About Kirsten Imani

The Stylist Behind KI Studios

Meet Kirsten Imani

Hi, I'm Kirsten! I'm a Chicago based hairstylist, entrepreneur, proud mom of two boys, and the woman behind Kirsten Imani Hair and KI Studios.

My love for hair started when I was about 15, practicing on my sisters with a Marcel iron set my stepmother had gifted me. What started as a hobby eventually became something I knew I wanted to pursue professionally. In 2014, I enrolled in cosmetology school, but after becoming pregnant with my first son, I decided to put school on hold and pursue a career in corporate America. By 2017, I was a mom of two, and life looked a lot different than I originally planned.

Fast forward to 2020, I was laid off during the pandemic and decided it was finally time to finish what I started. I graduated from Paul Mitchell that same year and immediately opened my own salon suite, despite having absolutely no clients and just about everyone advising me against it. Not long after, one of my TikTok videos went viral, and my business began growing faster than I ever expected.

Eventually, I outgrew my suite and opened KI Studios in 2023, my private luxury salon in Chicago. I specialize in luxury and seamless extensions and also educate other stylists looking to grow in the industry.

Outside of the salon, I'm usually spending time with my boys, traveling, or working on my next big idea.

My journey definitely hasn't gone exactly as planned, but looking back, I wouldn't change much. I'm proud of what I've built, grateful for the lessons along the way, and excited for everything that's still to come.

Xoxo,