Today we’d like to introduce you to Christian Carter.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Christian. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Since I’ve been about 12 years old, I took on an interest to hair. My first clients were my baby dolls, who endured the most pain. My older sister at the time was in high school and was on the dance line. They had particular styles they needed so she was brave enough to let me try it on her. It went from my sister to cousins, then the word started to spread.
I started out as a braider and that eventually took my wrist on a painful journey of cysts so I decided to focus more on hair styling instead of braiding. Around age 15, I took it a little more seriously. I liked the whole idea of someone walking in one way and walking out another, plus I was young and I enjoyed the hustle of making my own money, and even better… my own schedule. My mom was so easy to talk to about my dreams because she just wants you to do what will make you happy. She invested in my love for hair and I began to take on my friends upstairs in our house, in the kitchen, anywhere there was space, and really started to build up a clientele.
Once I was able to do dual enrollment with my high school and still attend cosmetology school, that’s when everything started to come together. I graduated from high school in 2009 and then Savannah Technical College in 2010. I then worked in a salon under commission. I was scared, nervous, and unsure of what was ahead. Because I moved in a salon, I could no longer charge the “house prices”, and with that I had to start all over building a clientele because it was no longer affordable to my clients before then. I understood that, but it scared me. I questioned how am I going to make money with no clients? Is this what I’ve been called to do? Was I sure?
The salon owner told me to be patient and practice. I was used to doing hard updos and she introduced me to healthy hair, natural hair styling, blowouts, and a grown woman. I thought that was way ahead of my league but she pushed me hard! She had such a huge clientele that she started to give me her clients. Then BOOM! I went from having zero clients and $0 a week to a full schedule every day of the week!
I owe it all to God! I ran across many career choices growing up but this is what stuck with me. I love people, I love the transfer I get from clients when they sit in my chair. Seven years later, I opened my own salon, CLEAR Hair Studio. With the help of my mom, sister, family and friends, my vision has come to life. I get a chance to work with two great hair artists every single day. The salon is always full of laughter, and great life investment conversations, that I can’t imagine it any other way.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
“If it was smooth, everyone would do it”, I always say. This journey has had many ups and downs. I’ve had to learn people, appreciate relationships, and really value the value of $1. I had to learn structure, what’s important and what’s not? Some things I couldn’t buy myself because I had to learn how to save so that I can buy one booth at a time, or light fixtures, at the same time as having to pay my personal bills.
I had to hustle. I had to learn how to trust God. I’ve questioned it so many times because one minute I’m motivated and then I may have a setback, but you know that comes with my story.
One important lesson I’ve learned is how to delegate tasks. I can’t do everything but I have people in my life that want to be here for me, that want to help, so let them!!! I had to learn how to surround myself with like-minded individuals and people who can show me the ropes.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about CLEAR Hair Studio – what should we know?
We specialize in natural and relaxed hair but 95% of the clients are natural. We offer braids, weave extensions, natural twist outs and styling, blowouts, crochets, hair coloring, hydration treatments, eyebrow waxing, we also have a makeup artist.
The purpose of CLEAR is to create an environment where women can come and get more than just a beautiful style, but a full life lift. It’s a place of expression. CLEAR represents the transparent woman! Here we recognize beauty isn’t just skin deep, it’s CLEAR!
CLEAR is a whole vibe! Some ladies come just for some time away from reality. We offer comfy couches and great conversations. When you leave, you will not only feel confident about the health of your hair but you’re going to feel refreshed and detoxed from the inside out.
We as hair artists know what the world is like and to come to a salon where you can breathe, be yourself, and never have a long wait is needed. This is freedom! That’s what sets up apart, it’s a place to come and Clear YOUR MIND! It’s a safe space, an anointed space, and an all-around impactful salon.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First above all is the Big G O D! He’s been too good to me and I can only hope and pray I’m following His lead and doing what He has called me to do. My mom Cynthia, words can’t describe how much I thank you. She introduced me to God. She didn’t push me into going off to college like others, she recognized the gift that God gave me. She has been my #1 supporter, from investing in my dreams as a child to helping me decorate my salon, she never once allowed me to quit. I love you, mom.
My sister Crystal, my best friend. This girl is just everything to me, she has always had my back!! She means the world to me. She pushes me, supports me, and loves on me like I’m her child. If you know me, then you know how close I am to my sister, plus she gave me the greatest gift, my nephew Jeremiah, my stank. My cosmetology instructor prepared me for the world of cosmetology! I was so confident when it came down to taking the state board exam and it’s all because of her! I have cousins who I can’t thank enough for being here for me. Any ideas I think of, all I have to do is tell them and they are on “Go”!
The very first salon I worked at, the owner has been such a wonderful mentor to me. She showed me how to work, how to be a professional, how to schedule, and how to conquer those things that I think are hard, thank you! To my cheerleader friends since high school, my co-artists that I work with every day, my loyal clients, and new clients, I thank you’ll for choosing me!
Contact Info:
- Address: 309 Main Street, suite K.
Garden City, GA 31408 - Email: carter_christian@ymail.com
- Instagram: @Itsclearhs
- Facebook: Clear Hair Studio
Image Credit:
Andre Johnson
Davonte James
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