Tonnise Acoff puts talent to use
by Jack Criss
The Bolivar Bullet
After working on other people’s hair almost all of her life, Cleveland native Tonnise Acoff decided to put her skills to use and start her own side business out of her house, KLL Hair Services.
“KLL stands for the first names of my three children, Kierstin, Lacarius, Jr. and Laci,” said Acoff. “I just started the business in June of last year and see clients by appointment. I’ve been able to work on hair since I was about 12 years old and, as I got older, I would provide hair services to people for free, just to help out as a friend!”
Early last year, however, Acoff’s oldest daughter, Kierstin, was diagnosed with a skin disorder which caused substantial hair loss. “It was at that point that God led me to do whatever I had to do to help her grow her hair back,” said Acoff. “So, while I always had the skills and talent, it was Kierstin who actually convinced me to start a business.”
Acoff said that she has a certificate to run her business but is not required to be licensed due to the nature of the hair work she currently provides. “I offer wig revamping, hair pressing and other natural hairstyling services,” she said. “I’m appointment-only right now. As a full time lab worker at Bolivar Medical Center, I usually schedule clients on my day off–which is Wednesday–or on the weekends.
“God has been so good to me,” said Acoff. “Really, I was a little scared to step out on my own at first, putting myself out there and trying to get paying clients. But, so far, KLL has been very successful and I’m glad to say that I’ve made a lot of people happy with the work I’ve done. I have a room set off in my house and that’s where I do my styling,” she said.
Acoff had been so successful in her new business, in fact, that she said other salons in town have actually reached out to her to come work for them. “I’ll just have to wait and see about that!” she laughed. “Right now, I’m in a good space with my work and home life and am happy with how things are.”
To reach Acoff and KLL, call 662-719-2147. “I want people to know that they’ll be getting a personal, one-on-one experience in a friendly environment,” said Acoff. “And I look forward to hearing from new clients.”