It was an exquisite intimate affair as the founder and creative director of KL’s Beauty Bar, Kemi Lewis inspired women to embrace their beauty confidently as her brand celebrates a decade of existence.
With a focus on education, empowerment, and innovation, the salon leads the way for a future where natural hair is celebrated and cherished; standing at the forefront, inspiring women to love, nurture and adorn their curls with confidence.
In 2012, Lewis made a bold decision to embrace her natural hair. However, she quickly realised that the natural hair movement in Nigeria was in its early stages, lacking specialised salons and knowledgeable stylists for naturalistas. This sparked a visionary idea.
In May 2013, armed with determination and a passion for empowering women, Lewis officially launched KL’s Natural Beauty Bar. With limited resources but unwavering ambition, she secured a modest space in Lagos. The early days were a mix of excitement and uncertainty as she began offering her expertise in handling and styling natural hair.
As a trailblazer in the natural hair industry, she faced skepticism from friends and family who questioned her transition from a successful legal career to hairstyling. Yet, her strong belief in her mission pushed her forward.
“My dedication to changing perceptions about natural hair marked a turning point for my salon and my clients. Through innovative styles, personalized care, and a commitment to excellence, my brand started to make its mark. One memorable transformation involved a woman with thinning and damaged hair, who, after I cared, regained confidence and joy in her natural locks,” Lewis said.
Furthermore, her commitment to education led to the creation of KLS Natural Hair Academy, where stylists are equipped not only with technical skills but also the core values that define the KLS experience.
As KL’s Natural Beauty Bar celebrates its first decade, Lewis looks ahead with a renewed vision, aiming to empower individuals globally through the expansion of her training academy. Similarly, she is passionate to share her product line, Groom and Grow, which emphasizes the power of Ayurveda (knowledge of life) for hair health.
Lewis’ journey exemplifies the power of passion, resilience, and belief in a vision. From a small salon to a thriving enterprise, Kemi’s story is one of empowerment and inspiring change.
Driven by success and a desire to reach more women, Lewis expanded KL’s Natural Beauty Bar to three branches across Lagos. Each location maintained the essence of KLS’s vision while serving a diverse clientele.
