Akilah Benton—affectionately known as “Kee” by her clients and community—is the heart and hands behind Locks and Kee LLC. From a young age, Akilah showed an extraordinary gift for detail and dexterity, tying her shoes early and mastering cursive in kindergarten. But it was her quiet brilliance as an observer that truly shaped her path. Her mother still tells the story of Akilah learning to French braid on her Kenya Doll simply by watching—no tutorials, no guidance, just instinct and curiosity.

In 2007, Akilah completed the Sisterlocks training course, long before she began her own lock journey. A year later, at just 23, she made a bold decision: to stop letting her life revolve around maintaining straightened hair and start living freely. No more skipping pool parties or dodging rainstorms. In 2008, she locked her hair—and unlocked a new chapter of self-expression, confidence, and liberation. Today, her beautiful Sisterlocks cascade down her back, a living testament to her journey.

Akilah’s approach to hair care is deeply holistic. She believes healthy hair starts from within—what you eat, how you move, and how you nourish your spirit. Conversations in her studio often flow from styling tips to wellness rituals, from water intake to plant-based meals. Her background in cultural anthropology and public health (MPH) adds depth to her practice, allowing her to connect with clients not just as a stylist, but as a guide in their personal and cultural journeys.

Outside the studio, Akilah is a proud mother to her vibrant toddler daughter, Amarah Ruth. When she finds a moment to herself, she enjoys reading, traveling, boating, and sharing fine dining experiences with close friends.

For Akilah, Sisterlocks are more than a hairstyle—they’re a celebration of identity, heritage, and natural beauty. Helping women embrace their crowns has been the reward of a lifetime. As she often says, “Every woman deserves to feel beautiful—naturally.