Today we’d like to introduce you to Keiashia “Key” Wood.
Keiashia “Key”, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
It’s crazy how life happens. I never actually thought I would be working in the beauty industry. Growing up I wanted to be journalist. While in college at Southern Illinois, I did an informative paper on how to sew in hair extensions. At the time I had never actually installed hair extensions, but my paper made it seem fairly easy. I begin trying it on myself and found that it’s not as easy as it seems which made me want to perfect this craft. I began practicing on friends until I became somewhat good at it and actually enjoyed doing it. It was then that I spoke with my stylist about cosmetology school and she recommended Pivot Point. Dropping out of college and going to cosmetology school was not an option so I completed my bachelor’s degree and enrolled into cosmetology school a year later. Everyone thought I was nuts! Here I am a college graduate and now I want to go to school to do hair. I was determined to prove everyone wrong because I was passionate about hair and I knew it to be a very lucrative business. While in cosmetology school I worked a full time job in order to pay for school. I would go to work from 8am-5pm and school from 6pm-10pm Monday-Friday. This crazy schedule started to take a toll on me so I took a short leave of absence. During that leave I found a new love and her name was makeup! I knew hair and makeup go hand and hand and this would be a great opportunity for me to market myself as both hair stylist and makeup artist. I attended a makeup school called London Eyes in Oakbrook, IL. One of my teachers, who I was very inspired by her story, took a liking to me. I explained to her how I was over the corporate world and needed to get out. Being a struggling artist was not an option. She suggested working for MAC and how she thinks I would be great for the brand. So after I completed the makeup program I applied at MAC and they hired me! I couldn’t believe this amazing brand took a chance on someone like me. After all I was still new to makeup. But there was so much beauty in new beginnings and I was determined to become a better artist. I started off part time which was great because I was able to finish cosmetology school. After I graduated from cosmo school MAC promoted me to a full time artist. At the time this was perfect because I was able to get benefits and a 401K like I would at a regular corporate job. The only difference was I was doing something I loved! I was then promoted to a MAC Pro which is the elite of MAC stores. I was doing so well with the brand and I was so excited to do more! What I found was that the brand was changing and becoming very sales driven and the love for makeup kind of took a backseat. I then decided to take advantage of all the opportunities the company offered and decided to go to graduate school part time with their tuition reimbursement program. After completing my master’s program and working for MAC for 4 years I decided to leave a brand I once loved for a brand of my own. And while I was afraid of leaving a brand that really helped in my growth as an artist, I was ready for the next chapter of my life. As a licensed cosmetologist, professional makeup artist, and college educated woman I knew there was so much more for me left to do. God soon after blessed me with an amazing man in my life who pushes me and supports me more than I could’ve imagined. So with his support and the support of a few close friends and family members, I stepped out on faith and found me a small studio and I got to work! I began branding Key 2 Glam and was even able to bring 2 other stylist on board with me. A year later I wanted Key 2 Glam to be bigger than what it was so I worked very hard to get a bigger space which is where I am now. I now have a boutique salon in Lacuna Artist lofts which is home for myself, 2 other hair stylist, 2 lash techs, and 2 makeup artist! I am in the process of working on the key 2 glam collection which will consist of products all things glamorous (hair extensions, lip gloss, lashes, and hair products). I am a true testament of you grow through what you go through! I have set some major goals for myself and my business that scare and excite me all at the same time, for I know great things never come from comfort zones. I have the best clients and they are really what keeps me going. Key 2 Glam is my baby and I thank God every day for allowing me to be able to walk in purpose with a brand of my own. I hope my story can inspire and awake the hearts of other brown girls like myself!
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been everything but smooth. The biggest struggle for me has been funding. I have all these amazing ideas but I didn’t have the funding in order to do it. I don’t come from a wealthy family. So although the people around me wanted to help they just were not able to financially. I really had to work hard and find other ways to bring in more income. It has been such a struggle because every dollar I made I had to put back into my business for equipment, branding, marketing, and so many other things that go into a business and a brand.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Key 2 Glam is a one stop shop for hair and makeup artistry. As the owner of the shop I sometimes have to take a backseat to services to work on the growth of the business overall. But as a stylist and makeup artist I specialize in weaves such as sew ins and wigs and bridal hair and makeup. I am most proud of being able to get a business up and running without taking out a single loan. It has definitely been a struggle but I am now fully staffed and money is now really starting to come in. But what I have found is that business credit is extremely important. Although I did not take out loans I am now in a position where I have the funds to grow my business through my business credit. And with this business credit it is extremely important to be financially responsible.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think Chicago is a great city for inspiring hair stylist and makeup artist! There is just so much clientele for everyone to make money! I would recommend finding your style of makeup or what you specialize in for hair and really focus on that. I have found that sticking to one genre really helps to bring in more money and a certain type of clientele.
Contact Info:
- Address: 2150 S Canalport suite 2A-2
Chicago, IL 60608 - Phone: 7734308075
- Email: key2glam2017@gmail.com
- Instagram: @key2glam
- Facebook: Keiashia Key Wood
- Other: www.styleaseat.com/keiashiawood
Image Credit:
Shaun Andru-professional headshot of me
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago 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.
