Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to become a beauty professional? 

I originally started doing hair in West Palm Beach when I was 15. A friend with locs asked me to do his hair because professional services were too expensive. After watching a YouTube tutorial, I gave it a try and started taking on more male clients. My mom encouraged me to branch out and do female hair as well. From there, I practiced on friends, family, and anyone who would let me. Over time, it just became a big passion of mine.

Was there a specific moment or experience that motivated you to start your business?

My biggest motivation was being young and realizing I could make money on my own. It truly ignited something in me, seeing that first paycheck gave me an adrenaline rush, and I became addicted to the idea of “how much more can I really make on my own?”. It started as a side hustle, but once I saw the potential, I became determined to get better. That drive pushed me to keep hustling.

What key strategies have you used to grow your business from the ground up?

Time management and discipline were essential, especially when I moved to Orlando and had to rebuild my clientele while still in school. It was very crucial that every time of my day was spent on my business or studies because I had no time for games. Time management allowed me to stand on business and get it done. I held myself to a high standard because I knew what it would take to succeed. Consistency, time management, and discipline were the keys to my growth.

Can you describe a turning point or milestone that significantly contributed to your business’s growth?

A major turning point was when I styled the hair of two popular twins in my city. They trusted me with their hair while I was still up-and-coming, and when they posted my work, it brought a wave of new clients. Another milestone was moving to Orlando and shifting my mindset to build my clientele from scratch. Transitioning to a suite also helped because I surrounded myself with powerhouse women who motivated me to keep going.

How do you manage the challenges of keeping a work-life balance?

Time management is everything. I book my entire month in advance, scheduling every hour of my day to stay on top of things. I’m very big into fitness taking care of my body and maintaining a social life. My calendars are synced with everything I need to do, to make sure I stay on track. Planning ahead allows me to balance my business and personal life.

What keeps you motivated, especially on the slow months?

I remind myself that my time is coming. I think that social media puts a lot of pressure on young entrepreneurs to grow fast, but I trust in God and know that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. During slow months, I focus on the backend, like creating more content and refining my marketing strategies, so the next month is even better! That’s what makes a good entrepreneur. Knowing the work will not go unanswered, you just have to keep at it and you will see results.

What has been the most fulfilling aspect of your journey so far?

Seeing the transformation in my clients. Not just their hair but the way they feel. Watching someone go from feeling down to lighting up when they see their hair is a great thing. Also, The gratitude of seeing the years of my work finally pay off. Sometimes we’re too caught up in the day to day to step back and see how far we’ve come. I’ve put in so much work and i’m finally get the success. It let’s me know I can put my mind to whatever I want.

Can you share a moment when you felt especially proud of what you’ve achieved?

A few weeks ago I opened my March books, and for the first time, they closed within an hour. I couldn’t help but cry because it was such a defining moment for me.

Where do you see your business heading in the next five years?

In five years, I want to own my salon suites. I’ve gone back and forth on whether that’s the right path for me, but I know I want multiple streams of passive income. I don’t plan to limit myself to just hair. I want to explore different opportunities and expand beyond Orlando. I envision having a storefront, salon suites, or a braiding shop.

How do you set your business apart from others in your niche, and what makes it unique?

Customer service to the person behind the chair is a big one. Also, I have leveraged my social media to showcase my personality and who I am as a person. Which brings in people that want to book with me, want me to teach them, or have me as their mentor to take their social media to another level. I built a level of trust and connection with my viewers on social media. Everything I post serves my clients or audience, I never post anything negative that makes people shy or not want to book. People always tell me my site is very user-friendly. Also, making my prices affordable to something I would want to pay and that definitely helps as well. Which helps my social media and in person services. 

What advice would you give to anyone who is just starting their journey in the beauty industry?

Go in full force and I mean full force. Put yourself out there, network, and post every single day, even if you’re recycling content. Study social media trends in your niche and develop the mindset that you can achieve anything you set your mind to. It’s easy to get discouraged when seeing all the other people in your niche , but remember, there’s room for everyone to eat. Go all in and I promise you will see the results.

Are there any resources or tools that have been particularly helpful in running your business?

Social media is free! The girls are scared to post or be annoying because they don’t want to put it in their face every single day. However, with social media you’re able to market to hundreds and thousands of people for free. It’s my biggest tool, and allows me to go through doors that I would never have thought possible.

What has been the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from your experience in the beauty industry?

Be strict with yourself and know when to put yourself first. When you’re grinding, burn out is so real. Being on your feet all day or bending over, it’s a very physical job and you need to know when to take care of your body. Learning to say no when necessary is still something I’m working on, but that’s self-care in the highest form of care. Also, client relationships matter especially in the beauty industry. Treat people with kindness and respect, both in and out of business, because those connections will make or break your success.