We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Zaa’Kiya Green a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Zaa’Kiya, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Honestly, my purpose didn’t hit me all at once—it found me in layers, over time, in the quiet moments and the frustrating ones too. For years, I only did my own hair. It was how I expressed myself, protected my crown, and stayed connected to something that felt deeply mine. I never saw it as something I’d offer to the world—just a skill I had, something I did out of necessity and love.
When I moved to Columbia, SC, I was excited for a fresh start, but I struggled to find work. The rejection, the silence, the waiting—it started to weigh heavy. I remember one night, I was sitting with my husband, venting, probably for the third time that week. I told him how defeated I felt not being able to land something stable. And he looked at me and said, “Why don’t you do other people’s hair?”
That question caught me off guard. I’d never considered it. Doing my own hair felt natural, but charging others? Making it into something real? At first, it felt unrealistic—like trying to pay bills with blind faith. But I gave it a shot. I braided someone else’s hair for the first time, and when I saw the look on their face, that shift in their energy, I felt something click inside me. It wasn’t just about the style—it was about how they saw themselves when they got up from my chair.
Still, I battled with myself. I kept asking: Is this sustainable? Is this smart? Can passion really carry me through? But the thing is, I kept coming back to it. No matter how much I tried to “be practical,” I missed that feeling—of creation, of connection, of pride. The kind of gratitude that fills you up when you realize: my hands did this. I made someone feel beautiful.
That feeling wouldn’t leave me alone, and that’s when I knew—it wasn’t just a hustle, it was a calling. I prayed. I listened. I trusted God, even when it didn’t make sense on paper. I stopped doubting myself and sat down with full intention to build what is now Krowned by Kiy. This isn’t just a brand—it’s a manifestation of purpose, faith, and deep-rooted passion. It’s my way of pouring into others, while honoring the gift that was in my hands all along.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a licensed braider and the founder of Krowned by Kiy, a beauty brand where every service is rooted in care, creativity, and intention. I specialize in braids that not only enhance how you look—but uplift how you feel. What makes this work special to me is the way it transforms people from the inside out. It’s not just about styling hair—it’s about creating space for women to feel seen, empowered, and safe to show up as they are.
My chair isn’t just a place to get your hair done—it’s a vibe. Whether my client needs a good therapy session, some girl talk, or quiet time to just breathe and decompress, I meet them where they are. I hold space for them to release whatever they’ve been carrying. I instill confidence while helping them reconnect with their beauty—and when they leave, they’re not just styled, they’re recharged.
Krowned by Kiy is a go-to space for women from all walks of life who want protective styles done with intention, skill, and love. The heart of my brand is summed up in my tagline: “Your crown, your reign.” I believe everyone deserves to feel powerful in their own skin—and part of my purpose is to help bring that out through every braid and every interaction.
Right now, I’m focused on expanding my offerings. I’m currently developing an e-book for beginners looking to learn the fundamentals of braiding with clarity and confidence. I’m also in the early stages of building a natural hair care line, carefully testing ingredients to make sure everything I bring to the table reflects the same quality, nourishment, and love I give behind the chair.
At the end of the day, Krowned by Kiy isn’t just a beauty brand—it’s a movement centered on self-love, sacred care, and showing up crowned in every sense of the word.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
If I could sit across from my younger self—the girl who was always doing her own hair, turning frustration into creation, talking herself out of dreams because they felt too big—I’d tell her this:
Your resilience is your quiet superpower. I know it doesn’t feel like it now, especially on the days when nothing’s working out and you feel overlooked. But every time you keep going, every time you choose yourself, even when you’re tired or unsure—you’re building something stronger than you know. Keep pushing. You’re not behind. You’re becoming.
Don’t be afraid to take up space. That voice in your head that questions if you’re “enough” or if you belong in certain rooms—ignore it. Your ideas, your perspective, your energy—they matter. Trust your vision, even when it feels blurry. The more you believe in your uniqueness, the clearer the path gets.
And lastly: People will remember how you made them feel long after the style is done. Your empathy, your ability to hold space for others—whether that’s a deep talk, a good laugh, or quiet peace—is part of your gift. It’s not just your hands, it’s your heart that sets you apart. That’s why they’ll come back. That’s why they’ll trust you.
To anyone just starting out: nurture your mindset as much as your skillset. Learn, stay open, stay grounded. You don’t have to be perfect—you just have to stay present. And remember: Your crown, your reign. Walk in that truth, even when it’s still unfolding.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
First and always, I have to give thanks to God. Every step I’ve taken—especially the uncertain ones—has been guided by faith. When I didn’t see the full picture, when I was scared, when I wanted to give up, it was God who kept reminding me of the promise. This entire journey has been about trusting His timing, leaning into His strength, and believing that He placed this gift in my hands for a reason.
I’ve also been blessed with an incredible village. My husband, Michael Green, has been my rock from the start. He was my first client and the one who told me to take my gift seriously when I was unsure. He’s promoted me, advocated for me, and reminded me of who I am even when my vision felt blurry. His support—through words and actions—has helped build the foundation of Krowned by Kiy.
My best friend, LaKesa McGraw, has become a powerful force in my growth. She pushes me daily to show up, to do the internal work, and to prioritize knowing myself deeply. She’s taught me what it looks like to be loved by someone who truly wants to see you win. Her presence has helped shape me into a better woman, friend, and creative.
My stepson, Giovanni, has taught me grace and patience. His sweet reminders “Mommy you’re doing a good job” have been healing in ways I didn’t even realize I needed. He’s helped me slow down and avoid burnout just by being his gentle, loving self.
And finally, I’m endlessly grateful for my soul tribe—family, friends, and every person who believed in me from the beginning. To those who let me borrow their daughters to practice on, who sat in my chair when I was still learning, who trusted my hands and rooted for me—thank you. You all helped bring Krowned by Kiy to life, and I don’t take that lightly.
This journey is bigger than me, and I’m just thankful God chose me to walk it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://krowned-by-kiy.square.site/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krownedbykiy_?igsh=Ym1ydmo4NDFiejFk&utm_source=qrO
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