natural hair. Like many people with my hair texture, I grew up without the right guidance for caring for my hair and didn't begin wearing it naturally until adulthood. Learning how to property moisturize, detangle, and maintain it has been a journey- one that requires patience, expertise, and consistency.

When my health changed and I could no longer manage my hair on my own, finding a licensed, highly trained natural hair specialist that I could trust became essential. In 2021, I struggled to find natural hair specialists in the Lehigh Valley, and that search, however, led me to Kiara. From our very first appointment, it was clear that her approach was different. It was thoughtful, gentle and rooted in deep technical knowledge of natural and loc'd hair.

Kiara is not just a hairstylist, she creates a space where people are met with professionalism, respect, and a true understanding of their hair. In this feature, I am excited to introduce to you Kiara, share her journey, and show you what makes her work so special.

You're welcome to listen to the interview

You're welcome to read the interview

I have transcribed the entire conversation into this blog. The interview was conducted in English.

Business Information:

Name: Locs by Ki

Location: Allentown

Website: https://www.locsbyki.com/

Booking: https://www.vagaro.com/locsbyki1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LocsByKi/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/locsbyki/?hl=en

Introduction & Brand Origin

Rosa: Hi, Kiara!

Kiara: Hi, Rosa!

Rosa: How are you?

Kiara: I’m doing good. How are you, hon?

Rosa: Good! Okay so can you please introduce yourself and tell us how Locs by Ki began.

Kiara: Okay, so, I’m Kiara, and everybody knows me as Ki. Locs by Ki came to be because I have always had a love for natural hair, um, all things hair. But then, obviously, as time went on and I started my loc journey, I started to grow a love for locs and just wanted to be able to help people.

Career Pivot & Life Context

Rosa: So, what was going on in your life when you decided to pursue hair professionally?

Kiara: When I decided to pursue hair professionally, ironically, I was in a transition. I was going through a divorce and- that’s a major life change and decided to honestly just take my passion for hair seriously.

Rosa: What did you do before becoming a hairstylist?

Kiara: I was a CNA. I was a CNA for six years.

Rosa: What skills from the role still show up in the way you work with your clients today?

Kiara: How you deal with people, the customer service and just being kind.

Rosa: Being kind! How does your background influence the way you care for and connect with people in your chair today?

Kiara: My background just in general?

Rosa: Your CNA, your background, all of it.

Kiara: Okay, I think it’s just the fact that I feel like I’m really able to connect with people. I’m able to just kind of- like, meet them where they’re at. Whether they’re- whatever their life transition is. Whatever it is they’re going through. I feel like I’m able to kind of read the room and just meet them. Like I said, where they’re at and just talk to them and kind of make them feel comfortable with me, even if they just me.

Rosa: Right! I mean, being a CNA, that’s super important!

Kiara: Right!

Client Connection & Emotional Intelligence

Rosa: I mean, when you are disabled in any way that you need somebody with you at all times, that’s super important. So, how like- like, take me in a journey, a little bit of how with somebody- how can you see if a client needs that kind of extra connection when it comes to hair?

Kiara: It’s all kind of- I think, in their body language. When I first meet someone. I understand it’s- it’s difficult to meet people, when their body language is kind of- little standoffish, I just kind of feel out certain questions, “Hi! Where are you from?” or “How did you hear about me?” And just certain things like that, and then build off of those answers.

Training, Licensing & Expertise

Rosa: Okay. Walk me through your professional journey. What training, certifications and licenses did you complete to become licensed?

Kiara: Whew! (laughs) Okay, so you go- I went through cosmetology school, and that was- a year and a half. Because I did part time. So you did- I did have part time at cosmetology school. Then, the optional choices that I took- was to take, like, additional classes for, like, other skills that I wanted to know. So that was a couple other things- a couple other things that I had to do and then…

Rosa: Like, spell it out. What exactly were those certifications?

Kiara: So, I’ve taken color courses, I’ve taken- barbering course- actually barbering college altogether. I’ve taken braiding classes, additional loc classes. I’ve done a lot of things that they don’t really teach you too much in cosmetology school. Not in depth, anyway.

Rosa: So, you went to cosmetology school for a year and a half?

Kiara: Yes.

Rosa: Then afterwards you went for extra training?

Kiara: Yes.

Rosa: To specialize specifically on natural hair, and all of that?

Kiara: Yes.

Rosa: That’s amazing- barber school? How long was that?

Kiara: Barber school was a year.

Rosa: A year. So, when did you graduate from barber school?

Kiara: I recently graduated in the Summer. So, June of 2025.

Rosa: Yeah?

Kiara: Yes!

Rosa: So, how does being a licensed barber expand what you’re able to offer to your clients?

Kiara: So, I already service a lot of men doing natural hair where it’s braids, locs, twists- whatever, you know, that entails for them. So, being able to add the barbering, which is kind of very important for men- so being able to add that in, is just a bonus for me. It allows my clients to kind of just- I guess, trust me a little bit more. But also be able to know that they can kind of just have me as their one stop shop.

The Science of Healthy Hair

Rosa: Amazing! What are some of the technical skills people might not realize go into healthy locs and natural hair care?

Kiara: Oh, okay- I don’t know if I would say technical, but I would just say just the maintenance, the routine maintenance. Just finding products that work specifically for you. Everything’s not one size fits all.

Rosa: When, for example, the technical skills of maintenance, sometimes there is a technique there that, like, a regular person that doesn’t deal with hair- like what kind of techniques? For example, if a person comes in and their hair is falling out- like mine was- take me through, like, the technique that you would use.

Kiara: So, okay! So it would really depend on what their issue is. So let’s just say, a blanket statement, and their hair is just falling out. I would want to find out what their routine is. If they’re doing anything themselves that might be causing their hair to fall out. Like, if they’re using the wrong products, doing the wrong maintenance, you know, pulling their hair too tight or maybe not doing it enough- ‘cause ironically, that can have the same effect as doing it too often. Find out what their- if they’re taking any new vitamins, any prescription medications, anything- to kind of just understand what it is happening, maybe on the inside first. And then, I would just more so try to figure out what it is because there’s different types of hair loss. So, there’s alopecia that everybody knows about, but then there’s different types. So, are you pulling it too tight? That leads to traction. Is it, you know, falling out due to genetics? That’s also a different thing. So I would try to determine that based on what they’re telling me.

Medical & Hair Loss Care

Rosa: Okay, so, like if a person comes in and they’re coming in with a little bit of hair loss, how would you go about, like educating them? And let’s say that it’s due- because some medical thing. How do you go about the hairstyle, the washing, like what’s your- your technique?

Kiara: So, I’ll just use her for example- I have a client who has locs, that she’s suffering from postpartum. So one thing that I would tell her is to kind of, like, amp up your vitamins because, you know, the hormones are different. Your body’s trying to revert back, in a way. So, as far as her styling, her styling would be, like, minimal. And then just kind of like- just track her progress. Just see how that- how that works for her. Just tell them to slow down on some of the pulling back- the overmanipulation, and then just kind of- just track it from there.

Her Signature Method

Rosa: Okay. Your approach to hair feels very different. It’s very gentle and intentional. How would you describe your method?

Kiara: I think my method- it’s- it’s more love. I mean, I kind of- kind of equate it to, like, when they say your food tastes better when you put a little love in it?

Rosa: Yeah! (laughs)

Kiara: That’s how I do hair. That’s how I approach hair with a lot of, you know, TLC.

Working with Vulnerable Clients

Rosa: Right! Okay I first came to you during a very hard medical time.

Kiara: Yes, ma’am!

Rosa: When I was losing my hair and feeling very insecure.

Kiara: Yes!

Rosa: When clients come to you, feeling vulnerable, means being uncomfortable or insecure about their hair, how do you approach them?

Kiara: Again, just very gently. Just, again- if I may, meeting you, you know, we talked, I met you at your level and just kind of letting you know that you weren’t the only woman who suffered from similar things and just constantly talked you through it. (laughs)

Rosa: Right! (laughs) It was a lot of therapy!

Kiara: Without saying too much!

Rosa: It’s like hair therapy going on!

Kiara: But look where we are today!

Creating a Judgment-Free Space

Rosa: Yeah, Oh, my goodness! What’s important to you when someone sits in your chair feeling scared, embarrassed or unsure?

Kiara: What’s most important to me is just them feeling safe. Just letting them know that I’m not here to, you know, shove a camera in their face and get content of how I fixed them, so to speak. But more so just to let them know that I understand that things are different. Things- might not look the way you want them to, and things might, you know, again, make you feel insecure or make you feel, you know, upset- because our hair is our crown! Right? And, I want them to understand that I am- I’m- here to help. I’m not here to judge them. I’m not here to make them feel any worse than they probably already do. I’m just here to be a listening ear. Even if you say, you know, you tell me your story- and you’re like, “I can’t believe XYZ is happening.” But I’m here to just make you feel safe.

Rosa: How do you make Locs by Ki a judgement free and supportive space?

Kiara: By, I think- no, not even I think- by treating people like my family. I think I’ve done a great job at kind of making people feel so comfortable- because I talked to them as if we’re family- not as if they’re just coming to me for a service.

Life Transitions & Styling Support

Rosa: When clients are going through stress, health challenges, or big life changes, how do you support them through your work?

Kiara: Repeat that again? I’m sorry.

Rosa: When clients are going through stress, health challenges or big life changes, how do you support them through your work? I can tell you an example.

Kiara: Okay!

Rosa: When I had- it was my birthday, and every year I go to a place I’ve never been before.

Kiara: Right.

Rosa: And for a long time, I got the same hairstyle.

Kiara: Right.

Rosa: The same one that I have (laughs)

Kiara: Yeah (laughs)

Rosa: I was, you know, I’m not very, like, out there with hair or anything- but you- like you said! You met me where I was at and you did like two- hair thingies. What’s it called? The two braids.

Kiara: We did the cornrows

Rosa: Yes!

Kiara: Yeah!

Rosa: And that helped me slowly to just get out of my shell a little bit.

Kiara: Yes!

Rosa: Can you give me examples of that with your clients or?

Kiara: So, yeah, that I didn’t even think of that. But yeah- just helping people to get out of their comfort zones, just trying new things with them. But not- also not being too pushy. I know I have peers that are kind of like, “Oh, well, you know, it’s this, let’s try this. Let’s put in-” like being a little too pushy. And sometimes people aren’t ready for that. They’re just, you know, wanting to be comfortable. So, I think also too I- kind of- I’m going to be a little- a little, you know, arrogant here.

Rosa: Go ahead! Go ahead.

Kiara: I bring a sense of peace.

Rosa: I think so, too.

Kiara: When it’s like..

Rosa: (laughs)

Kiara: Transitions. I’ve done weddings, I’ve done, you know, I’ve gotten people prepared for baby showers, and stuff like that. Birthdays! So, I think I bring, you know, a sense of calm.

Professional Boundaries & Honesty

Rosa: I agree. How do you balance emotional awareness with technical excellence in one-on-one hair care?

Kiara: Like, when people come, as far as…

Rosa: because- I’ll give you an example, like a person comes in and they want something that you know is not going to work.

Kiara: Yeah, I was thinking that (laughs)

Rosa: Yeah! Go ahead, how would you approach that?

Kiara: Well, I recently just had an incident like that. A woman came to me- she was a transfer- and the- what she got, was not what she wanted. And then, what she also wanted from me, was not really beneficial to her. So, we just had a talk. Honestly, I think- not even think- I sat down, like she was sitting in the chair. I sat in the chair next to her and I was like, “listen, this isn’t going to work.”

Rosa: Right!

Kiara: This isn’t going to work! And you talk to people, like- like they’re humans.

Rosa: Of course!

Kiara: Just like people don’t want to be like- me on the other side of the chair, I don’t want to feel like you’re talking down to me. Like, I work for you, so I won’t speak to you like you’re just a number. Let’s- let’s connect, you know?

Responsibility to Clients

Rosa: Okay, that’s amazing! What do you see as your responsibility when working with clients dealing with hair loss or medical or stress related changes?

Kiara: My responsibility is again to make them comfortable, to make them feel seen, to- again, just kind of present myself, almost like a family member- a family, you know- figure in their life, sort of speak, and just give them that comfort.

Rosa: Okay, why do you think personalized hair care makes such a difference for people?

Kiara: Because everyone wants to feel like a person. Everybody-

Rosa: Right!

Kiara: Everybody wants to feel like when you- when you and I are together in your appointments, it’s very Rosa and Kiara, like- it’s very us.

Rosa: (laughs) Yeah, that’s right!

Kiara: Like- yes, you know what I mean? Like, we talk about similar, some of the same things, you know, even in- throughout the years we found out we have so many similarities in our crazy families (laughs).

Rosa: Right! (laughs) That’s right!

Kiara: You know what I mean? Like- And it’s just so cool to be, like– you know, when I know you’re coming, I know it’s a great appointment. And just like when I have- I have those connections with so many other clients where it’s like, I know we’re gonna sit and we’re gonna chat. And we’re gonna talk about our kids and maybe how our sons are running down the steps (laughs).

Motherhood & Business

Rosa: (laughs) Yeah, talking about kids- So, like- you’re a mother and a business owner. How has that shaped how you run Locs by Ki?

Kiara: OOh, okay- and I know you can attest to this. I’ve gotten better at creating a work life balance. Before, you know, when you work for someone, you know, things like that- you kind have to go at their mercy. If they say you have to work on Christmas Eve, you’re working on Christmas Eve. If you know you need an extra day off, you have to ask for permission. So, for me, with my children, it’s- it’s shown to me to not only stay dedicated and stay- you know, true to who you are- but also just kind of understand that you are a person and to sometimes be a little selfish and put yourself first.

Motivation & Passion

Rosa: Very important! What keeps you going on the hard days?

Kiara: I would like to say my kids do…

Rosa: (laughs) I like the hesitation!

Kiara: I know! The reason why I hesitate is because I would love to say that my kids keep me going, but sometimes I need an escape from them. Let’s just be honest!

Rosa: Yeah, yeah, yeah!

Kiara: So, it’s like, I don’t even want to really do this, let alone be a mom, you know? So…(laughs)

Rosa: (laughs)

Kiara: I’m just being honest!

Rosa: Yeah, I hear you!

Kiara: But I would definitely say, what keeps me going is the fact that I absolutely love this. Like– I really love it. So, I’m okay to get up and do it, every day.

Rosa: Okay, amazing! So, it’s not a challenge?

Kiara: No.

Rosa: The work itself is not a challenge?

Kiara: No.

Rosa: Okay, who do you feel most called to serve, through your work?

Kiara: Wait, repeat that. I’m sorry.

Rosa: Who do you feel most called- like your calling- like, through your work? I’ve been asking everybody a similar question.

Kiara: Yes

Rosa: When you imagine- like a client is coming in, who is the client in your head?

Kiara: Oh! Oh my gosh! Okay, so when you word it that way, the client is the everyday average, like- person who is like just here for, like laughs! (laughs)

Rosa: (laughs)

Kiara: Like- I feel like that’s what I do in the majority of my appointments. So, I feel like they’re just easygoing- like, male or female. Just happy.

Rebuilding Confidence

Rosa: Okay- For someone who feels unsure or nervous about trusting someone with their natural hair, what would you want them to know about you?

Kiara: Oh, man! If they’re unsure or nervous about their natural hair, what I want them to know about me?

Rosa: Yeah

Kiara: I’ve been there (laughs)

Rosa: Yes!

Kiara: I’ve been there.

Rosa: Yeah

Kiara: Yeah- I started my locs very- like, short (laughs) to the point where I thought I would be mistaken for a boy

Rosa: Man, when I met you, your hair was all the way to your ankles!

Kiara: I know! And, I cut it!

Rosa: Yeah, I mean, I hear you because- I mean, it has to be so hard to like- be a mom and a business owner, and also- having very long hair!

Kiara: Long hair to the floor, almost!

Rosa: Oh my goodness! But what about those that- because- like, the way I see you is- like, you’re someone who is very calm, very judgmental-free. And there’s a lot of women with natural hair out there that are going through- medical things- or like, all these kinds of things that are ingrained in us from a very young age, to try to change it to the point where we use harsh chemicals, we use things that literally burn our scalp away- like, how do you bring that confidence back to a client that has never had it?

Kiara: Um- yeah…I mean, like- like I said before, I think I would just like, talk to them. Talk to them! I mean, that’s sometimes that’s what it is. It’s just a communication- and again, I bring it right back to you and I’s relationship, like we’ve talked and I’m like, “Girl, I had a perm at five” and you’re like, “yeah-” and you know, this and that and the third- and like, you know, you kind of meet someone on your level because I think too many times that we feel like no one understands us. No one understands the battles that we went through, not realizing there’s ten people over here who absolutely know what you’ve gone through. So, when they’re unsure or anything like that, or have gone through these things where it's been ingrained in us, like, you know, whatever- I think I just will communicate that it’s- it’s way more than that. Like it’s- our hair it's our everything. (laughs)

Rosa: Right! (laughs)

Kiara: Literally!

Rosa: Yeah. It is. It is. Yeah, I mean, it’s not just the way that you show up for yourself.

Kiara: Yeah!

Rosa: It’s the way you show up for other people.

Kiara: Yes!

Rosa: Doing my hair is like- such a task. That’s why I had to find you.

Kiara: (laughs)

Rosa: I looked for you in the depths of everything that you can think about. That’s why I’ve been coming here for like, six/five years, you know?

Kiara: Yes, we’ve been locked in forever. Love it!

What Makes Locs by Ki Different

Rosa: (laughs) What makes Locs by Ki different from traditional hair salon?

Kiara: Me. (laughs)

Rosa: Yeah, literally! Literally! Literally!

Kiara: Me! I’m what’s different!

Rosa: Yes!

Kiara: But all in all, I think it’s just my approach to everything I- I know I can come across kind of goofy sometimes, but I think it’s just very lighthearted because the world is already so serious. So when it comes to our hair, it’s very important, especially for black and brown women who, like you said, have been told that our- our hair is not enough or we must do these things to assimilate to society. But I think my- what makes me different is just that I’m not going to just be a, “yes” man. I’m going to tell you what works. I’m going to tell you what doesn’t work. But I’m going to do it with love and with a smile.

Advice for Beginners

Rosa: Perfect- if someone is at the beginning of their loc or natural hair journey and feels overwhelmed, what would you say to them?

Kiara: Trust the process.

Rosa: Yeah! Trust the process

Kiara: (Laughs) Trust the process! It’s hard! Locs? Locs will humble you (laughs).

Rosa: Yeah, yeah- I can’t do it. I can’t.

Kiara: I want you to come this way so bad

Rosa: (laughs) Yeah, I can’t do it (laughs). I mean, like, life is already too much (laughs).

Kiara: I know, I know. You’ll be like, “Take these out!” (laughs)

How to Book

Rosa: Okay! Where can people find you, or book an appointment with you?

Kiara: I am on all social media platforms, but my main one is Instagram. You can find me on Instagram at Locs by Ki. LOCS BY KI. You can find me anywhere on there, and I have a Link Tree that will direct you to my booking site.

Rosa: Awesome, thank you, Kiara!

Kiara: Thank you, Rosa!

Supporting Locs by Ki Means Supporting Local, Professional Hair Care

When you support Locs by Ki, you’re supporting a licensed, locally owned hair care business focused on healthy hair, individualized service, and long-term client relationships.