MeAbout KifenWalker
Founder | Educator | Sensory Safe Advocate | Natural Hair Specialist
“OMG, my hair is falling out in the sink!!”
That was the phrase that ignited a fire in Kifeney Walker. “I never wanted to hear that again,” she said. From that moment, she made it her mission to become not just good—but the best in her field.
Born with a creative spirit, Kifeney naturally gravitated toward art, drawing, and painting. But it was hair that became her therapy. At age 15, doing hair wasn’t just a hobby—it was a way to process life’s challenges and create peace. She began shadowing her childhood beautician every two weeks after school while she styled her foster sisters' hair. Inspired by her mentor’s independence, confidence, and community presence.
She began building her reputation in high school, becoming the go-to stylist for classmates and friends. Determined to become a well-rounded, knowledgeable cosmetologist, Kifeney graduated from Augusta Technical Institute in 1999 and dove into salon life—first as an apprentice, then developing into a respected stylist with her own clientele.
But her purpose didn’t stop behind the chair.
Kifeney’s true calling became clear: education. Her passion for helping others learn and grow led her to become a Cosmetology Instructor—despite being the same age as many of her students. She didn’t let that stop her. At just 25, she was already thriving as a mother, stylist, businesswoman, and educator.
Over the years, Kifeney expanded her impact through community involvement and leadership. She created mannequin competitions for beauty students, gave back through homeless haircut programs, visited nursing homes and VA hospitals, and led technical cutting classes. Her commitment earned her a promotion to Director of Admissions at the same school she once taught in.
Still, she wanted more.
In 2012, Kifeney took a leap of faith—packing up her family and moving to Knoxville, TN to start a new chapter. There, she joined Virginia College as an educator while simultaneously growing a salon clientele in a city that desperately needed natural hair expertise. Word of mouth quickly made her one of the most sought-after natural hair specialists in the region.
Her resume continued to grow with standout professional collaborations, including:
Tyler Perry Studios
Sonic (national campaign styling)
Various miniseries & creative productions
Runway shows, weddings, and editorial shoots
Kifeney has also been featured in numerous published articles in Knoxville Voyager, and she’s been honored with multiple “Best of Knoxville” awards for her excellence in hair care, education, and community impact.
Her career continued to evolve with opportunities like becoming a Brand Ambassador for Zotos Professional, educating across East Tennessee at major beauty retailers like Sally Beauty, SalonCentric, and CosmoProf.
Never one to stop learning, Kifeney trained and taught at Paul Mitchell The School Knoxville, where she thrived in a diverse environment and stepped into roles as a Texture Specialist and Cutting Specialist.
Today, Kifeney proudly serves as a Sensory Safe Regional Educator with Sensory Safe Solutions, offering tailored services for individuals with autism or sensory processing differences. Her studio is a place where every client is safe, seen, and in control.
Now, after 20+ years in the beauty industry, Kifeney is building her own legacy through her brand:
Natural Aesthetics Diverse Studio – Knoxville, TN
A calming, inclusive, “speak-your-mind” space where natural hair, scalp health, barbering, sensory sensitivity, and energy alignment are all honored. Whether you need a detox, a moment to reset, or a transformation, you’ll find more than just beauty here—you’ll find wholeness with Kifeney.