Customer Spotlight: Chauna Payne
Each one of our customers has an exceptional story to tell and Chauna Payne is no different. She has devoted her life and career to helping empower those experiencing cancer's disheartening side effects. Her mom is a 33-year breast-cancer survivor and is a big part of how Chauna made it her life goal to kick cancer's ass. Her main hustle is providing high-quality wigs to cancer patients. She loves the confidence people get from the wigs and being able to help provide that confidence for them.
Get to know more about Chauna!
How did you hear about PiperWai?
I first heard about PiperWai from a relative. After doing the research, I discovered this product is a MUST HAVE for my clients. There are so many products on the market that contain bad ingredients and I want my oncology clients to know that there are better options for their health.
What was your first impression when you tried it?
The smell was AMAZING! I feel protected from odor and wetness every time I use it. My family loves this product and I’ll be ordering again soon.
What about PiperWai makes you want to spread the word to others about the product?
The ingredients, the smell, how it works... I can’t say enough great things about it. Anytime I get the scoop on a great product, I have to share it with others.
We are so glad you did. How many PiperWai converts have you made?
I know I have converted my family, and as for others, I can only hope that they trust my word enough to try a product that is better for them than the average deodorant option.
Let’s get to know you. What’s your home state and what do you do for a living?
My home state is Illinois and for the past five years, I have been designing, constructing and ordering wigs for clients, especially those experiencing hair loss as a direct result of chemotherapy, radiation, medications and other related treatments. The wigs I order for my clients are either full lace or lace-front units, giving the patient a natural-looking hairline. My clients are excited to know that most insurance companies will cover the cost of these units. I also hand craft inexpensive units when the insurance company denies or will not cover the entire cost so that everyone can still feel beautiful as they are kicking cancer's ass.
What’s your passion?
My career path is very close to my heart because my mother is a 33-year breast-cancer survivor. Her continued strength and perseverance has been a driving force for everything I do. Hair loss is a key side effect of most cancer drugs, and a very real component of beauty. I want everyone to have an understanding of how cosmetologists play a part in helping cancer patients — and others suffering from debilitating illnesses — to feel great about themselves despite their life-shattering diagnosis. My clients have made me a big part of their lives when they start to experience the side effects of their situations. Social media, fashion and magazines show that beautiful women have hair, flawless skin, professional makeup, great bodies, creative nails and a healthy overall appearance. Societal standards have burned into the brains of men and women these attributes, so it’s not uncommon for people to try to model themselves after what they see. Once cancer treatments start to discolor the skin and nails, cause hair loss or show signs of sickness in the body, this starts a psychological downward spiral of depression and hopelessness. The aftermath of saving life becomes caring for a quality of life, a restoring of physical and mental vision of self.
When you’re not working to kick cancer’s ass, what do you like to do for fun?
I LOVE KARAOKE! "Proud Mary" by Ike and Tina Turner is my favorite go-to. Next on my list would definitely be creating wigs. Playing with the wigs of both my paternal and maternal grandmothers started my love for these items. I have always loved the way that one can express themselves through different styles. Whether short or long, hair defines who the person is, wants to be or wants to convey to others.
Do you have any hidden talents or weird facts about yourself you can share?
A weird fact about me, even though I don’t think it is, is my love for old TV shows. I love "Gunsmoke," "The Jeffersons," "Green Acres," "Good Times," "Three’s Company" or any show made prior to the 1980s. With the exception of "The Golden Girls," of course.
What is your favorite meme?
How about the most embarrassing album you own? (No judgment.)
I actually am not embarrassed about these two records because they are still amazing. Michael Jackson’s Thriller and Whitney Houston’s self-titled debut album. I’m forever a fan!
Here’s a chance for you to do some shameless self-promotion. What do you do that you want the internet to know about?
I just want the internet to know my name, who I am and how I’ve dedicated my career to help those who truly need me.
My name is Chauna Payne. I have been a licensed cosmetologist for 10 years and I hold a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. I’ve worked at Walgreen's as a Medical Insurance Biller in their pharmacy department and as a student nurse on the neurology/neurosurgery unit at Children’s Hospital in St Louis. I own KRK Premier Hair Collection and KRK Medical Solutions, where I provide non-surgical hair replacement options for both men and women. I also offer an array of products such as men’s facial hair, makeup kits, scarves, eyebrows and eyelashes. I am a certified trainer through the Look Good, Feel Better program administered by The American Cancer Society, a certified Mastectomy Fitter and a Prosthetic/Orthotic Supplier.
