Creating authentic spaces in the beauty industry by strengthening core values, encouraging communication, and creating inclusive minded leaders
“Authenticity in community, communication, and leadership is the foundation for creating successful work environments. However, as society continues to rapidly evolve and diversify across a range of intersections, we have found that many professionals are not equipped with the skillset necessary to create authentic and inclusive environments where teams can thrive. My goal is to help the industry create inclusive spaces through open communication practices, thoughtful leadership techniques, and inclusive-minded problem-solving.”
KEYA'S MISSION
STYLIST / LEADER / EDUCATOR / HOST & EMCEE / TEXTURE VS RACE FOUNDER
Keya Neal, a seasoned beauty industry pro with over 30 years of experience, has transitioned her expertise into a multifaceted consultancy role specializing in leadership training, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, campaign activations, and engaging fireside chats with internal groups.
Drawing upon her extensive background in the beauty industry, including her experience as a business operator, and team leader, Keya is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge to empower people nationwide in fostering safer and more inclusive environments. Her consultancy services extend beyond the salon floor, as she collaborates with organizations such as Bumble & Bumble, SalonCentric, and Wella, guiding them in aligning their leadership practices and launching inclusive-minded initiatives.
In essence, Keya Neal is not just revolutionizing the hair industry but also shaping the landscape of authentic leadership, communication, and inclusion.
MORE ABOUT KEYA
A stylist whose passion for color and texture is unmatched with over 25 years of experience, Keya Neal is leading a national revolution that is breaking textural boundaries that has long separated those in the hair industry. Keya’s passion for hair color and education led to the conception of Kolour Kulture, an educational resource for stylists who are particularly interested in the science of hair color and how it interacts with various hair textures. Keya launched her cornerstone education series “Texture Vs Race” at The Energizing Summit hosted by the American Board of Certified Hair Colorist (ABCH), which has since become a nationwide movement with a summit of its very own, and has amassed the support of top industry influences including but not limited to the board of the American Board of Certified Hair Colorist. A stylist who is certified by the ABCH herself, Keya has seen immense support from the organization and was the first Black woman to be a keynote speaker for their Energizing Summit in 2019. Keya’s educational material regarding hair texture and color is held in such high regard that she has taught at various trade shows such as IBS Las Vegas, Premiere Orlando, Bronner Bros International Beauty Show, and more. She is quite literally re-writing the book on textured hair, and has been tapped by the ABCH to contribute to their standardized study portfolio regarding working with textured hair. Keya’s passion for hair color is palpable every time she speaks about how she wants to crush the fears stylists have when working with hair unlike their own. This passion led to the creation of the Texture Vs Race Summit, which held its inaugural summit in New Orleans on February of 2018. Since then, Texture Vs Race has toured salons across the nation to educate and inspire stylists across the country. Not only is Texture Vs Race addressing the science of color and the structure behind the hair strand, but it’s also tackling the elephant in the room by connecting stylists of different backgrounds and ethnicities to help build understanding through knowledge. Keya's burning passion has been the driving force behind many of her accomplishments, which include being published in national magazines, educating for brands such as Dudley, Influance, and Artease Colors, launching Kolour Kulture and Texture Vs Race, becoming ABCH certified, and becoming a member of Intercoiffure Canada America.
KEYA'S INITIATIVES
FIRE SIDE CHATS & SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
MARKETING & CAMPAIGN ACTIVATIONS
LEADERSHIP & EXECUTIVE COACHING
Whether she’s inspiring internal teams or attendees as a keynote speaker, Keya has been sought after by brands such as Wella, SalonCentric, Joico, K18, amika, Bumble & Bumble, and various beauty industry trade shows to share her industry insights and thoughts.
Keya provides inclusive insight to organizations such as SalonCentric, Schwarzkopf, Bumble & Bumble, and Wella by tapping into her knowledge of diverse communities and experience in various segments of the beauty industry to provide a comprehensive perspective on marketing campaigns, outreach, and activations.
Focusing on communication styles and conflict resolution, Keya coaches leaders and executive teams on how to approach teams with an inclusive mindset that encourages team efficiency and creates environments reflective of their core values.