Today we’d like to introduce you to Arista Watts.
Hi Arista, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
With a Master’s Degree in Social Work, I worked as a case manager and program coordinator for at-risk youth and families in the state of New York over a span of 8 years. I did not practice self-care and was not happy in life, so in May of 2019, I moved to Montgomery, Alabama and took a leap of faith to pursue being an entrepreneur full time and attended school for natural hair. Once completing the program, obtaining a full-time job at a call center enabled me to support myself while remaining focused on the goal of entrepreneurialship. Six months later, the demand was so high, I quit my job and began running my business full time
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It was definitely not a smooth road! I originally moved to Montgomery Alabama for love and that ended about a year later. We both worked in the hair industry and I was working in the same shop as my partner and soon after the break up, I was fired from the shop. I battled with the decision to either stay in Montgomery or go back home to be with my family. I knew that I could take my business wherever I went but I decided to stay here because I was just getting started and did not want to give up. Shortly after, I was working in a salon with another stylist, which was great but I wanted to branch out on my own so I took another leap of faith and decided to find a small space to work out of. In September of 2021, I moved into my own suite, which is where I currently work. Working in my own space has provided me peace of mind but at the same time, it is challenging because of an increase in rent as well as being booked for months in advance! Being booked is always a blessing, but it can be challenging when you’re solely running a business and the demand is so high. To this day, I still struggle with having to let people know that I’m not accepting new clients or that it may be a 4-6 week wait to get their hair needs serviced.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At EmpRis Loc Spa, I specialize in Just About Everything LOCS! From Starter Locs, Instant Locs, Retwist, Wicks, Hot Oil Steam Treatments and More! I am most proud of my creativity! My creativity has helped me step out of my comfort zone. Oftentimes, my clients will show me a picture of a style they want and I enjoy recreating that look for them! What sets me apart from others is my journey to where I am today! If you follow my story since 2019, you will know that I’m humble, hard-working, determined and resilient. I believe that my personality sets me apart from others. Now… if you ask my clients what sets me apart…. they will say my shampoos!
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Determination is what is most important to my success! After everything that transpired since moving to Alabama, I could have easily given up, yet I was determined to preserve!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.styleseat.com/emprislocspa
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/emprislocspa?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NaturalLocs/
