Today we’d like to introduce you to Lola.
Lola, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started my career in hair 20 years ago in Brooklyn, NY. I arrived in Atlanta in 2004 with no clientele and I knew I had to hit the ground running. I attended Atlanta Technical college for cosmetology but it wasn’t until 2 years later that I started my company Natural Xpressions LLC in 2012 specializing in natural hair care. At that time, I also began studying makeup with celebrity makeup artists. Soon after, I noticed that women were damaging their hair because they kept braid and weave styles in longer than the recommended 6-8 weeks, so I started making custom wig units to encourage women to treat their hair and scalp more often without worrying about high maintenance cost. Today, I do not only offer custom wig and makeup services, but I also offer consultation services for women that want to start a business in the beauty industry. I also offer makeup classes for aspiring makeup artists as well as for women who would just like to keep up a polished look daily.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has been anything but smooth! I had to learn to invest in myself and I had to do so with my income, no capital or loans. As a single mother, I struggled with the demands of being a business owner and homeschooling my son. Building clientele was also a task in a city where everyone seemed to be doing hair and makeup. I focused on making sure every client had the most enjoyable experience possible so they would spread the word, it worked. The advice I would give is to work hard, this is a business where everything you put in, you get back. It depends solely on your drive, failures happen, don’t ever let them be discouraging!
what should we know about Natural Xpressions LLC? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I specialize in almost everything beauty related. I especially love working on photo shoots. Photoshoots allow me to express myself creatively and most times I am the hair stylist, makeup artist, styling and creative director. I work with two part-time assistants that help with everything, they’re amazing! This work cannot be done alone. Now, I am known for building confidence in women. Whether it’s through helping them regrow their hair or giving them a makeup look that still looks natural but glam or just giving advice while they’re in my chair! The main thing that sets me apart from others is professionalism and the drive to keep taking classes, learning new techniques and treating EVERY client like they’re the only client! I am always working.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Yes! Growing up, I was the oldest of four children and I had to grow up fast to help my parents. I believe this gave me the take charge persona I have now and the ability to trust my ideas. I watched my father get up at 4 am for work sometimes and watched my mother climb her way to a six-figure income while raising four young children. That was motivating, it let me see that you CAN work your way to the top if you’re consistent and dont give up. Every time I’ve thought about quitting, I think about my Mom and her drive.
Pricing:
- Custom units starting at $315
- Full Face Makeup $80
- Photoshoots starting at $750
Contact Info:
- Website: Naturalxpressions.com
- Email: naturalxpressions1@gmail.com
- Instagram: @naturalxpressions
- Twitter: @makeup_muva
Image Credit:
Byron Arnold, Niya Rose
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