Daily Inspiration: Meet Keisha Wood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Keisha Wood.

Hi Keisha, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I can never pinpoint the exact moment I fell in love with hair and makeup. It has always just been a part of my life. I’ve always loved everything artsy and creative, like fashion, interior design, and DIY projects. I dabble in a little bit of everything.

For as long as I’ve been me, I’ve always been eclectic and drawn to anything big and sparkly. Growing up in Knoxville, I always felt as if I would start my career in a city large enough for my glitter-filled personality. After graduating from cosmetology school, I worked in a salon for a few months before relocating myself and my 2 young children to Nashville, in March 2014.

From there, I worked in hair replacement, as well as early childhood education. During my time as a preschool teacher, I met Leslie Embry of Blowout Co. Nashville. One day during parent pickup, she mentioned opening a new blowout bar in The Gulch. I’d driven through the area multiple times and dreamed of one day working somewhere similar. Once I mentioned my experience as a cosmetologist, the conversation quickly turned into what I consider the beginning of my career in beauty.

Working at The Blowout Co.’s Gulch location opened me up to a world I never thought I’d see firsthand. Not only did I meet great people every day, but I also met celebrities and the people who work for them — publicists, CEOs! It was a blast! After 4 years at Blowout Co., I mustered up enough courage to venture out on my own in 2019. That is when Kurls & Kisses was born.

Kurls & Kisses started in a studio in Franklin, TN. Work was slow at first, but I was constantly thinking of new ways to gain clientele. Once I announced house calls, my books filled, but that meant I was never in my studio. After a short 6 months in my studio, I took my show on the road! — Photoshoots, live shows, video sets, weddings! The Music City was booming and so was business!

Soon after I took Kurls & Kisses strictly freelance, the COVID shutdown began. With no work and plenty of spare time, I began to refocus on all areas of my life. I redecorated my apartment, I grew plants, I began to work, I ate well and I began to date. I met my husband in June of 2020 and by the beginning of 2021, I was married with a total of four children! — Talk about a wild year! Since moving into our home in 2021, Kurls & Kisses has geared back up and is busier than ever! Since starting in 2019, my work has been published in multiple magazines and can seen on tons of Nashville stages.

Working in Nashville has brought about many opportunities. Not only do I style weddings, I plan them as well. At the beginning of 2023, I started Klassy Khaos Events & Design. With this company, I can create and organize — two of my favorite things! I also use my planning and organizational skills as an artist manager as well. Come on! How could I work with and around all of this talent and not stubble across a great voice?

Well, there you have it! I’m a hair styling, makeup doing, event planning artist manager! No matter the job, my goal is to make dreams come true! Just call me, The Godmother.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I started my first business in 2019. The following year, the COVID shutdown turned my world upside down. I had to think of creative ways to bring in income.

I began to offer makeup lessons via video chat. It worked! We made it through the pandemic and are doing better than ever! I’ve even added two new businesses!

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
– I am a hairstylist, makeup artist, event planner/designer, and an artist manager.

– I am mostly known for my makeup and hairstyling within the country music industry,

– I am proud of how I have come in the past 9 years regardless of struggles and disadvantages.

– I’ve always been told that my personality and eclectic style sets me apart from everyone else.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
No matter where you are now if you stay the course and believe in yourself, you will find success!

Contact Info:

• Website: kurls.kisses.square.site
• Instagram: instagram.com/keisha_thegodmother
• Facebook: facebook.com/kurlsandkisses

Image Credits
Eva Silver, Jessica Shepherd, Chelsea Lauren, and Nora Canfield