The Women Behind KI

About KI

Giving flowers to the women who helped shape my story.

As you explore my website, you'll notice a few familiar faces throughout the pages. Those beautiful women aren't hired models. They're my mommy, my bonus mom, and my two sisters. Each of them has played a special role in my life and in the journey that led me to becoming a hairstylist.

When I started redesigning my website, I wanted to incorporate something that felt personal and meaningful to me. What better way than to feature the women who have been part of my story long before Kirsten Imani Hair ever existed?

Their love, encouragement, sacrifices, and support have meant more to me than I could ever put into words. So this is my little way of giving them their flowers, sharing a few memories, and thanking them for the parts they've played in helping me become the woman I am today.

To My Mommy,

When I think about everything I've been through and how far I've come, I can't tell my story without acknowledging you. Through every health challenge, every difficult season, and every new chapter of my life, you've always been there loving me and supporting me.

I'll never forget being 19 years old and asking you for $7,000 to start my hair business. Looking back, that was a lot of money to trust a teenager with, especially one who was still figuring life out, but you believed in me and what I wanted to do. I don't think either of us knew exactly where that dream would take me, but I hope when you look at everything I've built today, you know that you helped make it possible.

More than anything, I'm grateful for the way you've always shown up for me, especially during some of the hardest moments of my life. Your love and support have carried me through more than you probably realize. Thank you for believing in me long before I had anything to show for it. I hope I've made you proud.

I love you.

To My Sister, Kourtni

I don't even know where to begin with you because you've literally been part of this journey since day one. You were my very first hair model, letting me try any and everything on your head, whether I knew what I was doing or not. And honestly, some of those hairstyles probably should've never left the house, so thank you for trusting the process.

But what means even more to me is that your support never stopped there. From helping me paint my salon and running errands, to keeping my kids while I worked and being my model for my K-Tip classes, you've shown up for me in so many ways. You've given me your time, your patience, and your support through every stage of building this business, and I know I don't always tell you how much I appreciate it.

When I look at everything I've accomplished, I know there were so many moments when I couldn't have done it without your help. Thank you for always being willing to show up for me, even when it meant putting your own time aside. You've been there from the very first hairstyle to the business I've built today, and that will always mean so much to me.

I love you.

To My Sister, Maiya

From being one of my first hair models to becoming my unofficial business advisor, you've been part of this journey in more ways than you probably realize. I can't even count how many times I've come to you with another idea, something I needed proofread, numbers I needed help figuring out, or a decision I couldn't make. At this point, I probably owe you a salary for all the consulting you've done over the years.

But beyond all the business stuff, you've been someone I can lean on mentally and emotionally, especially during the times when things felt overwhelming. You've listened to me vent, helped me think things through, and given me honest advice even when it wasn't necessarily what I wanted to hear. I appreciate having someone I can bounce my ideas off of who genuinely wants to see me succeed.

So many of the things people see today started as conversations between us, and I don't think you realize how much those moments have helped me along the way. Thank you for being someone I can always come to, whether I need advice, encouragement, or just somebody to listen. Having you in my corner has made this journey a whole lot easier, and I wouldn't trade that for anything.

I love you.

To My Bonus Mom,

When you took me in at 16, you treated me like I was your own, and that's something I'll always be grateful for. I still remember those weekends sitting in the bathroom while you did our hair, especially when you started putting extensions in it. I was always so fascinated watching you transform our hair, not knowing that years later I'd end up making an entire career out of it.

You were the first person to introduce me to hair extensions, which is crazy considering that's now what I specialize in. And I'll never forget when you gave me your Marcel iron set. I don't think you realized at the time just how much those moments would influence my life. It's crazy to think that something I grew up watching you do would eventually become my passion and the business I've built today.

Thank you for taking me in, loving me as your own, and giving me memories that ended up shaping so much of my future. A part of where I am today will always lead back to those weekends in the bathroom with you.

I love you.

The Women Behind KI