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Bringing Balance to Leadership
When the owners at Genesis Salon and Spa disagree, they believe Manager Kyndell Walker brings the balance helping them find their way to resolution. See why they believe Walker is the perfect manager for carrying out their vision.
April 9, 2026
Kyndell Walker handles customer service, staff recruitment and hiring, and retail displays at Genesis Salon and Spa.
Genesis Salon and Spa
3 min to read
Kyndell Walker handles customer service, staff recruitment and hiring, and retail displays at Genesis Salon and Spa.
Genesis Salon and Spa
SALON TODAY's Meet the Manager series celebrates the managers, team leads, and directors in the industry who work to maintain the vision and goals of salons, spas, and barbershops. In today's profile, we meet Kyndell Walker, manager at Genesis Salon and Spa in Mobile, Alabama. Owners DeAnna Clifton and Sarah Poiroux describe themselves as opposite pieces that fit together perfectly, and they believe Walker adds the balance needed to carry out their vision.
The Manager: Kyndell Walker
Date of Hire: April 2018
Nominated by: DeAnna Clifton and Sarah Poiroux, owners of Genesis Salon and Spa
SALON TODAY:What about Walker’s background made you believe she’d be a good manager for your business?
Poiroux: “Kyndell started with us as a front desk associate. She was promoted to a leadership role when we lost our previous manager. She demonstrated her willingness to do whatever it took to make the customer and service providers happy. She was never officially given the title of manager, our team just started referring to her as such. They respect her and value her, as do we.”
ST: What personality characteristics does this person have that make her a good manager?
Poiroux: “She is very task-oriented. She's thorough. She has amazing customer service skills and a deep understanding that can smooth over even the bumpiest scenarios with customers. She is well respected by our team members. She brings zero drama and has a calming presence. She is detail-oriented and loves merchandising our retail displays and helping decorate the salon and spa seasonally.”
ST: How is Walker compensated?
Poiroux: “She is compensated hourly plus bonuses. We are a Summit Salon, and we utilize their systems for compensation.”
ST: What are the three most important tasks Walker takes on at the salon?
Poiroux: “Customer service and handling unhappy clients, the hiring and firing of staff, and paperwork.”
ST: How is she held accountable for the salon’s performance?
Poiroux: “She is always aware of our budgets and goals. She sits in on all team meetings and PDMs. Being a Summit Salon, we follow their structure for growth and recommendations. Fortunately, Kyndell has never given us a reason to even discuss worst-case scenarios. She's been with us for eight years, and she has always exceeded our expectations. She doesn't want to let us down, so when Genesis isn't performing as well as it should, she jumps in immediately, asking what she can do to help get things back on track. She treats the business as if it's her own.”
ST: How often do you meet with this manager, and what do you go over?
Poiroux: “Every day and everything! She shares the office with us; we joke that we are cubicle buddies (when DeAnna and I aren't on the salon floor). We are very close, and work very well together.”
ST: What types of continuing education do you offer Walker?
Poiroux: “Our Summit coach spends time with her during visits. Kyndell constantly uses any online training or podcasts we have available. She will attend Redken Symposium 2026 with us and participate in their business classes.”
ST: How has Walker helped you grow the salon business?
Poiroux: “Kyndell is both our right AND left hand. She's creative. She keeps the peace. She's encouraging and God-fearing. She builds everyone up, and also keeps us (as owners) grounded. She's the perfect balance in our partnership and helps us reach a mutual resolution if there's ever a disagreement. She shares our values and vision for Genesis Salon and Spa. We adore her and would do anything for her!”
If you have a manager you'd like to nominate for this series, learn more here.
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