Today we’d like to introduce you to Neyanna Williamson.
Hi Neyanna, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey in the beauty industry began with a passion for natural hair and a desire to build something of my own. What started as a career behind the chair has grown into something much bigger than I ever imagined.
As the founder of Knottyheadz, I’ve spent years building my brand, growing my clientele, developing my own hair care products, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship. I’ve experienced everything from growing a successful salon to losing a storefront and having to rebuild more than once. Every chapter taught me something valuable about business, resilience, and leadership.
Becoming a mother added another layer to my vision. As a mom of two daughters, I began thinking differently about my time, my future, and the legacy I wanted to create. I knew I wanted to build a business that could thrive beyond my ability to physically work behind the chair.
Throughout my career, I also recognized a gap in natural hair education. I encountered individuals entering the industry with credentials but without the hands-on skills, confidence, or business knowledge needed to succeed. That inspired me to become a licensed educator and establish Knottyheadz Institute, a Tennessee state-licensed natural hair school.
Today, Knottyheadz has evolved into a full-service loc salon, a professional hair care product line, and an educational institution, all under one roof in Memphis, Tennessee.
My journey is no longer just about building a successful career for myself. It’s about creating opportunities, developing future professionals, and building something my daughters can be proud of. I’m still growing, but I’m excited to be in a season where I’m not just working in the beauty industry — I’m helping shape its future.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Smooth? Absolutely not! My entrepreneurial journey has been filled with unexpected setbacks, difficult decisions, and moments when I questioned how I would keep everything moving forward.
I’ve experienced losing a storefront, rebuilding my business more than once, navigating staffing challenges, financial uncertainty, and the growing pains that come with expanding a business. Most recently, transitioning into a larger facility to accommodate both my salon and educational institution has challenged me in ways I never anticipated. From construction delays to unexpected expenses, I’ve learned that growth can be just as uncomfortable as starting over.
One of my biggest challenges has been balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood. As a mother of two young daughters, I’m constantly navigating the responsibilities of raising my children while managing a salon, developing products, and establishing a school. There are days when I’m needed everywhere at once, and finding that balance isn’t always easy.
I’ve also learned that being passionate about something doesn’t automatically make the business side easier. Leadership, finances, trusting the right people, and knowing when to pivot have all been lessons I’ve had to learn through experience.
What keeps me going is knowing that I didn’t come this far just to build a business that depends entirely on me. I’m building a foundation that can create opportunities for others and eventually provide more freedom for my family.
I won’t pretend I’ve mastered it all. I’m still learning, still making adjustments, and still facing challenges. But I’ve learned that success isn’t always about how smoothly things go. Sometimes it’s about having the courage to keep building even when the process looks nothing like you imagined.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Knottyheadz is a Memphis-based beauty and education brand specializing in natural hair care, loc services, professional hair care products, and career-focused education.
What began as a salon dedicated exclusively to loc care has evolved into a multifaceted business with three areas of focus: Knottyheadz Salon, Knottyheadz Products, and Knottyheadz Institute.
At Knottyheadz Salon, we specialize in professional loc maintenance, styling, repairs, and healthy hair care. Our goal has always been to provide more than a hairstyle. We focus on proper techniques, healthy hair practices, and creating an environment where clients feel comfortable, educated, and confident in their natural hair journey.
Our professional product line was developed to support healthy loc maintenance both inside and outside the salon. From our signature Twisted Retwist Gel to our scalp care and moisture products, we’ve created solutions based on the needs I’ve encountered throughout my years behind the chair. Our retwist gel alone has been restocked more than 30 times since launching, which is something I’m incredibly proud of.
The newest and most exciting addition to our brand is Knottyheadz Institute, a Tennessee state-licensed natural hair school. As a licensed master educator, my mission is to bridge the gap between obtaining credentials and developing the practical skills needed to succeed in this industry. Our educational approach emphasizes hands-on training, proper sanitation, professional techniques, client care, and entrepreneurship. I want students to leave with more than a certificate. I want them to leave with confidence, knowledge, and a foundation they can build a career on.
What sets Knottyheadz apart is that our education comes from real industry experience. I’ve been the stylist, the salon owner, the employer, and now the educator. I understand what clients expect, what salon owners need, and where new professionals often struggle.
I’m especially proud that we’ve created a space in Memphis where beauty services, product innovation, and professional education can coexist under one roof.
Ultimately, I want Knottyheadz to be recognized as more than a salon. We’re building a brand that supports natural hair professionals at every stage, from learning their first technique to establishing their own careers and businesses.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is that just because you’re capable of doing everything doesn’t mean you’re supposed to do everything.
For years, I wore every hat in my business. I was the stylist, manager, problem-solver, and the person everyone depended on. I thought being a strong entrepreneur meant being able to handle whatever came my way. Eventually, I realized that constantly carrying everything myself wasn’t a sustainable way to grow.
I’ve learned that passion can start a business, but structure, discipline, and the right people are what help it last. I’ve also learned that growth requires you to make uncomfortable decisions, set boundaries, and sometimes release things that no longer serve the bigger vision.
Most importantly, I’ve learned to give myself permission to evolve. The version of me who started Knottyheadz had different goals than the woman I am today, and that’s okay.
I’m no longer measuring success solely by how busy I am or how much I can accomplish on my own. I’m learning to measure it by what I’m building, who I’m helping, and whether the life I’m creating allows me to be present for the people who matter most.
Being needed by your business and building a business that can succeed without needing you every minute are two very different things. That’s a lesson I’m still learning, but it’s changing the way I approach everything.
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