Today we’d like to introduce you to Damali Monagan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
It’s funny because I only started my own locs after feeling like I had done everything else to my hair and just wanted to give it a try. Back in 2016, I shaved the sides of my hair because my mom had just been diagnosed with breast cancer, and we thought the chemo would make her lose her hair after she had spent a few years growing it out naturally. I figured if she was going to lose hers, I’d cut mine too but, I started safe and just did the sides.
Then 2017 came around mama didn’t lose her hair and I decided to cut mine short into an even fro once the sides grew back. After having the same beautician for almost 20 years and then suddenly not, I’m not ashamed to say short hair was for me because it was sooo low-maintenance!
By 2019 though, I was ready for a new look again and thought, “You can do your own locs” (knowing full well I had no clue what I was doing). But I figured it out! I took a chance, and by 2021 I was doing other people’s locs and the rest is history. I’ve been the coldest on the East ever since, lol. I do all retwists and styles, loc repair, reattachments, wick maintenance, literally everything!
“You name it, MollyLocdIt” that’s my slogan, lol.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Nothing is ever a smooth road or, at least, I don’t think so. I actually started practicing and taking clients during COVID, right in my apartment, without really knowing what I was doing or what would happen when my lease was up. I didn’t even know if I’d get the practice I needed because times were so weird then.
I moved in April of 2020 and ended up moving back home before October that same year. I knew the clients I did gain were mostly because of my location and convenience for them. Being back home meant I didn’t have a dedicated space to take clients so I would say it gave real “your favorite auntie in the kitchen microwaving curls” vibes, except I was in the living room on my mama’s “good carpet” lol.
Fast forward four years, and although I have a dedicated space now, the economy is still weird for service providers and businesses of all kinds. The struggles build character though and they definitely prepare you for the future battles life throws.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a 30-year-old loctician based in Decatur, Ga (but yes, I do travel!). My name’s Damali, you’ll probably see that in this article but, most people just know me as Molly. I specialize in all things locs: crochet maintenance, color, repairs, loc restorations basically anything and everything loc-related (but ONLY locs, lol).
I think I’m most known for how clean my work is and for keeping my prices fair while also making sure both the client and the provider are taken care of! Oh, and my color work? Yeah, I like to think I’m pretty fire in that department too.
What I’m most proud of is the fact that I was never really a “hair girly,” but I figured this out and stuck with it. I do it simply because I enjoy it….. the money is just a bonus.
I know a lot of stylists work from home nowadays, but I think what sets me apart is that my home is generational, it gives off that cozy, homey feel that makes people instantly comfortable. Unlike some of those horror stories you hear online about at-home service experiences, coming to me is quite literally like going to your grandma’s house!
Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting out?
Just do it! In a time where TikTok and Reels are so popular never get too caught up in that to believe you can’t do the same thing. And know that everything isn’t for everybody, it’s great to stay in your lane cause what’s for you will flow with you I promise. Now if your goal is to be a celebrity stylist or a stylist/influencer then great, but it’s nothing wrong with a low follow count but an abundance of business.
Pricing:
- Retwist (style and wash included) $100-$125
- Travel fee: $50
Contact Info:
