Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanesha Davis.
Tanesha, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I have always had a love for hair as a child, and I have been braiding hair for a little over 20 years.
Initially, braiding was something I did for myself, family, and friends. I started with natural braids and kid’s braid styles. Then moved on to traditional sew-ins and loc styles.
In 2017, I was a stay-at-home mom to my then one-year-old son, and I started braiding in my spare time. Basically, I was available and I had friends and family requesting that I braid their hair. As time passed, I realized that braiding could be lucrative, but also allow me to make my own schedule. I began working part-time at a barbershop in 2018 to get acclimated with the beauty industry. It wasn’t until the pandemic, that I realized that I could really do what I love…full time. Everything was shut down. I didn’t have to juggle mom life, work, and braiding. Barbers and stylist were not considered essential workers, but many people still wanted to look presentable to work virtually. I decided to take extra precautions and work from home. I formed my LLC in June 2020 and in March 2021, I stepped out on faith to become a full-time braider and moved my business into a private salon suite. My clientele and online presence has grown so much since taking that leap of faith.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It was not a smooth road, but I can’t say that it was extremely difficult either. I chose to be a part-time braider for several years, so I always had other means of income while I was trying to build my clientele. My biggest struggle was internal. I still continued to work because that’s all I knew. I come from a hardworking family and I have never seen a real-life example of someone successfully running a business or working for themselves (without other sources of income). It took me three years to really step out on faith and become a full-time braider.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional braider and I specialize in knotless braids. I currently offer over 10 variations of knotless braids, so there is a service for every budget. I believe that knotless braids are the healthiest protective style option for all hair types. When installed correctly, they are lightweight and tension free. Knotless braids have a natural look that allows access to your scalp and roots to continue your healthy hair routine.
I am most known for very neat parts. Clean and consistent-sized parts can make or break a braid style. I am also known for creating custom color blends. I create subtle blends that allow you to step outside of the box but still maintain a professional look.
My attention to detail and customer service skills is what sets me apart from others. Professionalism and customer service are lost values in service-based industries. The years of work experience that I gained prior to entrepreneurship has taught me how to treat others with respect. I run my business with a customer is always the right attitude.
My booking site is very thorough. It touches every aspect of the service and answers every question one could ask, but I am still very open and friendly to questions/concerns. I offer shampoo services free of charge. I also offer braid take-down services, as well as, full-service retouches to add longevity to your protective style.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
My faith in God is the utmost importance to my success. I recommend everyone to put God first in their life and their business if you want true success. As business owners, we love to look to others for the keys to success. But we have to look to God for guidance. There have been times when I was not booked and busy. God always provided for my needs, but I still longed to be fully booked like my peers. In hindsight, every time I was not booked how I thought I should be, something else would fill that space. Sometimes my son would get sick or would have a school event, a family obligation would come up, and sometimes I just needed the rest. God’s timing will always be better than ours and because of His divine timing, I have never had to be late or cancel an appointment. I was not given what I wanted, but I was given the ability to build a record of professionalism with my clients.
There is nothing wrong with investing in your business and your craft. Let God lead you to the right mentors. Preferably mentors that share the same faith, morals, and work ethic that you have. There are many roads to success, but only God can lead you down the path that was made specifically for you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://BlessedHandsbyTanesha.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessedhandsbytanesha
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/blessedhandsbytanesha
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCQgKrCPG7ZPDgFALDUeUSsw
- Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@bytanesha
Image Credits:
Keleen Fountain
