Kayla Davis And Keonna Are Doing It For Themselves

by Jenna Von Oy | Last Updated on: June 25th, 2021 at 1:45 pm

The future is bright for women of color, especially for those with a little business nous. WoC are officially the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the U.S. with an unprecedented 322% rise black women-owned businesses all in less than 20 years..

We feel like proud Aunties introducing Nineteen-year-old Kayla Davis and her 21-year-old sister, Keonna, owners of KD Haircare Supply in Moreno Valley, California (ranked one of the toughest cities in the U.S. to find employment).

They were both out of work and one day their mother said: ‘Stop stressing about it and begging these people for a job and create your own business”. Spurred on by Mama, they used money saved from their online beauty supply business and their part-time jobs to create a business with a little cash matched by their parents. Being aware of the lack of beauty supply store owners who looked like them, the sisters had a goal to service natural hair and weave hair customers.

They opened in March 2016.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now? Did you grow up in a diverse environment?

We grew up in our Hometown of Moreno Valley, CA and we are still currently living here. And yes, we did grow up in a very diverse environment, we have a huge, diverse family from both sides!

What media (TV, films, magazines or books) did you enjoy as kids?

We Mostly enjoyed Watching Disney films, and watching Cartoons on channels such as (cartoon network, Disney channel, and Nickelodeon). Kayla:Ienjoyed Sister, Sister, The Proud Family and reading The Coldest Winter Ever. Keonna:I  just loved animation all around, I enjoyed Anime as a kid reading The Magic tree house Series.

Who inspired you growing up and who inspires you now?

Our mom is our inspiration, seeing her push so hard for us to be the best we can be and backing up our decisions and choices. Moreover just showing us endless love and support. Also the community is what inspires us and pushes us to be great.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

Keonna: I wanted to work on animated films or cartoons. Kayla: I wanted to be an ultrasound technician. However, we then decided to work on our business first then work on our hobbies and interests later.

Was their any difficulty due to your ages about being taken seriously in business or was it an advantage in any way?

We are so young taking on this role as business owners some people thought we were joking and didn’t think we were serious, so yes to the first question. But there were some advantages because our community took us as role models and supported us through thick and thin. So we appreciate our community, family, and friends for supporting us.

Where did WoC shop for hair care before KD?

Well, in our city most of the Women of Color shopped at other beauty supply stores in the area. Some even travelled all the way to L.A (which is an hour away) to get certain stuff that the stores out here didn’t have.

How do you feel all the media attention?

The media buzz around us is so crazy, like we get spotted out in public and asked if we can take photos with them. It’s shocking each time it happens to us.

What’s a typical day for you?

Our days usually consist of, working at our shop 24/7. Regardless if we’re at the shop or not, we are still working towards our shop. Even if it’s our off days we are still working. But we still manage to have fun after work or just relax

What are your favourite beauty looks? Are there any well-known women who inspire you?

Well we like a natural look, but we both like-colored lipsticks. Keonna:  I’m really inspired by Lupita Nyong’o. Kayla: Kelly Rowland inspires me.

What are the hair products you really rate for WoC? Tell us the ones you can’t live without.

We usually go for Shea Moisture, Crème of Nature, Cantu, and The Roots. Keonna: I cant live without African Black Shampoo from Shea Moisture.

How do you relax?

What we both do is listen to music mostly. It helps us relax and un-wind after a long day of work.

How would you describe the KD style or spirit?

The KD Spirit is, being you regardless of how others may feel about it.

What are the future hopes for KD?

Our hope is to possibly open up many stores around the country showcasing that young people can also become business owners, or whatever they want to be.

What else could you both see yourselves doing in future..?

Keonna: I would like to be an artist and travel to different countries around the world. Kayla:  I would like to travel as well, and also expand our business.

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Jenna von Oy began her professional acting career at the age of six, when she landed her first big break in a Jell-O Pudding Pop commercial with Bill Cosby. Von Oy has made her mark in television, having been a series regular on three network sit-coms.