Meet Downtown Atlanta Hairstylist: Terrica Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Terrica Jones.

Terrica, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I joined the hair industry in 1998. I relocated to Atlanta, from Dublin, Georgia in 2003. Early in my career, I had a vision for a salon and was always drawing salon floor plans; not really knowing where it would lead. Moved to Atlanta in 2003 to work in Charles Gregory Salon. After working there for several months, and trying a few other salons, I landed a job at Bronner Bros Salon in 2004. There, I met some great people. I worked as a full-time stylist and part time in their corporate office. I worked in customer service there but was also given the opportunity to work with the show department during show season. Working with Bronner Bros peaked my interest deeper in the industry. During this time, in 2007 met Patrick Bradley, and began to work with him as an executive assistant, by default. He was in the process of creating a product line. I was in the process of pursuing a BS in Business Management. I saw how I could help him, one of the greatest in the industry at the time. I worked hard with helping push his vision, all while continuing to work at the Bronner Bros Salon. I eventually decided in 2013, it was time to move on. I left to open my own salon. I learned a lot and met some really great people during my years at Bronner Bros. I opened the first location in August 2013. I had to relocate in December 2014, after the property was sold and torn down. I relocated to the Sweet Auburn district 171 Auburn Avenue. It is there, where I continue to perfect my craft and operate a great salon, with dynamic artists. It was thru a strong support team and great industry experience and the grace of God that I’ve learned from the best people with great hands on experience.

Has it been a smooth road?
After my first salon began to profit, I was hit with the news that the building was being sold. I had to move. I had a prime location at an excellent price. Finding a new location in three months was a major challenge. I struggled with deciding to move to Auburn Avenue. After looking at the changes the area was experiencing, I felt it would be a great move. During build out of the second location, I was screwed by the contractor. I had to hire a new contractor, tear almost everything down and rebuild it again. That put a major financial burden on me. I started my salon without a loan, only to end up being screwed by a contractor that I trusted…wasting money.

What’s your outlook for the industry over the next 5-10 years?
Being that trends are forever changing, so is the hair and beauty industry. As a hair stylist and salon, I see two different trends. I see regular salons turning into quick service dry bars and more stylists working in salon suites. I’m not a fan of salon suites because I don’t feel as if you’re learning from others as you would in a salon. There are a lot of stylists that put their techniques on YouTube as a form of advertising, wrong move. If you want clients, you can’t give your techniques to the consumers. You will put yourself out of business. I’m praying that in 5-10 years the stylists will realize how serious this industry and our profession is and take back our industry.

Has there been a particular challenge that you’ve faced over the years?
My biggest challenge has been building a clientele for my salon. I want to have a salon full of clients everyday that we’re open. I’m not sure what is making it so difficult at the moment. One thing that could possibly complicate it, is that consumers feel they don’t need to go to the salon for hair care as long as they can achieve the desired style at home. It’s about more than the style; it’s the service and proper hair care.

Let’s change gears – is there any advice you’d like to give?
The salon and beauty industry is not for the faint at heart. My advice to anyone would be to start from day one as if you are a salon owner. If working in a salon, treat everyday as if you’re walking on your own. Set business hours and stick with them. Learn from everyone. Learn different techniques, even if you’re not interested in that technique at the moment. You may need that technique later. Don’t limit yourself.

Pricing:

• Formulas Blowout Tuesdays $45
• Phytospecific Maintenance Relaxer $110
• Therapeutic Hydration Treatment $25
• Natural Silk Press $60
• Men’s Haircuts $25
• Eyelashes $35
• Color requires a consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: www.formulasbeautybar.com
• Phone: 404-907-4666
• Email: contactformulas@gmail.com
• Instagram: @formulas
• Facebook: FormulasBeautyBar

Image Credit:
Marlon R. Photography
Patric Bradley Photography