Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Yolanda Dowe, Founder of Frizzy Tresses Studio, located in Stockbridge, GA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
My natural hair care business establishes and maintains Sisterlocks® and micro-lots for women, men, and children. What exactly are Sisterlocks®? Sisterlocks® (founded and created by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell) are tiny, uniform locks (sometimes called dreadlocks) formed using a specific parting grid and a specialized tool to guide the hair into its locking formation. They are very similar to interlocking, whereas no products are used.
The small size and parting grid form about 400 effortlessly styled locks. To gain the title of Certified Sisterlocks® Consultant, one has to attend the intense training provided by the Sisterlocks® home office and then submit 3 (or more) client interviews and proof of work (the new establishment of locks on the entire head). The class was overwhelming, yet it provided a lot of information to start a successful business. My customers are women, men, and children ready to embrace their natural hair and start their journey by way of locs.
Tell us about yourself
I am a college-educated woman who works a traditional 9 to 5 and builds a successful business. As a wearer and advocate for natural hair lock explicitly, I fell in love with being part of people's locs journey. Everyone's journey is different.
What motivates me the most is receiving feedback from my clients about how they love and embrace their natural hair. Hearing how much freedom they gain from switching over to a loc'd crown, how much money they save on products, how healthy their hair becomes, and the overall happiness they receive, brings me the greatest joy.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment is maintaining a healthy balance with life as I continue to enhance my skillset and grow my business. I also wore Sisterlocks® for over 11 years, so I understand the changes involved and the journey. I want the world to know that I LOVE loc'd crown and can't wait to rejoin the community soon. "Loc it up, leave it alone, and love on 'em!" ~Yolanda
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
Time management is one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner—also, gaining women's trust to change how they usually wear their natural hair, the stigma associated with wearing natural hair, and getting them to trust the process brought about a lot of hesitation and self-doubt at the beginning of my business practices. As time went on, I took additional training. I gained more confidence in my skillset, propelling me to obtain new clients and continue to grow the business.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Follow your passion and dreams. Everyone was born with a special talent/gift.
- Invest in your business. Read books, take workshops, seek mentorship, and gain additional knowledge and skills that can help your business flourish.
- Re-strategize if things are going differently than planned but NEVER GIVE UP!
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.frizzytressesstudio.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frizzytresses
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frizzytresses/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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