Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius King.
Hi Darius, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
Unlike many hairstylists, my story never started from me wanting to do hair at a young age or at all, honestly. The thought of me becoming a hairstylist came about while in a state of depression, shortly after graduating high school a year earlier than expected! At that time, I was in between jobs, tried the military, and even attended college for a short term. Still trying to find myself and my calling, I began to build a closer relationship with God and continued to ask him for guidance which catapulted me into what I didn’t know was my passion! In 2018 I began attending Paul Mitchell, where I started paving the way to do hair and honing in on my craft. Although I didn’t complete the program or keep a job *chuckles*, I took a leap of faith, obtained my cosmetology license, and became a hairstylist and full-time entrepreneur at 19 years old! Believing in myself, trusting God, and never giving up played a huge role in how I got to where I am today! My charismatic and energetic personality engaged an audience on social media that showcased my skills and skyrocketed me into my brand, KiltxKing.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
These past five years in the industry have been a complete rollercoaster, to say the least; I’ve experienced and endured so much, good, bad, and indifferent! When Mary Mary said, “Nobody told me the road would be easy,” I felt all that! One of my biggest struggles as a hairstylist was that, at one point, I didn’t know how to braid, so with that came a lot of backlash on social media, especially in my hometown, here in North Carolina. Believe it or not, that took a huge toll on my business; however, I did not allow this to be a roadblock but used it as a stepping stone. And because of that, I’ve accomplished so many things, such as working with the likes of Bravo, VH1, TV ONE, & WWE, to name a few.
Thanks for sharing that. Can you tell us more about your work next?
I am THEE king of the Carolinas (and all the surrounding areas *chuckles*). I specialize in all things extensions and natural hair care! The name KiltxKing (Kilt by King) came to me in college. It’s a play, a word that means I’m killing any insecurities or low self-esteem in a woman and enhancing their beauty! Humbly speaking, I’m known for killing sh*t! Melting laces, giving iconic content, and giving looks! I’m most proud of everything I’ve accomplished so fast, and I’m so young, I often have to remind myself, “You’re only 23, relax.” Looking back, I’m more proud that I never threw in the towel and remembered that I could do anything I put my mind to! In my opinion, what sets me apart from others is that I purposely don’t try to fit in. I’ve always been different. I don’t like to follow trends, and I’ve always been that way with everything I do, so with my career, I make sure my content stands out, my fashion sense, and I, as a hairstylist, stand out!
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me happiest is having the freedom to wake up each day doing what I love! Using my craft to make people happy gives me so much joy!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @iamdariusking
Image Credits
@treyshotme
