We recently had the chance to connect with Ricka Graves and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ricka, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Well, in my opinion integrity is the most important quality between these three options. Intelligence is importantly of course, we need it for survival and progression. Yet without wisdom and compassion can lead to detriment. Energy fluctuates, depending on the circumstances, the need to shift in order to get the best outcome is not always in our control. Integrity on the other hand is dependable. It is will always be wholesome and we cannot go wrong leading with it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Once more, I truly appreciate each time we share a story about the legacy of Strands Beauty and Barber Salon. For those who remember, I am the creator and CEO of what grew from a small Mom and Pop neighborhood beauty shop into a well known name in Atlanta beauty industry. Strands Beauty and Barber Salon was established in 2012 and became a pillar in the community providing services to the public for over a decade. We have been featured in television productions and our course in your publications many times commemorating our achievements of which I am truly grateful.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
This is a great question and although it is pretty sensitive for me, I know it is essential in my personal path to share what I have experienced in hopes that it helps. Bonds can severe for many reasons and one of the most frequent ones is losing trust. In life and business it is necessary to be able to trust not only people around you but even establishments. When agreements are serious any misinformation can not only costs the success of the business but it can also ruin lives. In most cases I have seen that simple honesty and forgiveness will settle a dispute. However when matters are critical words of remorse and pleadings for another try mean nothing without lasting change. As they say our thoughts become words, then actions turn into habits that shape our character and reputation. So whether it is personal or in business, it is best to be mindful and always strive to think highly and put the action behind our words that can be trusted.
What’s something you changed your mind about after failing hard?
Well failures have taught me many things that winning could not, and I have adapted to appreciating their lessons. Failures have shown me what a friend is, just like regaining after losses has taught me how to be a friend to myself. Failures and wins go hand in hand. They have made me understand why setting boundaries is just as important as celebrating wins. Speaking of winning, it was failure that showed me how to appreciate wins while being so mindful to remain humble. It is the experience of overcoming failures that allowed me to overcome the fear of them and to show support to others when they have them, knowing that they are meant to build character if we allow them to teach us. Failing hard taught me that life will not be rose colored all of the time, so it is best to conserve for when you don’t have as much to give to it. Overcoming the difficulties of failing hard ensures that we continue to develop whatever is needed to reach our goals. It gives us a well-earned confidence that wills us to the strength to genuinely want to see others succeed as well.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
One of the most foundational truths that is innately a part of who I am, that I sometimes forget it is not always the case, is authenticity. It surprises me when others are surprised by my honesty and vulnerability because I have become accustomed to just being true to myself. In life, I tend to think that authenticity is important for our communities to be withstanding and for life to be worthwhile. Inclusion allows everyone to share aspects about themselves that can contribute to the well-being of others. Encouraging others to embrace being themselves can remove obstacles and build bridges. Learning to appreciate what authenticity can do when working together for a common goal could make the difference between having just another great idea to achieving growth and expansion. However, when it comes to authenticity, there is a stark difference between adding a new perspective and causing disruption just to get attention. A wise man once stated that he “never wants to be the smartest in a room”, and I might add that I tend to look for rooms where I can interact with anyone there, and it leaves me with a positive impression that makes me look forward to coming together again. That is the value of authenticity to me.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What do you think people will most misunderstand about your legacy?
If anything, I would say that some people may misunderstand that although being in the beauty industry is what I have become known for, it is only a part of the legacy. Strands Beauty and Barber Salon has become a testament to my life’s story because of its longevity and contribution to others. Thanks to interviews like this, I have been able to share the hardships and challenges that came before the golden ticket. Coming from this industry, people assume many stereotypes about me because the beauty industry deals with aesthetics, when actually, Strands Beauty and Barber Salon was a Real Estate Property Managing project. Essentially, I am an entrepreneur who finally found a niche that worked well by providing a service that the community needed. Before the salon, I tried selling handbags and jewelry out of the trunk of my car, going to bargain hunting and reselling items from sofas to cars on the side of busy streets, all the while going to school and raising my children, of course. It is important to me that I express that without the trials and errors, the losses and lessons, the community orientation, and educational merits that came beforehand, Strands Beauty and Barber Salon could not have been. My goal has been and is still to create investments that free up my time to spend with my children and to make sure that they have all that is required so that they can enjoy the opportunity of doing what makes them happy. Little did I know that Strands Salon would allow me the opportunity to help others do the same for themselves. It allowed me to work with people from all walks of life. From people who needed a second chance to the rich and famous. From stylists that came to Atlanta with big dreams, big names, and big clientele, to those fighting addictions, facing terminal illness, struggling single parents, you name it. I was granted the chance to make an impact in the lives of countless individuals, and making the conscious effort to make it a good one is the legacy that I strive for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skiirealty.com
- Instagram: Iamempressricka
Image Credits
Marsaeusa
