Trenchtown 11-year-old Kaylee Brown balances hair styling, sport and school

Eleven-year-old Kaylee Brown of Trenchtown is turning an early interest in hair styling into a budding skill, while also making time for school, netball and track. The Iris Gelly Primary School student said she began learning to do hair because some styles done for her in the past felt too tight or simply did not suit her.

Kaylee said that experience pushed her to practise so she could create styles that were comfortable for herself and helpful to others. She said one of the things she enjoys most is being trusted to give people looks they like. Asked how she keeps her parts neat, she said good eyes and steady hands are important.

The young stylist said she currently does braiding and can work with extensions, but has not yet learnt chemical processing or relaxing. Her clients are not limited to children, as she said she also does styles for adults. Bookings, she indicated, are mainly handled on weekends.

Kaylee is also active in sport. She said she plays netball and runs track, adding that being on the track makes her feel free and focused on reaching a goal. Despite her interest in styling and athletics, she said her long-term ambition is to become a pediatrician.

Balancing the different parts of her life, Kaylee said, requires planning. A typical day may include reviewing schoolwork in the morning, helping someone with hair in the afternoon, and later going to training.

She credited her surroundings and family support with encouraging her confidence. Seeing other people succeed, she said, makes her believe she can do the same.

Her advice to other children was to keep working at what they love. “No matter what, you can do it. Just put in the work and trust and believe,” she said, adding that children should remember they can do all things through Christ who strengthens them.