Meet Makayla Willingham | Cosmetologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Makayla Willingham and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Makayla, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
For me, risk has always been an act of faith — faith in my purpose, my vision, and the belief that I was called to create something bigger than my comfort zone. Every major shift in my life and career came from listening to that inner voice that said, ‘You’re ready, even if you’re scared.’

Starting my business wasn’t just a career move; it was a healing journey — a chance to create space for others to feel seen, cared for, and confident in their natural beauty. Taking that risk taught me that fear and faith can exist in the same moment — but only one can lead.

So I choose faith. I choose to bet on myself and the vision God placed in me. Every risk I’ve taken has stretched me, refined me, and reminded me that growth doesn’t happen in certainty

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey definitely wasn’t easy, but it’s been full of purpose. I started working for the federal government at 21, and while that gave me stability, I always felt called to something more creative and meaningful. So I balanced a 9-to-5 job, being a student, and running my part-time business as a hair braider. It took a lot of faith, discipline, and late nights to keep going.

Eventually, I took a leap of faith and moved away from my hometown, Topeka, Kansas — away from my comfort zone and family — to chase growth and alignment with my purpose. That move changed everything for me.

I’ve learned that comfort and calling don’t exist in the same place, and that faith will always take you farther than fear. What I want the world to know about me and KayNaturalKreations is that this journey is about more than hair — it’s about healing, confidence, and reminding people of their beauty and power from the inside out.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m still fairly new to Dallas, so I’ve been taking my time exploring everything the city has to offer. If my best friend came to visit, we’d start with good food — seafood from Shells & Tails 2Geaux in DeSoto, barbecue from Smokey Joe’s or Phat GirlZ in Cedar Hill, and catfish from Catfish Connection or Thibodeaux’s Cajun Cookin in Duncanville.

For fun, we’d check out Black on the Block — I love how it brings the community together — and the Art Overdose event downtown for some creative energy. I’d also take them to a sip-and-paint night at In Living Colour Studio in Addison, and a body oil and butter–making class with Body Jam Essentials in Dallas.

Dallas is full of soul, flavor, and creativity — every time I explore, I discover something new that makes me feel more at home.”

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who’ve poured into me along this journey — people who saw my light even when I was still learning to see it for myself. First and foremost, I give credit to God, because every open door, every lesson, and every risk I took came from divine guidance.

I also have to recognize my family, my community, and my clients — the ones who trusted me, supported my vision, and believed in what I was building before it fully existed. Their encouragement reminded me that what I’m doing is bigger than hair — it’s about healing, confidence, and self-love.

Website: https://kaynaturalkreations.booksy.com/a/

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