Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kris J.. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kris , we’re so excited for our community to get to know you and learn from your journey and the wisdom you’ve acquired over time. Let’s kick things off with a discussion on self-confidence and self-esteem. How did you develop yours?
In today’s digital world, it’s becoming harder and harder to identify authenticity. People are allowed to snuff down their insecurities while simultaneously broadcasting their perfect persona online, without ever having to be called out on the facade in real life. Well, I grew up in the 80s, a time before social media. A time where people had to learn how to be amazing in real life to gain friendship, not just collect likes on a screen for entertainment. Being a millennial is important for me to mention because as someone who has experienced a great deal of bullying throughout my grade school career (before anti-bullying laws), I know how hard it is to find yourself when feeling overwhelmed, inadequate or left out of the crowd.
I was fortunate enough in my childhood years to be immersed in cultural activities (such as Marching Bands), connected to mentors (like Big Brother/Big Sister programs) and enrolled in social clubs (like Girl Scouts) and participated in Church Organizations. These programs were all designed to boost confidence not only in my heritage or spirituality, but in my self esteem as well. Despite the grade school ridicule, I still managed to fall in love with the little caramel complexion girl from Baltimore with hazel eyes, who was the tallest and curviest girl in every class. It wasn’t easy, but those are some of the strongest foundational moments that make up the woman I am today.
While no one likes to gain wisdom through childhood traumatic experiences. Learning to love myself authentically and unapologetically was the skill set I valued most when I found myself in the middle of a self esteem crisis, years later in adulthood.
About 4 years ago, I underwent a intense 5 part, 6 month surgery journey due to complications from a failed breast lift procedure. My body was left severely scarred and disfigured as a result of having so many surgeries back to back. Because of the disfigurement I found myself sinking into depression and anxiety. When I noticed I was losing my desire to be intimate, I knew I had to find me again. Or I at least had to get to know this new me since she was gonna be around a while.
This was my moment to reach back thru all of the childhood trauma, shift thru those memories that really were lessons and apply that knowledge to help me thru this hard time. I started with journaling and allowing myself the freedom to write down all of the thoughts I was experiencing when those heavy feelings rose up. That “brain dump” exercise forced me to visually identify the core issues, as well as have a moment of radical acceptance.
In order to heal my struggling self esteem and appreciate that the woman survived those surgeries, I enlisted the help of therapy, mentorship and diving back into my hobbies to enrich my sense of well being. I learned to challenge those negative thoughts with intentional positive action or redirection. This is the technique I use even to this day to stay balanced, well and in good spirits. Confidence is the outfit of a healed woman and so I where it proudly.
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?
In today’s interview, I’m thrilled to share my journey with you, where glamour meets empowerment at Krown and Glory. For over a decade, I’ve poured my heart into transforming hair into works of art, spreading confidence and self-love with every Loc I create. But my journey goes deeper—I’m not just a stylist; I’m a survivor of multiple surgeries, which fuels my passion for advocating better post-op care.
My advocacy journey reached a pinnacle when I had the opportunity to give my testimony at Congress, advocating for a bill to pass for improved post-op care. It was a powerful moment, fueled by my own experiences and a fierce determination to ensure that every patient receives the care and support they deserve during their recovery journey.
My greatest joys are my children and my tribe, my rock through every twist and turn. They inspire me to create a world where empowerment and love reign supreme. Recently, I launched Sparkle Locs Academy, an online platform empowering enthusiasts with the artistry of Microlocs. It’s a passion project close to my heart, aimed at igniting passion and creativity in others.
On social media, as @misskrisj on TikTok and The Sparkle Goddess on Instagram, I spread joy and inspiration with hair hacks, glam adventures, and glimpses of my vibrant personality. It’s not just about followers and likes; it’s about creating meaningful connections and uplifting spirits in a digital world often filled with negativity.
Away from screens, my love for travel and vibrant presence at Caribbean carnivals fuel my creativity. Immersing myself in different cultures and donning extravagant costumes allow me to celebrate diversity and embrace life’s vibrant tapestry.
As I continue to weave my magic into the world, I remain focused on spreading love and positivity, one sparkly moment at a time. Stay tuned for exciting developments as Krown and Glory continues to shine bright!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities have been game-changers: resilience, creativity, and fostering community.
Resilience has been my secret weapon, helping me bounce back from setbacks and challenges. Whether it’s navigating the unpredictable world of entrepreneurship or overcoming personal hurdles, resilience has kept me pushing forward.
Creativity is my fuel. From crafting stunning hairstyles to curating captivating content on social media, I thrive on thinking outside the box and bringing fresh ideas to life. And let’s not forget my love for sewing and painting – these artistic passions have always been close to my heart and have recently made a comeback in my life, adding even more color and flair to my journey.
But perhaps most importantly, community-building has been my cornerstone. Building a tribe of supportive clients, eager students, fellow creatives, as well as my close-knit family and friends, has been invaluable. Together, we lift each other up, share insights, and celebrate each other’s successes. It’s the bond with my loved ones that truly sustains me and makes the journey all the more fulfilling.
For those just starting out, here’s my advice: embrace challenges as opportunities for growth, let your creativity flow freely, and surround yourself with a supportive community that believes in your dreams. After all, it’s the journey and the bonds you forge that make life truly extraordinary.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely, darling! I’m always on the lookout for radiant souls ready to shine as Loc Stars through Sparkle Locs Academy and women eager to elevate their confidence with Krown and Glory. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or a seasoned stylist, there’s a place for you in our empowering community at www.krownandglory.com !
And guess what? 
I’ve just been sworn in as the Director of Advocacy Affairs for CSL Therapy, where we’re leading the charge for better treatment in the Body Altering Aesthetics Industry. It’s a platform to amplify voices and provide support on a grand scale. If you or anyone you know could benefit from this initiative, they can find assistance under the advocacy tab on csltherapy.org.
Let’s ignite dreams and empower one another!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.krownandglory.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krownandglory_hairsalon
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krownandglory?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MissKrisJ1?si=2w405Sgh-ufoH0kr
- Other: Access to all things Kris & Krown and Glory: https://linktr.ee/KrownAndGlory
Image Credits
Images taken by a variety of amazing souls including myself, Sir Zulu (@3lindvision), Ebony K (@ebb_of_krownandglory), Kelly D (@bawsebawdyworks), Kam (@iamkamking), Jasmine (beautifuljazzyphotography).
