Today we’d like to introduce you to Neysa Cherry.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I am the oldest of ten grandchildren and we all have talent. I started braiding at the age of eight because I didn’t like how my mother did my hair so I began to experiment on myself and my dolls. As time went on, my family began to recognize my talent, so I began to do my siblings, cousins, moms and aunts Braids. As I went through high school, I made money by braiding and babysitting. As I went through life, times got hard and I ended up in jail braiding hair for commissary. It was then and there that I had the epiphany that braiding was just as much as apart of my life as breathing and eating. When I got out, I enrolled in cosmetology school to get the paperwork and become legit but, again life has its own path. I became pregnant with my son An’Derius (the best thing that happened to me) and had to stop school because of medical reasons.
After months of being a new mom, I was given an opportunity at The Braid Bar in Decatur Ga to master my skills and to actually make my skill a business. It’s a great place for Braiders to grow. Even with all the support, I was driven to do more. I branched off and got my first Salon Suite without a business name or plan just faith! My mom came up with the name Cherry on top Studio. Now, I’m a business owner with lack of knowledge of the business. I was introduced to “Mr. Hands” Omar Sharif Of Cut Creators when I was viewing my future suite and I not only got the suite there I gained business knowledge, knowledge about people and thinking outside of the box and humbling yourself to retain your clients. Then, tragedy struck. Then, the only father figure to my son and biggest investor to Cherry On Studio was killed Thanksgiving morning. “When Red died a piece of me did too”! But I had a son to provide for and a business to run so my feelings were suppressed. Nobody knew how much pain I was really in while trying to work. My Cut Creators family was by my side as well as my immediate family and friends. Most importantly, God held my head up and mended my broken heart. Now, a year later, I am back with a lot of new things for my clients whom I love dearly. Through it all, God has been pushing and molding me to who I am destined to become. I thank God for the good and the bad and the ugly because this is just the beginning for CherryOnTopStudio!
Great, 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?
A lot of my struggles were going to school and trying to take care of myself at the same time… lack of business knowledge… lack of support from fellow industry associates. Grief and working for the wrong people.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Cherry On Top Studio LLC – what should we know?
I am a Master Braider! I pride myself in neatness, the longevity of the style, edge protection, and proper hair care.
Which women have inspired you in your life?
My mom was my first inspiration. My mom worked so hard and would never spend on herself until it became a habit! She’s so forgiving and loving to everyone, not just her children. My great grandma Riah was so strong! I remember her making me roll her hair every day and telling me to stay sweet. My grandma Mary for being a constant support system. My grandma was always starting a business and making me and my cousins work. As we would work, she would be telling us that we need our own business, so we don’t have to work for anybody.
Pricing:
- $50 Braids on Saturday
- $100 Bogo Mink Lash Special Monday Through Wednesday
Contact Info:
- Address: Nails By Rochelle
2964 South Rainbow Drive Suite 212
Decatur, GA 30035 - Website: https://www.styleseat.com/Cherry_OnTop?utm_campaign=vanity
- Phone: 4703155519
- Email: cherryontopstudio17@gmail.com
- Instagram: @cherry_on_top_neysa
Image Credit:
@cherry_on_top_neysa & Vita Marie
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