Parent Profile: Kenzie Gentry

Photo by Darrin Phegley

Tell us a little about yourself.

I’m 27 years old. I have two sons Rhett (2) and John Landin (6). I have a blue heeler named Tess (3). I have lived in Henderson majority of my life. My parents, Kenny and Valerie Gentry, have spent a lot of time supporting my love of horses rodeoing growing up. We also spent a lot of time on the road when I was younger going to sprint car races with my dad. I am a graduate of Henderson County High school and Henderson Community College.

What do you do for a living?

I own and work as a barber stylist at K.T.’s Barbershop in Henderson, KY. I have been a barber for 7 years. April of 2024 will make 3 years that I’ve owned and operated out of K.T.’s. I also am a full-time mom of my wonderful boys!

What do you enjoy most about being a local barber/stylist? What are some challenges?

I am able to express my creativity through hair. I never considered myself artistic growing up but when it comes to doing hair (men, women, or children) the sky seems to be the limit. I am an extreme people person so it is safe to say this job fits that description. I love getting to play a big role in making people look their best. It’s amazing to have the kind of power and give confidence to people by giving them a look that suits them and makes them feel great. Barbers and stylists meet clients that have interesting stories to share! I love being a listening ear and I even partake in my own storytelling with clients. I love being able to watch kids grow into wonderful young men and women, and I love being able to see people grow and evolve even more as time goes on. We all become part of a family and that is a feeling that is indescribable.

One of the biggest challenges I see is trust. That trust goes both ways. A client has to be able to gain trust that even when they are unable to describe what it is they want, it is our job as professionals to bring what seems like an impossible vision to life. As far as customers go, barbers must gain the trust of clients to return or to simply take care of their hair as expected.

Outside of work, what hobbies do you and your family enjoy?

I enjoy playing my guitar and writing music, playing and doing things with my children, cooking, going on vacations and traveling with my family, reading books and educating myself on new ideas as far as my business goes.

Describe a day in the life of a barber/stylist.

I always start my mornings off with coffee whether it is hot or cold. As an owner and a barber, I do my best to get to work in a timely fashion and be able to turn everything on and make sure things are in order to start the day. We accept appointments as well as
walk-ins—so our days are usually not planned out. It is one of the things that makes us unique—we are available to people that like schedules and ones that may be spur of the moment. We are quick and efficient when it comes to cutting and doing hair and beards so usually before or after a haircut our customers and ourselves will engage in wonderful conversations! They pay and then it is on to the next one until we wind down for the evening and close up shop to go home to our families.

How do you find balance between work and family?

This is one of the biggest struggles I face being a full-time business owner, barber and mother. However, it isn’t impossible and that is the impact I hope to make in and outside my community. My biggest supporters and helpers would be my mom and dad. They help me as needed to make sure I can be the best mother I can be as well as the successful entrepreneur I set out to be. One of the benefits to owning my business is I am able to provide a decent balance giving I get to call the shots. I did my best to associate my business operating hours around my kids schedules. Also, I have two wonderful stylists, Rachel Hays and Brent Smith, that rent booths in the shop and they are able to be there when I cannot. They have been a wonderful addition and are a big part of this reason as well.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a barber/hairstylist and/or opening up their own shop?

You will never know it all. There is always room for education and improvement. Everyone is unique with skills in their own way and if you take the time to listen you may find things more beneficial. Never give up on yourself. I had and still have people wait around in hopes that I fail and those are the people who will push you to become better. Those are the people that know what you have is worth having and will be the reason you push yourself harder. Also, it’s not easy. There will be times you question yourself or feel as though you may have made the wrong choice. However, if you keep going and work yourself over that hump you’ll find that doubt you had was just in your head and not a part of the reality of what it takes to pertain that potential dream you are turning into reality.