Where Professional Stylists Meet.

Mr. Eric Nyantakyi is a visionary entrepreneur, educator, and master hairstylist whose remarkable journey in the beauty industry spans more than two decades and two continents.  Driven by a deep passion for mentorship and community impact, Eric has dedicated his career to empowering aspiring Cosmetologists and Hairstylists successfully bridging a critical educational gap in Frankfort Kentucky.

An International Foundation

Eric’s career began in 2001 in Ghana, where he started cutting hair as an apprentice he quickly built a reputation for exceptional skill, strict discipline, and natural  leadership.  In 2009, Eric  relocated to South Africa, where he opened and operated his own salon. Over the next several years, he successfully grew the business,  expanding his operations to manage a thriving team of  six employees by 2012.

Looking to expand his horizons, Eric moved to the United States to pursue new opportunities in the beauty industry-taking a leap of faith to build a new life in the United States where he had no family or friends.

The Pursuit of Excellence

Determined to advance professional standing in the U.S., Eric earned his Hair Styling Certification from Summit Salon Academy in 2018 becoming a licensed professional in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.  Following graduation, he stepped into leadership as the manager of the SmartStyle Salon inside Walmart, gaining invaluable experience in salon management, leadership, customer service, and day-to-day operations. In 2019, Eric further expanded his entrepreneurial footprint by opening the Hairport Salon, which continues to serve the Frankfort community today while providing hands-on industry experience and mentorship.  Recognizing the importance of teaching the next generation correctly, Eric strengthened his academic and professional qualifications in 2023 by earning his instructors license through advanced training at a University in Kentucky.  

A Vision for the Community

The seed for Hairport Academy was planted In 2017, Eric received a vision that would eventually transform Beauty education in Frankfort.  He recognized that many underprivileged local students faced an unfair barrier; they lacked  transportation or financial means to commute to Lexington, Louisville and Harrodsburg to complete the rigorous training hours required for state licensure.

Seeing this challenge firsthand, Eric committed himself to bringing beauty education directly to his community. Through sheer determination and persistence, Eric overcame numerous systemic and financial barriers to make that vision a reality.  He purchased a building in Frankfort and spent years researching cosmetology school operations, touring diverse educational environments, studying classroom and salon layouts, and analyzing how top academies structured their instruction.

The Launching of Hairport Academy

Today, Eric is officially launching Hairport Academy in an innovative partnership with Kentucky State University.  Eric's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality beauty education right in the heart of Frankfort, empowering students to pursue lucrative careers in the beauty industry without having to leave their hometown. Through Hairport Academy, Eric is not just teaching a trade; he is inspiring the next generation of beauty professionals and creating sustainable pathways for economic growth, entrepreneurship and community development across Central Kentucky.