Today we’d like to introduce you to Kerri Tanner.
Hi Kerri, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve been into hair since I was 10 years old. I started doing micro braids for myself, and everyone at school asked, “Who did your hair?” I said I did! At first, they were amazed; but things went awry when I started doing quick weaves, playing in bleach, and installing sew-ins on myself. My peers would tease me and call me “weavey wonder” and bald-headed (even though my natural hair was bra strap length – go figure, lol). Girls wanted to check my hair daily to see if it was real every week, teachers included. But that didn’t stop me from being creative with my styles. I immediately became my mom’s and my sister’s personal hair stylist. They told me I had talent, and not in that “oh, I love everything you do because you’re my daughter/my big sister” kinda way. They are my toughest critics, outside of myself. So if they say it looks fire, baby, it’s blazing! Fast forward, I ended up moving to LA in 2019. My mom randomly asked me one day, “Hey, why don’t you do your hair? You’re good at it. I bet you could build a solid client base,”; and I did just that! As soon as I started to promote myself, I filled my schedule for the whole week in 3 days. I was in disbelief. I kept thinking, “Why are all these people booking with me? They don’t even know me.” I always looked at braiding as a hobby. I never even thought I could create a career out of it. In 2020, I moved to Vegas. That’s when things started to take off. I was booked for months. I still couldn’t believe it, lol. I was braiding out of my house, hunny; kitchen stylist for the win, lol!
In late 2022, I decided to move back home and take my talents down to South Beach (do people even say that anymore, lol). My cousin, Jasmine Grayson, reached out to me and offered me a suite in her salon, J. Grays Hair Studio. I was initially skeptical because I didn’t think I could generate clientele so quickly. She and my mom kept telling me to stop being doubtful and dive in. I took their advice. So here I am, in my first salon suite. And I love it! I get to serve clients I went to school with and shared memories with from the past. I get to be amongst folks with the same Southern values and beliefs. I love how everyone supports and embraces me with open arms; it’s almost as if I never left. I’m having an amazing time braiding in Spartanburg. I owe much of my success to Jasmine Grayson. She’s done so much for me, from sharing her knowledge and experiences, giving solid advice, showing me the ropes, promoting my work, and always answering my calls (and Hunny, I was calling her every day multiple times a day at one point, lol); she’s been there every step of the way to make sure I’m comfortable, and I’m on the right track. And for that, I’m forever indebted. Check her out, too; she’s a beast!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I’d say it’s been a smooth road for the most part. Of course, there have been speed bumps, traffic jams, and crashes, lol – that comes with the territory. But I don’t let anything stop me. I don’t view being a braider as a job. I see it as being able to do what I love every day and just so happen to get paid for it. And that is what keeps me happy no matter the circumstance.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Licensed Luxury Braider. I specialize in braids. I’m known for Knotless Goddess Braids and stitch braids. I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made as a braider. Seeing myself improve and better with each client is highly fulfilling. What sets me apart? You’ll have to see for yourself. Book an appointment!
Please talk to us about happiness and what makes you happy.
Being a braider makes me happy. I love what I do. I love the big reveal. I love to see that smile on my client’s face when we’re finished. Knowing that I put them in a better mood makes me feel incredible; for clients to choose to sit in my chair for a few hours and trust me to make them look and feel beautiful means so much to me. Nothing compares to that satisfaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/thehotseatbykerri
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/thehotseatbykerri
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090131082952&mibextid=LQQJ4d
