Today we’d like to introduce you to Chekesia Smith Brownlee.
Hi Chekesia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Hey! Well, my story is still growing. My mom noticed my gift at the age of 12, so she fired her beautician and hired me. By the age 15, I gained the steady business of a more mature clientele. That’s when I really knew I had a passion for this! At that time, I didn’t have the support of my peers, so I was unable to provide services to them at that time. At 19 I pursued my career and attended New Wave Hair Academy here in Memphis, TN. During that time, I got pregnant with my first child and it set me behind in school. I had to learn to manage school, work and motherhood. Once I accomplished that, I was able to graduate cosmetology school. When it was time to take boards, I passed the practical with 97% and failed the theory with 60%. Clearly, I did not study! I had to work a 9-5 to pay bills while pursuing my passion on the side. In 2006 my mama got sick with breast cancer. She’s always had long tresses with the anointing from my hands and I had to watch it come out before my eyes. While in remission, we started working on her scalp and hair again and it grew back. Sadly in 2010, cancer returned aggressively and she transitioned on September 9th, 2010. I was hurt! Who could I talk to? Who was I going to share this journey and my accomplishments with now? Through Yah giving me strength, missing my mom, and attempting to fill a void, I went back to my passion and decided to take my boards again on February 11th, 2011, and passed. I worked a job that wasn’t fulfilling for 11 years. I worked my way up from sales associate to manager until I threw them the deuces! (Lol) Today I am a licensed Cosmetologist for 11 years! 2012 brought in an unexpected opportunity and blessing. I meet Aziza who later became my Spiritual Mother. She Loc’d my hair and we started working together. One day at the salon she said “it’s getting hot, you gone have to start getting some of these people!” I’m like,“what people?”(Lol) Well when the Sumner approached, she was (MIA)Missing in Action! I called her and her voice mail came on stating she was in Honduras, but if you needed services call Kesia (901)650-9487. I hung up and called back and I heard the same thing. The very next day potential clients started calling me. Later on, I had a talk with myself and asked myself if was I going to BBQ or Mildew.
I said BBQ bae! On June 1st, 2015, I opened Kesia Studio. Sadly, in December 2018, Aziza transitioned so now I’m back at who could to talk to? Who was I going to share this journey with and my accomplishments with now? She was assigned to help me move up in my career in a direction I never thought I’d go. Thank you, Aziza! Who knew in 2019 I would attain MemphisLocGoddess? Fast forward through the pandemic and other stumbling blocks Glory to Yah he’s still in the blessing business. To have a successful thriving business, it’s a process. Like a diamond, you have to go through fire to come out shiny. Your enemies will try but will not triumph over you. My favorite verse is Isaiah 54:17 I stand firm on that verse! I am very passionate about my gift and taking it to the next level. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with the world “The Makings of Keye” it meant a lot.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s been a challenge promoting myself. I consider myself a perfectionist and sometimes it interferes with my advertising and marketing. I rarely think it’s good enough so I often keep a lot bottled in due to me coming up in the industry working alone. I am learning to share my work and build relationships. I know that plays a role. I’m pressing forward and I am aware that I will have to go through some things before achieving anything.
Can we say “Procrastination” that’s my obstacle? I think it goes hand and hand with my challenge. I spend a lot of time going back and forth with myself when I should just go for it! I have made a daily challenge to help me in that area and remind myself daily that I CAN!
Shout-out to my Loyal Clientele I just wanna say thank you!
Sending my love and thanks to my 5pc gang. They’ve been (stayed) here through the obstacles and challenges I love y’all!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Kesia Studio?
Known in Memphis,TN. As MemphisLocGoddess
I am passionate about all “hair “but I specialize in Loc/Styles and Natural Haircare. Kesia Studio is located in the heart of Whitehaven on Raines Rd. 7.5 miles from Graceland. I was born set apart! (Jeremiah 1:5) Coming to Kesia Studio is not about the hairstyles, it’s the “experience.” From the level of professionalism, the atmosphere is everything, ooh shampoo bowl and please let us not forget the music!
Time management is everything. Every client has a time specially designed for them. When they walk through the door, my goal is to satisfy them. The majority of my Styles are free-handed, nice, neat, stamped, and sealed. I do my best to accommodate each person as if it was me. I am a good listener and I am genuinely interested in what my clients have to say. I pay attention to the detail which comes with the gift.
In September 2015, I met Anya. I was asked to help her style some of her clients in The International Hair Fest held at the Downtown Handy Park 2nd year St. Jude Fundraiser. Definitely an unexpected opportunity. I enjoyed working with Anya who is now my close friend and meeting and working with celebrity stylist Jerome (J-Rok) Allen. Loved the experience!
To see the video, go to youtube: International Hair Fest 2015 Handy Park Downtown Memphis TN St. Jude Fundraiser 2nd year
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September 2016 brought more excitement! I was invited to another hair show but this time I was chosen to be a part of The International Hair Fest 3rd year St. Jude Fundraiser held in the historic Courtyard Downtown Memphis. All of the stylists had to select from a list of themes and I chose Egypt.
To see the video, go to youtube: International Hair Fest 2016 Courtyard Downtown Memphis TN St. Jude Fundraiser 3rd year
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I am a big supporter of St. Jude and I’m really into cancer awareness which brings me to my proudest moment. Receiving the 2021 Pathway to Hope Brick from St Jude Research Hospital with the support of my family, friends, and clientele. On October 30th, 2020 I wanted to open up and show people who I really am through video, photos, and interaction as well. We wore black and metallic in the shoot.
The black represented a dark place (me)
And the Metallic represented light (clients)
Without them, there is no Keye. I chose October because it’s breast cancer month.
The brick was laid in May 2022 in honor of my mama who laid the foundation for me to be where I am today. She had always been and always will be an inspiration to me.
“Kesia studio honors Patricia ann hill ” Go witness it at St. Jude Hospital!
To see the video go to youtube:
The Makings of Keyedastylis St. Jude Foundation
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- I have worked with Patrick Bradley and his team at the Color Cut Code 2018. I had an amazing experience! That’s when I knew “Platform ” was my next level.
- Photo credit New York Times featured my work in February’s 2018 @ The Bronner Brothers Hairshow on Anya Parker
- I have 3 St. Jude Certificates of Appreciation from Marlo Thomas
- I have participated in the Couture clothing prom dress drive 3 years in a row doing prom styles for Memphis High School girls and boys.
- I met my “Fav” Taliah Waajid at her hair Expo on April 24th, 2022.
- I am a certified Mink lash specialist
- I am a member of WOB Women of Brown a nonprofit organization through UPS
What was your favorite childhood memory?
My favorite childhood memory would definitely be styling my mama’s hair, our walks and talks about life, and always keeping Yah first.
I’ve done everything from relaxers, perms, wraps, crimps, french rolls, color, extensions, braids, sew-ins, and pin-ups on my mama. That’s also what contributed to my becoming a versatile stylist. It’s 2 things I remember about mama that I still laugh at today. She would say “do you have to be so durn ruff”, and “stop popping that damn gum” I’ve learned to perform my services a little more gently.
But the gum is still a work in progress or I have yet to pass that test. (Lol) I do remember when doing my mama’s hair for the very last time, as I’m combing through her hair and getting her ready for her home-going, I was popping my gum (Lol) and I heard her say “Keye! Stop popping that damn gum” She has seen my talents before me and gave me a chance.
Thank you Mama I Love and miss you, Keye.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Keyedastylis
- Facebook: Keyedastylis
- Youtube: @Keyedastylis
