Moving to a new country is never easy. But for Lucy, a Kenyan student who arrived in Australia in November 2015 to pursue a diploma in business management, the journey was one of resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurship. Today, she is the proud founder of LK Dreadz, a professional dreadlock styling business in South Australia, helping people embrace their natural hair with confidence.
When Kenyans in Australia met Lucy, we knew her story needed to be told. Her journey—filled with culture shock, visa struggles, and an unexpected career pivot—resonates with many Kenyans navigating life abroad. From her humble beginnings as an international student to becoming a leading loctician in Adelaide, Lucy’s experience is a testament to how skills and persistence can transform a simple idea into a thriving business.
Culture Shock: Adapting to Life in Australia
Like many Kenyans moving to Australia, Lucy experienced a fair share of culture shock. One of the first things that surprised her was seeing women smoking in public—a stark contrast to Kenya, where this is still frowned upon. To her, this was a bold representation of women’s empowerment in Australia.
Another challenge she noticed was the school-work-life balance in Australia. It often felt like people had to choose between being completely consumed by work with little social life or focusing on their studies while juggling minimal work and some social activities. However, for many Kenyans in Australia, the reality of financial freedom is a driving force—one that often comes at the cost of the vibrant social life they once enjoyed back home.
Within the Kenyan community in Australia, she observed that most social gatherings centered around drinking. While socializing is important, she hoped to see more community-driven initiatives, networking events, and business forums that encourage deeper connections and professional growth.
Navigating the Australian Immigration System
Having a friend already living in Australia made Lucy’s transition easier. Unlike many students who rely on education agents for Australian visa applications, Lucy applied directly to her school, saving on agency fees.
However, as she progressed from a diploma to a bachelor’s degree in Australia, she found the visa transition processcumbersome. This time, she needed an immigration agent to smooth the transition. It was a valuable lesson in understanding the complexities of student visas in Australia and the importance of seeking professional help when necessary.
Discovering a Hidden Passion: From Braiding to Dreadlocks
Before moving to Australia, a friend had casually suggested that Lucy learn how to do hair. At first, she dismissed the idea. But as an international student, she soon realized that having a side hustle in Australia could help with expenses.
She started by learning how to braid hair, but everything changed when a client asked if she could repair dreadlocks in Adelaide. She turned down the request, explaining that she wasn’t trained in loc maintenance—but the conversation sparked something in her.
During her 2017 holiday trip to Kenya, Lucy made a life-changing decision: she would become a professional loctician. For four weeks straight, she practiced dreadlock maintenance on her mother, washing, twisting, and styling her hair daily. This hands-on experience became the foundation of her future business.
The Birth of LK Dreadz: Building a Dreadlock Business in Australia
When Lucy returned to Australia, she was eager to start offering dreadlock services in South Australia, but it wasn’t easy. Many clients had been burned by inexperienced stylists, making them skeptical of trying someone new.
Determined to prove herself, Lucy took a bold approach: she offered her services for free. She understood the power of word-of-mouth marketing, and soon, satisfied clients started referring their friends. Slowly but surely, her reputation grew, and LK Dreads was born.
Today, Lucy is one of the top locticians in Adelaide, specializing in:
– Dreadlock maintenance
– Dreadlock extensions
– Starter locs
– Loc repair & detox treatments
Through her work, she has built a strong dreadlock community in South Australia, where people feel confident embracing their natural hair.
A Message to Kenyans in Australia: Embrace Your Skills!
Lucy’s journey from a Kenyan student in Australia to a successful dreadlock stylist in South Australia is a story of resilience, learning, and taking opportunities. She encourages fellow Kenyans in the diaspora to embrace their unique skills and side hustles, as they could turn into full-time businesses.
Her story is a powerful reminder that success abroad isn’t just about education and white-collar jobs—sometimes, it’s about embracing a passion, filling a market gap, and building something from the ground up.
Today, Kenyans in Australia celebrates Lucy’s journey and the success of LK Dreadz. If you’re in Adelaide and looking for a professional loctician, Lucy is the go-to stylist for quality dreadlock care in Australia.
Follow her journey and book an appointment at LK Dreadz!
The view that women smoking in public is a bold representation of women empowerment is, in my opinion, a cancerous take on society.