Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristi Mefford.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m Kristi Mefford—a Nashville native, Navy veteran, and the heart behind Kinky Rootz® Salon and Queen of Kinks® Natural Hair Essentials. My journey didn’t begin in a beauty school—it began in combat boots, serving as an Aviation Electronics Technician in the U.S. Navy. Amid 12-hour shifts and personal trauma, I found myself with little time—and even fewer resources—to care for my natural crown. That struggle cracked something open in me… and planted the seed of my purpose.
After leaving the military as a service-disabled veteran and domestic violence survivor, I began the work of reclaiming myself—one sacred moment at a time. In 2004, I became a licensed natural hair stylist, committed to creating a safe, healing space where people like me could be seen, held, and celebrated. That space became Kinky Rootz®—not just a salon, but a sanctuary.
In 2022, I gave birth to Queen of Kinks® NHE, a handcrafted, sustainable beauty line inspired by my late best friend, Shayla. Every jar and bottle is a love letter—to heritage, to healing, and to the planet. Designed for hair, scalp, and skin, each product carries the energy of intention and ancestral care.
Today, I lead with the same discipline the military taught me, but with a new mission: to build a revolutionary clean beauty brand that centers wellness, equity, and culture—empowering eco-conscious consumers to care for their crowns, their confidence, and their communities… naturally.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Thank you for asking—because the truth is, it’s been anything but smooth. My path has been paved with both pain and purpose.
As a Service-Disabled Navy Veteran and domestic violence survivor, I’ve had to rebuild myself more than once. The military taught me discipline, but it also placed me in an environment where I often felt invisible—especially when it came to caring for my natural hair. That lack of representation stayed with me long after I left the service.
Starting a business with limited resources, no blueprint, and very little access to capital was another challenge. I didn’t come from generational wealth—I came from grit, hustle, and a deep belief that my story mattered. There were times I was doing hair all day and making product at night, trying to grow a brand while grieving the loss of my best friend, Shayla—the very person who helped me believe I could do this in the first place.
Navigating the beauty industry as a Black woman has also come with its own barriers—especially when you’re committed to sustainability and cultural authenticity in a space that often overlooks both.
But every challenge shaped the mission. The pain birthed purpose. The setbacks deepened my why. And through it all, I never stopped believing in the power of healing, community, and showing up with truth.
So no—it hasn’t been smooth. But it’s been sacred. And I wouldn’t trade the journey for anything!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Kinky Rootz Salon® LLC DBA Queen of Kinks Natural Hair Essentials?
At Kinky Rootz® Salon and Queen of Kinks® Natural Hair Essentials, we don’t just style—we hold space. We care for what I refer to as “high frequency waves, kinks, and curls”—not just with our hands, but with our hearts. This work is a ministry, a calling, and a celebration of texture, truth, and transformation.
Kinky Rootz® is a healing salon space rooted in ritual care. We offer chemical-free, culturally grounded services that affirm identity and restore connection. From loc maintenance to protective styles, every session is about more than hair—it’s about honoring the whole person beneath the crown.
Queen of Kinks® NHE is our handcrafted, plant-based product line created to nourish the hair, scalp, and skin. Inspired by my late best friend Shayla, each product is a love letter to legacy, healing, and the planet. Every formula is multipurpose, made with intention, and packaged in recyclable containers—because beauty should be clean, conscious, and kind.
What sets us apart? Soul. Sustainability. Story. We’re a Veteran-Owned, Black Woman-led beauty brand committed to empowering our community through eco-conscious beauty. Our “Green Vibes Only” refill and reuse program invites customers to return their clean containers in exchange for a discount on future purchases—because sustainability isn’t just a trend, it’s a responsibility.
What I’m most proud of is the transformation—when a client sits in my chair or uses our products and finally sees themselves with fresh eyes: powerful, radiant, worthy. That’s the heart of our brand.
We’re not here to sell beauty. We’re here to restore it, reclaim it, and root it in something real and revolutionary!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
Finding the right mentor isn’t about chasing titles—it’s about aligning with people who see your vision, honor your values, and are willing to pour into you with intention. For me, the most powerful connections have come through spaces rooted in purpose—veteran entrepreneurship programs, sustainability cohorts, and rooms where women of color are building boldly.
What’s worked well is leading with authenticity. I don’t walk into a space trying to be perfect—I show up in my truth, with my story, my scars, and my vision. That openness attracts people who are aligned and invested not just in what I do, but in who I am.
I’ve also learned that mentorship doesn’t always look like a formal relationship. Sometimes it’s a one-time conversation that shifts your entire perspective. Other times, it’s a peer who walks the path with you in real time. Be open to both.
If you’re looking for a mentor, start by getting clear on what you need—guidance, accountability, emotional support, or strategic insight—and then move with intention. Ask boldly. Follow up with gratitude. And always remember: the most meaningful connections are built on mutual respect, not hierarchy.
Your purpose will always lead you to your people. Just stay rooted in it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.queenofkinksnhe.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinkyrootzsalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KRSQOK
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/queenofkinksceo/
