We recently connected with Ra’von Jefferson and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ra’Von with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my upbringing. Growing up in a single-parent home, I watched my mother work endlessly to make ends meet, never letting obstacles stop her from providing for our family. Her resilience and determination instilled in me the mindset that no matter the challenge, the work has to get done—whether you have help or not.
As a twin and the second oldest of six, I naturally embodied a nurturing spirit and a mature personality. Even at a young age, I could empathize with my mother’s hardships, and I did everything I could to lighten her load. Whether it was cleaning, signing schoolwork and permission slips, getting my siblings ready for school, or even doing their hair, I stepped in where I was needed. In fact, doing my siblings’ hair is what ultimately led me to my passion and profession today.
Those early experiences shaped the work ethic I have now—one that is built on perseverance, responsibility, and a deep commitment to helping others. No matter what, I believe in showing up, putting in the effort, and getting the job done.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
My Journey & the Vision for KurlCulture KC
My name is Ra’Von Jefferson, and my journey into the beauty industry started long before I ever considered it a career. Growing up in a single-parent home with five siblings, I naturally took on a nurturing role. One of the ways I helped my mother was by doing my own hair and my siblings’ hair—partly to relieve her of more tasks, and partly because she wasn’t the best at it. I quickly realized I had a talent for styling, and over the years, it became more than just a necessity—it became my passion.
Although I had dreams of becoming a professional hairstylist and owning a salon, I didn’t grow up in an entrepreneurial household. The only path I knew was to go to college or find a job to make ends meet. So, for years, I worked in childcare. However, in 2020, during the height of COVID, I finally took a leap of faith and transitioned into the beauty industry full-time. I spent two years working in a salon, gaining valuable experience and business knowledge. Then, in 2022, I founded KurlCulture KC—a salon dedicated to loose natural hair, scalp health, and hair growth.
What sets KurlCulture KC apart is our unwavering focus on healthy hair from the inside out. We don’t just style hair—we educate, nurture, and provide solutions. We believe that healthy hair starts within, and we partner with our clients and other professionals to support them on their journey. We offer Kurlie Memberships for those committed to long-term hair health, as well as individual à la carte services for those looking for specific treatments or styling. Most importantly, we focus on community—our salon is a space where every hair journey is welcomed and embraced.
What’s Next for KurlCulture KC?
We have experienced incredible growth, and I am excited to take things to the next level! We are actively expanding our team, seeking talented beauty professionals who share a passion for natural hair care. We are also in search of a new salon space to accommodate our growing clientele.
On a personal level, I am furthering my education in scalp health and hair loss by pursuing my trichology certification through the Trichology Institute. This will allow me to offer even more specialized services for those struggling with hair and scalp conditions.
Additionally, we have just launched our very own Hair Regrowth Oil—an all-natural formula designed to address thinning, breakage, and dryness. This product is a testament to our commitment to healthy hair solutions that truly make a difference.
The journey has been incredible, and this is just the beginning. Thank you to everyone who has supported KurlCulture KC—we are growing, evolving, and making waves in the natural hair community. Stay tuned for even more exciting developments!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The Three Most Impactful Skills in My Journey
Looking back, three key skills have been instrumental in my journey: being systematic, consistent, and assiduous. These qualities have shaped my work ethic, business approach, and personal growth in ways I never expected.
1. Systematic Thinking
One of the most valuable skills I possess is being systematic—though I didn’t have the language for it until I became a business owner. This skill has allowed me to operate efficiently, stay organized, and be an independent thinker. Being systematic means having structured processes in place, whether it’s how I manage client schedules, execute business strategies, or even handle day-to-day tasks. It helps me maintain consistency, avoid unnecessary stress, and stay ahead of challenges. This skill has been a foundation in my ability to run a business successfully while still having the creative freedom to grow.
2. Consistency
If there’s one thing that has kept me progressing, it’s consistency. The beauty industry—and entrepreneurship in general—requires showing up even when motivation isn’t there. Early in my career, I learned that talent alone wouldn’t take me far; I had to be dependable, deliver quality work every time, and continue improving no matter what. Consistency has helped me build trust with my clients, establish a reputable brand, and develop habits that keep me disciplined. It’s easy to be passionate when things are going well, but true growth happens when you stay committed through the challenges.
3. Assiduousness
To be assiduous means to work diligently, persistently, and with great care. I’ve never been the type to cut corners, and that mindset has helped me tremendously. Whether it’s learning new techniques, perfecting a skill, or running my business, I’ve always approached things with dedication and attention to detail. This quality has allowed me to not only meet my clients’ needs but exceed their expectations. It’s also what drives me to continue learning, growing, and refining my craft.
The Skill I’ve Grown Into: Self-Accountability
One skill I’ve had to develop—and continue improving every day—is self-accountability. For years, fear held me back from pursuing my dreams. I spent a lot of time doubting myself, unsure if I had what it took to build something of my own. That changed when I started working at a salon under owners who dreamed big and weren’t afraid to go after their goals. Seeing their ambition made me realize what was possible.
At first, everything was great. I was inspired, growing as a stylist, and working hard. But after a year, I felt myself outgrowing the space I was in. Instead of facing that reality and taking action, I let fear stop me from making the transition on my own. As a result, I became insecure, entitled, and even jealous. I struggled with conflict, which made it hard for me to communicate my feelings. Instead of addressing my emotions, I let them fester—leading to a toxic work attitude and negative influence on my coworkers.
I was so unhappy and entitled that I began stealing. At the time, I justified my actions, blaming everyone around me for my attitude and choices. Looking back, I realize I had zero self-accountability. I was responsible for my own actions, but I refused to take ownership.
Therapy helped me understand the importance of being honest with myself—even when it’s uncomfortable. I had to acknowledge the ugly parts of my past and take responsibility for the decisions I made. Learning self-accountability has been life-changing. Now, I make it a priority to internally reflect on my actions and behaviors, ensuring that I am moving in alignment with my values. This growth has not only made me a better business owner but also a better person.
These skills—being systematic, consistent, and assiduous—have shaped my success, while self-accountability has transformed my mindset. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but every lesson has played a role in getting me where I am today. And as I continue to grow, I remain committed to showing up, taking responsibility, and striving for excellence in everything I do.
The Skill I’ve Grown Into: Self-Accountability
One skill I’ve had to develop—and continue improving every day—is self-accountability. For years, fear held me back from pursuing my dreams. I spent a lot of time doubting myself, unsure if I had what it took to build something of my own. That changed when I started working at a salon under owners who dreamed big and weren’t afraid to go after their goals. Seeing their ambition made me realize what was possible.
At first, everything was great. I was inspired, growing as a stylist, and working hard. But after a year, I felt myself outgrowing the space I was in. Instead of facing that reality and taking action, I let fear stop me from making the transition on my own. As a result, I became insecure, entitled, and even jealous. I struggled with conflict, which made it hard for me to communicate my feelings. Instead of addressing my emotions, I let them fester—leading to a toxic work attitude and negative influence on my coworkers.
I was so unhappy and entitled that I began stealing. At the time, I justified my actions, blaming everyone around me for my attitude and choices. Looking back, I realize I had zero self-accountability. I was responsible for my own actions, but I refused to take ownership.
Therapy helped me understand the importance of being honest with myself—even when it’s uncomfortable. I had to acknowledge the ugly parts of my past and take responsibility for the decisions I made. Learning self-accountability has been life-changing. Now, I make it a priority to internally reflect on my actions and behaviors, ensuring that I am moving in alignment with my values. This growth has not only made me a better business owner but also a better person.
These skills—being systematic, consistent, and assiduous—have shaped my success, while self-accountability has transformed my mindset. My journey hasn’t been perfect, but every lesson has played a role in getting me where I am today. And as I continue to grow, I remain committed to showing up, taking responsibility, and striving for excellence in everything I do.
We’ve all got limited resources, time, energy, focus etc – so if you had to choose between going all in on your strengths or working on areas where you aren’t as strong, what would you choose?
Balancing Strengths and Growth: My Perspective
I believe that while it’s essential to go all in on our strengths, it’s just as important to invest in improving our weaknesses—especially when those weaknesses hinder our growth. Leaning into what we naturally excel at allows us to stand out and create impact, but true success requires self-awareness, adaptability, and a willingness to develop in areas that challenge us.
When I first started my career in the beauty industry, my strengths were clear—I was creative, skilled with my hands, and had a natural ability to connect with clients. These strengths helped me establish trust, build a loyal clientele, and provide exceptional services. However, as I transitioned from being just a stylist to a business owner, I quickly realized that relying solely on my strengths wouldn’t be enough.
One major area I struggled with was self-accountability and conflict resolution. When I was an employee at a salon, I found myself in a situation where I had outgrown my environment but didn’t know how to express it. Instead of taking action and communicating my feelings, I let fear and insecurity take over. This led to resentment, entitlement, and even poor decision-making. Looking back, I can see that my inability to address discomfort and take responsibility for my emotions was a weakness that deeply affected my work experience and relationships.
Through therapy and self-reflection, I learned that ignoring my weaknesses wouldn’t make them disappear—it would only hold me back. So, I started intentionally working on self-accountability. I commit to reflecting on my actions daily, being honest about my shortcomings, and taking responsibility for my growth. This mindset shift has been transformational. It has helped me build a business where I lead with integrity, communicate effectively, and navigate challenges with clarity rather than avoidance.
So, yes, I believe we should absolutely maximize our strengths, but we can’t neglect our weaknesses if they are preventing us from reaching our full potential. There’s power in knowing what we do well, but there’s even more power in recognizing where we need to grow and taking intentional steps to improve.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected]
- Instagram: KurlCultureKC
- Facebook: KurlCulture KC
- Linkedin: KurlCulture KC
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