Meet Ne’Yanna Williamson | Salon owner, Business Mentor, Master Loctician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ne’Yanna Williamson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ne’Yanna, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
In the beginning of my business i thought that it would only be as good as the effort i put into it. Often i would work around the clock for weeks at a time. Never taking off days and missing out on family events and self care. Now that i am closing in on being tenured as a business owner i fully understand the meaning and purpose of work life balance. Around the end of my third year i experienced burnout for the first time . I did not really understand what it was and remained dedicated throughout my depression over the trials and tribulations my business had taken me through. The beginning of my fifth year it. all dawned on me lol. it is true that your business is only as good as the effort you put into it, but its also true that the effort your pouring in needs t come from your best self. That means take that vacation, spend time with your family or doing things that brings happiness to you . it will in turn play out in your business. Never forgot to water you .

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I own the sister companies KnottyHeadz Salon and KnottyHeadz Institute. The KnottyHeadz Salon is the first idea ive actually brought to life. We are focused on locs natural hair and the overall wellbeing of our clients. Up until 2019 locs and natural hair wasnt accepted in corporate america or the military . The way our hair naturally grows from our scalp was deemed unkept and many were faced with discrimination in their everyday lives being people of color. In TN the crown act was passed and we were set free in a sense to proudly wear our locs and natural hair as a form of self expression. That sparked me to open my salon and cater to those who were exploring their new found options. Not only does my staff and i maintain our clients hair but we coach them through the transition and how to become more confident in their own skin. Shortly afterwards The Knottyheadz Institute was created to cater to other stylist who didnt have much knowledge in the area. Not only am i spreading self love and confidence to my clients but i am also training any stylist wanting to join the industry as a natural hair stylist the ropes in becoming successful with proper knowledge and experience ive gained over the years.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my friends were visiting Memphis the first thing id do is feed them. Whether its BBQ at Rendezvous , or food and drinks at Energy Famous Pasta were going to eat. I dont do much of the night life here, but i do enjoy listening to live music at Manhattans in Cordova. Id have her stay at the Bass Pro Shop at the pyramid, the views over the city as well as the amenities are to die for. To give her some of the culture of my city id take her to the world famous Beale St, stax museum and the Loraine motel

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Id like to shout out my friends and family for being patient with me always being absent and supporting me as i worked towards my goals. Id also like to shout out my Cosmetology instructor ,mentor, and the owner of the Silk Station Beauty Bar , Wanda Stubbs. Shes always went above and beyond to support and guide me in the right direction from school and now as a salon owner myself.

Website: www.KnottyheadzSalonandSpa.com

Instagram: official_Knottyheadz_Salon

Facebook: Knottyheadz Salon