Today we’d like to introduce you to Alexis Manful.
Alexis, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
As a cosmetologist, my most frequently asked question is “how long have you been doing hair?” or “how long have you been doing makeup?” Every time I am faced with this question, I never quite know how to respond other than saying “forever.” For as long as I can remember, I have been doing hair, whether it was my five-year-old self playing in a mannequin’s hair or my nine-year-old self shampooing clients for my mom. My mom is a licensed cosmetologist and has been a salon owner for ten years.
My siblings and I spent most days and nights in the salon. Because of this, I developed a passion for hair. By the time I was in middle school, I was bringing my friends into the salon and doing their hair for little to nothing. Entering high school, I knew that I wanted to further my education in Cosmetology. I decided to go to a high school that had a Cosmetology Program so that I could graduate with my Cosmetology license. During my Junior Year of High School, I decided to launch my own business called The Lex Effect. After I graduated High School, I used my graduation money to make an investment and start selling Virgin Brazilian Hair.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
With all good things, there are always challenges and obstacles. The journey to where I am in life now has definitely not been a smooth one. I am currently a full-time student at Stevenson University, located in Owings Mills, Maryland. I am a Junior majoring in Biochemistry, minoring in Small Business Development and Entrepreneurship. I plan on using my degree in Chemistry to make my own hair products and my minor to one day open my own salon.
It is a challenge to balance my school work and business but with my time management skills, I have learned to balance the two effectively. Sometimes it can get overwhelming and I have to prioritize one over the other, but school always comes first because I can use the knowledge obtained in the classroom to better advance my business. It is also a challenge having a business in such an oversaturated trade because you have to keep up with your competitors as well as the latest trends. I know the worth of my business and I don’t compare myself to others because I know God’s plan is the best plan.
The Lex Effect – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Lex Effect is a brand that provides hair and makeup services. The mission is to enhance each client’s natural beauty with advanced hair techniques and cosmetics, promising to exceed your expectations and keep you coming back for more of the Lex Effect. Our vision is to be one of the most distinguished hair salons in Maryland to fulfill the special obligations of clients through excellence, integrity, diversity, accountability and responsiveness. The Lex Effect offers a wide range or services from relaxers to braids. All services are performed by a licensed cosmetologist. We specialize in many services such as cuts, braids, installs, natural hair care and color.
As a business, I am most proud of how far I’ve come in the journey through Cosmetology. I am also proud of my customer satisfaction rate. What sets me apart from others is my compassion and kindness towards all my clients. I am not satisfied until my client is satisfied.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success has a different meaning to everyone, and we all use different markers to measure our success. Personally, I define success as meeting or exceeding the desired goals that I have set for myself. When it comes to the success of my business, I set many different markers, such as customer satisfaction, customer retention, new clientele, and financial goals. I measure my customer satisfaction based on how satisfied my clients are with their service overall from the moment they walk into the moment they leave. Customer retention is measured based on a number of clients who return for additional services. New clientele are clients that have never had a service done by me before.
Pricing:
- Knotless Braids $165
- Wig Installation $75
- Frontal Sew in $145
- Silk Press $65
- Feed in Cornrows $150
- Twist Outs (Natural Hair) $50
- Wash and Deep Condition $40
- Wig Construction $120
- Wig Customization $40
Contact Info:
- Address: 9300 Annapolis Road Lanham Maryland 20706
- Phone: 2404783662
- Email: theelexeffect@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theelexeffect/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/The-Lex-Effect-
Image Credit:
JPW Photography
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