Life & Work with Kaleel Joy of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaleel Joy

Hi Kaleel, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started my business shortly after leaving my job as an Elementary Education teacher. I taught in my field after graduating for about 2 months and decided to lean into what weighed on me so heavy… being a hairstylist. Not only did I want to become a hairstylist, I wanted to build confidence in my clients and overall be a service to others.

I started learning my craft in Dallas, TX. I attended school at Dallas Lash Academy for my wig and weave licensure. I wasn’t fulfilled during school and I wanted to take my efforts further than just one city. I started perfecting my craft and learning the logistics to becoming a celebrity hairstylist. I moved to Atlanta to my pursue my career further. After carefully considering the work environment there for a beginner and self-reflection, I realized my soul was not being fed which led me to seeking even better opportunities.

After losing my place in ATL, I started working Uber heavily and was staying in and out of hotels until something sparked to further my career. I stayed where I could afford and it was not the best. After awhile, I got tired of the fight and struggle, packed about two weeks worth of clothes, my hair supplies, and drove those 30 hours from Atlanta to Los Angeles. My car was repossessed shortly after moving there. I did not know what I would do next, but I did not let that stop me.

After commencing tour with Coco Jones, I started reaching out to people via DM on Instagram and other tactics to find my way. I started renting cars through Uber until I landed even more gigs. Now, I am a high demand hairstylist in the industry and still climbing the charts I always dreamed of.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
When you are called to do something, it is never a smooth road. You are to continuously learn what you were destined to do and day by day you are working to improve being better than the person you were yesterday. It is not about how long it takes, but what it takes. It takes resilience, lots of networking, and being a lifelong learner to master your success. It may not happen when you want to but It falls right into place at the right time.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a celebrity-trusted hairstylist and I service natural hair along with wigs and weave. I specialize in anything that makes me money haha! However, my clients love to book me for wig installs. I have work featured in Forbes, NY Times, Playboy, Elle Magazine, Disney, and many more.

I am most proud of my resilience along this journey. Many would have given up by now but I push forward even when I continue to be redirected in certain circumstances. I think what separates me from others is being in my own lane. There are so many talented people in the industry who have even been doing it longer than I have, yet I still rise to sit at the same tables. I am creating space for the underdogs, showing them you CAN be yourself and STILL succeed.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
Los Angeles has such a vibrant diversity! Cultures blend so effortlessly here and there are so many creatives working to pursue their dreams. I love the endless sunshine as it compares to my resilience… endless. My inspiration is fulfilled here around so much creative energy!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joyboylace/?hl=en

Image Credits
@shotbyloudd
@bychrismartin