GRANDVIEW, Mo — Delia King transforms lives one ponytail, braid and bow at a time.
With a pair of bows in one hand and a heart full of compassion in the other, King has become a beacon of hope for vulnerable children, providing them with more than just a unique hairstyle; confidence, self-esteem, sunshine and a sense of belonging.
"It was very important to me to start focusing on what I enjoyed," King said. "And what I enjoy is the happiness that I would get after giving a mirror to a child."
King found her love for hair through her own experience growing up in the foster care system. As a child, she said she felt unhappy when comparing her look to other kids around her.
"When I was 7, I was adopted, and my mom, who adopted me, her hairstyles that she would put on me were whack," King said.
As time passed, King began styling her own hair. As she continued to hone her skills, she began styling her friends' hair.
With one goal in mind, King wanted to make sure kids never have to experience what she went through as a child.
"I have a saying that your face is your portrait and your hair is your frame, so what portrait are you going to present to the world?" King said.
With over a decade of experience, King opened her business in Grandview, catering her services to homeless children, kids with disabilities and children who are in the foster care system.
"My focus is always going to be foster and adoptive because I feel like people kind of just forget about them, and I want to make sure they're not forgotten because they matter as well," King said.
King's salon has become a haven for these children. Her approach is gentle and patient; she goes the extra mile, providing friendly tools and creating a comforting atmosphere that promotes relaxation.
"When they get out of the chair, they know I got your back," she said. "I'm here for you, and whenever you want a hug, you want to take a picture, or you just want to come feel good, I got your back."
Starting Sept. 1, King began offering her services to children only. But as "Sunshine Salon" continues to grow, she said her mission will remain the same: shine a light in her community and provide a safe haven for everyone.
"My nickname is sunshine, and I do love to shine a light on people and shine a light on areas that aren’t touched," King said.
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