Velinda Humphreys is professional hairstylist.
A pretty darn unique and crafty and gifted one at that.
A professional cosmetologist whose notable career spans more than 25 years, Humphreys, to her distinct credit, has become a fixture in this ever-so-competitive and evolving industry, especially in Memphis, where individuals becoming engaged in cosmetology undoubtedly is one the market’s most popular trends.
Fortunately for Humphreys, 42, she certainly has found her niche, particularly as it pertains to establishing a solid rapport with those who value the overall health and appearance of their hair.
That is why Humphreys has taken yet another progressive, monumental step in the cosmetology industry, this time in the area of entrepreneurship as owner and chief executive officer of Styles With Smiles Senior Haircare.
A business that essentially is in its infancy stages, Styles With Smiles Senior Haircare is a mobile beauty salon designed to service elderly individuals as well as those who are unable to leave the confines of their homes and visit salons the traditional way.
Humphreys’ newly-established business is especially ideal for handicapped and individuals with special needs.
By and large, what Humphreys deems mostly gratifying about her business is that she’s customarily afforded with the golden opportunity to tend to the hair care needs of those who deserve to look their best despite their physical limitations.
“I love working with the elderly,” Humphreys told Making Headline News this week. I get a greater since of gratitude…that feeling of appreciation. Even though they may not be going anywhere, they like to look pretty also even if only for that (particularly) day.”
To her credit, Humphreys is no stranger to working with and tending to the needs of elderly individuals.
For a little more than three years, the Memphis Hamilton High graduate has been working at the Heritage At Irene Woods, a 150-acre, senior housing development located between the suburbs of Germantown and Collierville.
Prior to joining the staff at Heritage At Irene Woods, Humphreys spent 10 years at nearby Kirby Pines Estate, another notable Mid-South-area retirement community.
Although she holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, working with the elderly is what appears to have allowed Humphreys to connect with and discover the divine purpose for which God has created her.
“I want to reach and service as many clients as I can and to expand, whereas I will need to hire help,” Humphreys said. “I’m not doing this just for the money, which I know many do. But I want everyone to be, to feel, and to look beautiful inside and out.”
As for her the degree in her selected area of study, as Humphreys hinted, she’s seemingly able to enjoy the best of both worlds.
“I am also able to incorporate my psychology degree with my services,” Humphreys explained. “People have always said that hairstylist and bartenders are like psychologist, because people always bring them their problems.”
As Humphreys is also quick to point out, the less stress, the better, particularly as it relates to fulfilling her daily customer services goals and objectives. That is where her psychological attributes, by all accounts, come into play — all while fortifying her divine, God-mandated purpose.
“In the salon that I am currently working in, I allow no negative vibes,” Humphreys said. “They are to check it at the door. I do not do pity parties. It’s a happy place. No stress.”
Just like her newly-established Styles With Smiles Senior Haircare which, given the immense strides she’s made in the cosmetology industry over the past 2 ½ decades, figures to become a popular trend in the Bluff City and surrounding areas.
For more information about Velinda Humphreys’ Styles With Smiles Senior Haircare, call 901-283-8100.
EDITOR’S NOTE: If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, producer, author, athlete, musician, barber, life coach, motivational speaker, cosmetologist, tax preparer, model, or pastor/minister who is seeking exposure and would like to share your story with an in-depth news feature, call Reporter Andre Johnson at 901-690-6587 or Facebook message him under “Andre T. Johnson” for details.
Andre Johnson is Founder and Publisher for Making Headline News. A 2000 graduate of the University of Memphis School of Journalism and a former staff reporter the Memphis Commercial Appeal newspaper, Johnson covers the NBA Southwest Division from Dallas, Texas. To reach Johnson, send an email to [email protected]. Also, follow him on Twitter @AJ_Journalist.