How to Start a Hair Business in 2023 - Thoughts from the Experts
She believes she could, so she did” quoted by the famous Carrie Green. She began the Female Entrepreneur Association as a way to bring like-minded women together to build a successful business.
Carrie Green built the Female Entrepreneur Association as her second business, (her first business was phone unlocking). She started the company with just her laptop and a social media account. Although this may be a bit out-of-the-box thinking, we will apply the same methods to this article. If you are looking to start a hair business, how do you take the resources that you have and build a wildly successful business?
The purpose of this article is not to provide legal or financial advice, regarding starting a hair business. However, it is our goal to provide this article as a resource as we learn from each other and build the hair business that we have always dreamt about.
I have taken the time to interview four amazing women who have successfully started a hair business. (** Please note the businesses are listed in alphabetical order by business name, and to learn more about each business, we encourage you to like, follow and subscribe to their social media accounts. Also, some links include affiliate links, as this means the business owner could receive a commission for any purchase made at no additional cost to you.)
So, let’s dive into the article:
How to Start a Hair Business - Thoughts from the Experts:
Brittney Bundles, Founder and Owner of BadChickHair
Brittney Bundles is the Founder and Owner of BadChickHair. She specializes in providing quality Virgin Hair extensions and business services including but not limited to; drop shipping and wholesale options. She launched her business in 2013 online, after becoming discouraged with her “hit or miss” runs of finding suitable quality Virgin Hair for herself. After realizing that many people were frustrated with this process. She set out to find a solution! Her solution was to find reputable quality-driven vendors. She knew that this would not be a “cheap” process about money and time.
After finding vendors, she decided to start her own hair company, to save others time, money, and frustration. This way, instead of continuously searching for short-term success due to many vendors not offering consistent quality, customers and clients would have a reliable vendor in her/BadChickHair. She later decided to incorporate entrepreneurial options like drop shipping where people could start their own hair company with minimal investments and with the same reliable quality inspected extensions that BadChickHair offers. She also offers wholesale options as this provides the option to purchase inventory upfront for a larger profit in return.
While offering drop shipping and wholesale options to people early on in their entrepreneurial journey, she realized that there was a need for many starter and advanced business tools and mentoring. (Please visit BadChickHair.com to review all business tools and mentoring services).
Amongst one of the business tools included, are business consultations. Business consultations allow her the opportunity to take a deeper dive into assisting businesses. She is able to see first-hand the positive impact of BadChickHair's extensions and services on each entrepreneur's business.
She encourages all entrepreneurs no matter the tenure, to remain connected to their “why”. The reason why you do what you do will either motivate or discourage you. So essentially, ensure that you’re embarking on a journey that you want to for all the right reasons. Which can vary from person to person. Also, never focus just on the orders/money, focus on your foundation and the success-driven behaviors. Finally, she states to trust the process. Success typically doesn’t come overnight and everything along our journey will help us to appreciate and utilize our experiences to become better at what we do.
The motivation that keeps her driving forward is the freedom that comes along with helping people and businesses succeed!
YouTube
Frances Armstrong, Founder and CEO of Salon 403
She established her hair salon in Newport News, Virginia, in 2006. Her priority was to register for her Business License and obtain her LLC. She felt that securing her business name was more important than the location at the time. She officially opened her doors in 2007, and she learned immediately that business does not always flood with clients. You got to hustle. And when you think you've done enough, hustle some more. Continue until your name becomes well known. She has been in business for over 17 years and a Cosmetologist for 25 years.
She wants to inspire Cosmetologists that there is a lasting and lucrative career in cosmetology by leading by example. The entrepreneurial approach to the industry can be further explored for those who are looking to expand behind the chair. Additionally, as a creative, she loves to create solutions for clients, artistically.
The best thing business owners can do is to continue to educate themselves. Establish intellectual property, and have enough faith to hire talent for the things you least like to do, like social media content postings. Finally, she has suggested establishing a "behind the scenes" team (accountant and a lawyer). If you do not have everything together or have all the answers before you start any project, just start and give yourself some grace.
The things you learn along your hair business journey become the experience you'll eventually share with others who will look at you as an expert/mentor. These same tips landed her co-educating a class into a wall-to-wall room full of people at the Bronner Brothers Hair Show in Atlanta, Georgia.
IG: @franni403 @PhemeHair @EllaReneCosmetics
Facebook: Salon403, LLC, Pheme Hair Care, Ella René Cosmetics, Frances Armstrong
Spotify Podcast: Franniism
Email: salon403@gmail.com
Websites: www.salon403.com, www.beauty403.com and www.francesarmstrongbeauty.com
Nikki Smith, Founder of Nikki Smith Hair Collections:
Nikki Smith is a passionate entrepreneur who launched her own hair business in 2018. With a deep love for hair and a desire to help women feel confident and beautiful, Nikki set out to create a brand that would provide top-quality hair extensions to women across the country.
Her goal was to offer a range of hair textures, colors, and styles to cater to the diverse needs of her clients. With her commitment to excellence and her focus on customer satisfaction, Nikki has quickly built a reputation for herself as a trusted provider locally in Michigan with hair vending machines and providing hair extensions fast for her local customers.
Her why is a key factor in a woman's self-esteem and overall well-being. Many women experience hair loss or thinning, which can be a source of embarrassment and insecurity. By providing high-quality hair extensions and other hair restoration solutions, a hair business can help women feel more confident and beautiful.
When a woman feels good about her appearance, it can have a positive impact on her relationships, career, and overall quality of life. By empowering women to look and feel their best.
Here are her 3 tips for new business owners:
1 . Focus on Quality: When it comes to hair extensions and other hair products, quality is key. It's important to invest in high-quality products that will meet the needs of your customers and keep them coming back for more. Make sure to research and source your materials from reputable suppliers to ensure that your products are of the best quality.
2. Build Your Brand: As a new hair business, it's important to establish a strong brand that resonates with your target audience. This involves creating a unique brand identity, including a logo, website, and social media presence. Make sure to communicate your brand values and mission to your customers, and develop a strong marketing strategy to reach your target audience.
3. Focus on Customer Service: Providing excellent customer service is crucial for building a loyal customer base. Make sure to provide prompt and courteous responses to customer inquiries and concerns and offer personalized recommendations to help customers find the right products for their needs. By prioritizing customer service, you can build a positive reputation and create a loyal customer base for your hair business.
IG: https://instagram.com/nikkismithhaircollection?igshid=Mzc1MmZhNjY=
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nikkismithhaircollection?mibextid=LQQJ4d
Website: https://nikkismithhaircollection.com/
Tyra Thomas, CEO and Founder of Treasured Brown Girl:
She started her hair business by first researching the industry, services available and identifying a gap in the market - a lack of representation for Brown girls. From there, she created a name for the business, established a legal structure, obtained a tax ID, and set up a business bank account. It was important to her to have a solid foundation before launching my business.
Her why" is personal. I understand the pain of watching a loved one suffer from alopecia, and the burden of having to remain strong for them. That's why I created Treasured Brown Girl. Our mission is to restore confidence, hope, and belonging in Brown girls suffering from Alopecia. We want every girl to feel beautiful, no matter what challenges they may face.
For new or current hair business owners, my advice is to make sure that your product or service solves a problem. Identify a need in the market and provide a solution that meets that need. Don't be afraid to be innovative and think outside the box.
@treasuredbrowngirl
Treasured Box at Wait List
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Author of the Blog Article
Frostine- Marie, CEO and Founder of Insure Beauty, LLC
My name is Frostine-Marie and I am the founder of Insure Beauty, LLC. I have taken the time to interview these amazing women in the hair industry. I hope their journey have inspired you to move past any personal doubts or fears regarding starting a hair business.
In this article we have learned of the importance of researching the hair industry, connecting with various hair vendors, focusing on quality, customer services, and building your brand.
Above all, understanding that building a business takes time and typically success doesn't come overnight.
“She believed she could but will she” quoted by an unknown businesswoman. It is up to you; will you use this article as a benefit for you and your hair business?
Has this article encouraged you to start or grow your hair business?
Tag me on IG: @insure.beauty
xoxo