Today we’d like to introduce you to Keona Herbert.
Hi Keona, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’m truly honored to have this opportunity to share my journey—it feels like a dream come true.
Let me introduce myself: I’m a driven, happily married Black woman originally from Ohio. I was raised by my mother, a devout churchgoer and talented cosmetologist, who taught me resilience, self-worth, and the art of using beauty to uplift yourself. My father, who served as our town’s police chief, instilled in me the values of hard work, discipline, and the ability to find lightness even in heavy moments. Between my parents and the church, I grew up surrounded by love, strength, and community.
My mom had two children—myself and my older brother. He’s a skilled barber with a heart just as big as his talent. Much like our mother, he’s dedicated his life to helping people feel good about themselves through his craft. We both inherited her passion for beauty and people in our own unique ways, and I’m incredibly proud of the work he does and the man he is.
My father had five daughters, myself included—two older and two younger—and being one of his girls was a special kind of experience. He was strong but tender, a protector who made each of us feel important. That balance of strength and softness has shaped who I am as a woman, a mother, and now, a business owner.
My journey hasn’t been without struggle. I raised my two daughters on my own for many years—working three jobs at times—while attending college, paying bills, and doing everything I could to expose them to opportunity, strength, and the beauty of believing in yourself. It was a tough road, but one filled with purpose.
Eventually, my path led me to the West Coast, opening the door to a whole new chapter in my life. During the pandemic—a time of stillness and reflection—I married the love of my life. Our union brought peace, partnership, and a sense of wholeness I didn’t know I was missing. My husband is my calm and my champion, always reminding me that I no longer have to carry the world alone.
One of the greatest joys of my life has been watching our children grow into their own power. My two daughters, whom I raised on my own for many years, have blossomed into intelligent, creative, and ambitious young women. My oldest daughter is now a licensed esthetician, and my youngest has earned her cosmetology degree—both following their own paths in the beauty industry, carrying on a legacy that began with my mother. Their drive, talent, and support inspire me daily.
And my bonus son? He’s 11 years old, already 6 feet tall, and a brilliant little genius who lights up every room he enters. Each of our children brings something unique and powerful to our family, and they’ve all supported Keyoir in countless ways—from helping with ideas and feedback to simply believing in me and cheering me on through every stage. I am forever grateful for their love, energy, and encouragement.
It was during the stillness of the pandemic—a time when the world slowed down and I had space to reflect—that Keyoir was born. A brand built from resilience, faith, and passion.
Keyoir is more than a beauty brand—it’s a piece of my heart. It represents everything I’ve overcome, everything I continue to strive for, and my mission to empower others to feel
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?
1. Fierce Market Competition:
The beauty and lash industry is highly saturated, with established players and new entrants continuously vying for consumer attention. Differentiating Keyoir and its offerings, especially in a crowded market, is a significant challenge.
2. Shifting Consumer Preferences:
While there’s increasing demand for cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable beauty products, the pace at which consumer preferences evolve can be difficult to keep up with. Staying ahead of trends and ensuring Keyoir’s product offerings align with these shifts is crucial.
3. Brand Recognition on a Global Scale:
Expanding Keyoir’s presence beyond local markets to a global audience poses challenges.
4. Social Media Algorithms and Saturation:
Although social media is a powerful tool for brand awareness, platforms like Instagram and TikTok frequently adjust algorithms, making it challenging to maintain visibility. Additionally, competing for attention in an oversaturated social media landscape requires consistent innovation.
5. Balancing Online and In-Person Retail Expansion:
While physical retail spaces enhance brand connections, establishing and managing these spaces, especially globally, can be resource-intensive. Achieving the right balance between online presence and brick-and-mortar stores without compromising brand experience is key.
6. Ethical and Sustainability Commitments:
Maintaining high ethical and sustainability standards while scaling operations can be challenging. Sourcing sustainable materials globally and ensuring ethical practices across diverse markets requires extensive effort and oversight.
7. Budget Constraints for Marketing and Branding:
Building brand awareness locally and globally demands significant investment in marketing campaigns, influencer partnerships, and events. Allocating resources effectively while staying within budget is a constant hurdle.
8. Creating Personalized Experiences for Global Consumers:
As beauty consumers increasingly seek personalization, developing products and services that cater to diverse tastes while maintaining efficiency and scalability poses a unique challenge.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Keyoir LLC?
Keyoir Lashes is a luxury beauty brand created to empower, inspire, and help people feel beautifully seen. We specialize in premium, vegan strip lashes that deliver both elegance and ease—designed for beauty lovers who express themselves boldly and unapologetically. Our collection features 12 carefully curated styles in both natural 16mm and bold 25mm lengths, offering a lash experience for every mood, moment, and personality.
At Keyoir, we believe luxury should never mean discomfort. That’s why each pair of lashes is lightweight, cruelty-free, and made with soft cotton bands for a seamless, comfortable fit. With proper care, our lashes can be worn up to 30 times—providing both quality and value in every set.
More than just a product, Keyoir is a reflection of my personal journey, my family’s legacy in beauty, and my desire to create something lasting. The brand was born from a place of resilience, self-discovery, and love, and has grown into a celebration of confidence, individuality, and inner strength. It’s an experience—not just a lash.
What I’m most proud of is how far Keyoir has come, and the incredible community we’ve built along the way. Seeing Keyoir Lashes in stores, from Keyoir.com to beauty supply locations across Southern California, reminds me of the journey we’ve taken together—and the journey that’s still ahead.
You can find Keyoir Lashes at these locations:
In The City Beauty Supply & Salon
29787 Antelope Rd, Unit 107
Menifee, CA 92584
In The City Beauty Supply & Salon
26305 Jefferson Ave
Murrieta, CA 92562
Curly Gurl Luv Beauty Supply
4443 Redondo Beach Blvd
Lawndale, CA 90260
Through our growing #KeyBabes movement, we’ve created a space where beauty is celebrated, confidence is embraced, and everyone is encouraged to show up as their most powerful, radiant selves.
Follow us on Instagram: @Keyoir_Unlockbeautifullashes
TikTok: @KeyoirLashes
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
The future of Keyoir is incredibly exciting. I’m focused on expanding the brand—not just in product offerings, but in purpose. From new lash styles and exclusive collaborations to pop-up events and retail expansion, we’re just getting started. I’m especially excited about growing our #KeyBabes community—a space where people can feel celebrated and inspired to be their boldest, most beautiful selves.
Over the next 5-10 years, I see the beauty and lash industry continuing to evolve in exciting and empowering ways. Consumers are increasingly seeking products that not only enhance their beauty but also make them feel seen, heard, and valued. This shift is leading to a greater demand for beauty brands that prioritize inclusivity, authenticity, and ethical practices, and I believe Keyoir is poised to meet these needs head-on.
One of the key trends I foresee is the continued rise of cruelty-free, vegan, and sustainable beauty products. As people become more conscious of their choices, they are increasingly supporting brands that align with their values, focusing on quality, ethics, and the environment. At Keyoir, our commitment to cruelty-free, high-quality lashes reflects our dedication to empowering customers to feel both beautiful and aligned with their values.
In addition, beauty consumers are shifting toward personalization—wanting to be heard, and finding products that truly match their individual needs and desires. As the demand for unique beauty experiences grows, I see more beauty brands offering customizable options that allow customers to feel fully seen and celebrated. Keyoir is embracing this by offering a wide range of lash styles that cater to different personalities, preferences, and occasions, ensuring that every customer can express their unique beauty in a way that feels authentic.
The power of social media and influencers will continue to amplify in the coming years, giving customers a platform to be heard and celebrated. As platforms like Instagram and TikTok evolve, beauty brands will need to create deeper connections with their audiences. Keyoir is dedicated to fostering a strong, engaged community where customers are empowered to share their beauty stories and connect with others. Through our growing #KeyBabes movement, we are building a space where everyone can feel bold, confident, and supported.
Looking ahead, I also see physical retail spaces becoming more integral to the beauty experience. While online shopping remains dominant, there’s a strong desire for in-person experiences where customers can interact directly with brands, feel the products, and receive personalized recommendations. Keyoir is excited about expanding into more retail spaces to meet our customers where they are, whether online or in person, and create even stronger connections with our community.
In the future, I believe the lash industry will be defined by brands that help people feel empowered, confident, and seen. Keyoir is committed to being part of that shift—offering products that not only enhance beauty but also create an experience where every person feels valued and celebrated.
Pricing:
- $12
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Keyoir.com
- Instagram: Keyoir_Unlockbeautifullashes
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keona-herbert-011633360/
