Today we’d like to introduce you to Kanessa Alexander.
Kanessa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Like most cosmetologist, I discovered at an early age that I had a natural talent to style hair. What also came naturally was my ability to connect to people. By combining the two, I’ve found cosmetology to be more than just a career for me, it became a purpose.
I didn’t attend cosmetology school right out of high school. I went to college first thinking that hair was a natural talent but I wasn’t quite sure if I should try to make a career out of it. I had a lot of drive and I knew I was a “go getter” but it seemed like cosmetology wasn’t the direction I was being lead to. Every time I mentioned wanting to pursue cosmetology, I was always told that doing hair was something I could always just “do on the side”. I would hear that I was too smart, just do hair on the side. However, I couldn’t ignore the impulse and passion I felt from within that let me know that pursuing cosmetology was something more than just “something to do on the side” it was a desire and I had to fulfill it.
I decided to discontinue college, quit my current job, and instead attend Cosmetology school (all while being a new mother). I was clear that cosmetology was the Industry for me. I graduated from cosmetology school in 1998 and decided that I not only wanted to be a stylist, but I wanted to also be a business owner. I opened my first salon just a year after graduating.
Has it been a smooth road?
When I opened my first salon and I didn’t have any direction on what owning a business would entail. The financial struggle in business is real. Managing people can also be challenging. You put in a lot of hours and it is very challenging when you have young children.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Perfect 10 Unisex Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
One thing that I pride the business on is having such a comforting positive vibe. We constantly receive compliments about the good energy the salon has. We provide upscale professional services in a very relaxed atmosphere. We cater to clientele with discerning taste and cater to each individual in a timely manner. We do all hair types and textures and we offer a very extensive array of services which sets us apart. We specialize in highly textured hair yet can services anyone who comes into the salon.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Things are moving so fast in this day and age. Clients have information literally at their fingertips. They research everything and are aware and conscious. I think you will continue to see more clients wanting styling options that are natural and the use of products that are healthy and more natural. The biggest shift is amongst Black women embracing their hair and the way it naturally goes out of their heads and being accepted in professional settings and not being made to feel as though they are not presentable because of their hair.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1896 Centre Street West Roxbury, Ma 0132
- Website: www.perfect10hairsalon.com
- Phone: 8572030223
- Email: perfect10styling@gmail.com
- Instagram: perfect10unisex
- Facebook: @perfect10unisex
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager 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.
