Cleveland Ohio Inventor Gives the History Behind the Invention

Katherine Johnson

The Press ‘N Curl Queen of Cleveland 

From Humble Beginnings to a Lasting Legacy: The Inspiring Story of the Kinktamer Blow Dryer 

In 1932, a visionary was born in Barnesville, Georgia, nestled among the sprawling fields of the rural South. Raised on a modest farm, Katherine Brown Johnson came from humble beginnings, shaped by hard work and resilience. Little did anyone know that Katherine’s tenacity and entrepreneurial spirit would spark a legacy that would transcend generations and revolutionize the hair care industry. 

Katherine’s Journey 

Growing up, Katherine witnessed her parents and grandparents' relentless dedication to their farm, instilling in her a strong work ethic. Despite the racial and economic challenges of the time, Katherine was determined to carve out a path of her own. With a natural talent for hairstyling and a dream of economic independence, she headed north, opening a small salon shortly after arriving in Cleveland, Ohio. Her aunt, Mary Holloway, and Katherine opened Les Chic Coiffures on 101st and St. Clair in the culturally rich Glenville area. 

Raising a small child, Vanessa, managing a growing clientele, often left her duties at home undone. Leaving an irate husband at home unrepentant about his constant harassment of her regarding her absence from their home. Remember it was the 1950s when the stay-at-home mom was the norm. Balancing child care and a growing business was not easy. 

Katherine’s salon became more than just a business; it was a haven for the community, where women gathered not only to have their hair styled but also to share stories, dreams, and solidarity. Through her dedication, Katherine built a loyal clientele, earning respect as a skilled stylist and an astute businesswoman. Known as the “Press ‘N Curl Queen” of Cleveland, Ohio she and her Aunt Mary captured something special in the community. 

A Legacy Continued 

Katherine’s salon thrived for decades, but when she passed away in December of 2022, the future of the business lay in the hands of her daughter, Vanessa Collier. Armed with a sharp mind and an innate sense of innovation, Vanessa not only preserved her mother’s dream but elevated it to new heights. 

Recognizing the evolving needs of modern hairstyling, Vanessa expanded the salon’s services, introduced cutting-edge techniques, and cultivated a brand that blended tradition with innovation. But her greatest accomplishment was yet to come. 

The Birth of the Kinktamer

The Kinktamer

As a salon owner and stylist, Vanessa understood the frustrations faced by Black women when blow-drying their hair—comb attachments that fell off, blow dryers that were too heavy, and designs that weren’t ergonomic. Drawing inspiration from her mother’s creativity and her own engineering ideas, Vanessa conceptualized a blow dryer that could solve these problems. 

After years of meticulous planning, prototype development, and manufacturing, Vanessa introduced the Kinktamer Blow Dryer, a game-changing tool specifically designed for textured hair. Ergonomic, efficient, and equipped with a comb attachment that is now permanently fixed to the barrel, and that stays firmly in place, the Kinktamer became an instant hit. 

A Lasting Legacy

Today, the Kinktamer Blow Dryer is more than a product—it’s a testament to the determination of two remarkable women. Katherine Johnson laid the foundation by proving that humble beginnings are no barrier to success, and Vanessa Collier transformed that foundation into a legacy of innovation and empowerment.

Through their vision and resilience, the Johnson-Collier legacy continues to inspire Black women everywhere to dream big, defy odds, and create lasting impact.