Kay Chanel is the founder and chief executive officer of The Kay’Chanel Collection LLC, a Chicago – based luxury wig company established in 2018. Before launching her business, Chanel built a high-end clientele as a cosmetologist and stylist, developing a strong reputation for quality, innovation, and unparalleled professionalism. The Kay’Chanel Collection LLC has grossed more than six figures in revenue to date, serving women all over the world.
But her success didn’t happen overnight. By the age of 16, Kay Chanel was pregnant and living in a shelter. At that time in her life, she described herself as young and entitled. But under the mentorship of the director at the shelter named Felitha, she was able to discipline herself into a routine of working, saving, building, and educating herself.
Outside of The Kay’Chanel Collection, Kay Chanel is a proud mother and philanthropist who regularly gives back to support Chicago’s at-risk youth. In addition, she is on a mission to normalize entrepreneurship and luxury living in minority communities through classes on real estate investments, credit repair, and branding + marketing strategy. As a businesswoman, Kay’Chanel values quality above all else. Her definition of quality being, “I don’t want to sell anything that I wouldn’t wear myself.”
“I want the culture to be aware of the buying power that continues to grow exponentially and encourage entrepreneurs to find ways to accommodate the needs of their community. In addition, I want to give them the necessary tools and financial literacy needed to help their business thrive,” she added.
N’DIGO chatted with Kay Chanel and learned how hard work made an impoverished young girl become the founder and chief executive officer of The Kay’Chanel Collection LLC.
N’DIGO: Who is Kay Chanel?
Kay Chanel: Kay Chanel is a mother, entrepreneur, who is on a mission to inspire and assist Black women to normalize residual income, ownership, and luxury standards in minority communities worldwide. She teaches and equips current and aspiring business owners with the tools and strategies to excel and scale their enterprises.
Describe your childhood? Was it easy growing up in Chicago?
I was born and raised on the Southside of Chicago. As a pregnant teenager, I later became homeless and lived in a shelter called the Night Ministry. I overcame major setbacks and different types of adversity that would discourage the average person.
Growing up, I was surrounded by violence and addiction. My rock bottom experience birthed within me a desire to create a different life for myself and my daughter.
When did you discover you had a passion for hairstyling and cosmetology?
I never had a passion for cosmetology, my mother was a hairstylist so it came naturally to me but I never had a passion for it. Working 12-16 hours a day showed me that I needed to be a pivot and use my experience and background to create a career in the hair industry that did not require so many hours away from home and my daughter.
Did you go the traditional hair salon route before deciding to become an entrepreneur?
Yes, I worked at a hair salon for 9 years before retiring at age 26 and launching my own wig store.
Why a wig store instead of a hair salon?
Because retail brings in residual income, not services.
What life lessons have made you the entrepreneur that you are today?
I had to file bankruptcy, and it was a very valuable lesson for me. I learned the importance of credit and how it impacts every aspect of your life from employment, housing, etc.
You retired at the age of 26. Explain the freedom of being your own boss.
I’m not free quite yet because I’m very hands-on with my business. But it definitely feels better to know that I am in charge of my own schedule.
How do you give back to your community?
First and foremost, I give back knowledge. I do wig give-a-ways to people who are battling cancer and to dialysis patients who experience hair loss.
How many wigs are in The Kay’Chanel Collection? Is your line universal?
There are currently a variety of 60 wigs available. The line is universal and women of all ethnicities can wear wigs from the Kay’Chanel collection.
What beauty advice and tips would you give to someone when buying/choosing a wig?
I would tell them to consult with a professional stylist first when shopping for a wig, then look for wigs with a thin lace front and small hair knots.
Is there any celebrity you would like to make a custom wig for?
American gymnast Gabrielle Douglas.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by my daughter.
What’s the best advice ever given to you?
The best advice ever gave to me was to stay consistent. Consistency.
What’s next for Kay’Chanel?
I’m definitely starting a new business. So follow me on Instagram @kay_chanel to be updated.
The Kay’Chanel Collection is located at 70 East 21st Street, Chicago IL. and please click on the image below to shop!
Sylvester Cosby is the Digital Editor and a contributing Writer for N’DIGO.
