As a part of our commitment to healing and empowerment, we donate 2% of all proceeds to support women overcoming domestic violence including in-kind product contributions.

I’m Kristi A. Mefford—a Service-Disabled U.S. Navy Veteran, Licensed Natural Hair Stylist, and Entrepreneur who has spent more than two decades redefining what beauty, healing, and sustainability look like for textured crowns.

My journey began in the Navy, where I served as an Aviation Electronics Technician. In those rigid spaces, natural hair was often misunderstood and undervalued. That experience planted a seed in me—a calling to create spaces where textured crowns are not only accepted, but honored, nurtured, and celebrated.

In 2004, that seed blossomed into Kinky Rootz® Salon, now a trusted Nashville home for natural hair care and textured-hair wellness. Years later, the passing of my best friend Shayla—who, like me, carried a passion for hair artistry—deepened my mission. Together, we were rooted in a journey of creating something bigger than ourselves, something of legacy. 

From that bond of love and loss emerged Queen of Kinks® Natural Hair Essentials: a plant-powered, clean beauty brand built on ritual, heritage, and sustainability. Every product is handcrafted with care, packaged in eco-conscious materials, and designed to heal hair and skin from the root up.

But my work is bigger than beauty. Through initiatives like Rooted in H.E.R., I am building bridges between sustainability and equity, creating intentional spaces for women and youth to be seen, heard, and empowered. A portion of every sale supports women overcoming domestic violence, because healing and resilience are woven into the fabric of my life and my brand.

My mantra—“Cultivating beauty rooted in sustainability”—is more than a tagline. It is the heartbeat of everything I do. From salon chair to product jar, from community to climate action, my story is about honoring heritage, restoring community, and redefining what it means to truly care for self and planet.

Our Story