Today we’d like to introduce you to Earline Bennett.
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?
Growing up, I did not have as much as other kids. I was one of five siblings, being raised by a single mom. We struggled a lot, and there were very little people around me that I felt I could look up to as positive role models. Throughout my entire life, I have always been a high achiever. Despite whatever circumstances I had to face, I always pushed myself to accomplish anything I set my mind to. I completed all of my years of school being on the honor roll and was always recognized for my participation in sports, programs, and clubs within school. I soon realized this was my way out. I remained as involved as I possibly could because I knew that since there was no one for me to look up to, I had to become who I would have looked up to. I graduated high school with over $1.5 million in scholarships. I attended the University of West Georgia, where I received my bachelor’s in education in just three years. During this time, I begin doing hair as a side hustle. I was tired of being on campus with little to no financial support from back home. This is where it all started. I slowly began building up my name. I knew that one day I wanted to open a salon that felt like home, where everyone felt comfortable and received the best of the best services. Fast forward to now, I’ve been an educator for a little under a year. I’ve used my job to help fund my business. I was finally able to see my dream come to life over the last three months. I spent nearly every night and weekend inside the shop, all while also maintaining my career and my side hustle. I know it sounds like a lot, but it is what made “Top Tier Experience Salon” possible.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My road to success has been everything except smooth. Oftentimes I feel discouraged or overwhelmed, but I have to remind myself that no one in my family has ever gotten this far and that itself motivates me to keep going. I begin taking on responsibilities early in my life, so I am very familiar with having to work hard for what I desire. In my case, opening a salon seemed nearly impossible considering the amount most spaces were asking for rent each month. Another major challenge was finding someone that would give a small, first-time business like me a chance. I was told no so many times that I felt like hearing yes was becoming more and more impossible. Until I finally did. I was able to use a company called “Upstart” to help cover a few of my startup costs and used my personal finances to cover the rest. I took a big risk, and I pray that the reward is worth it because I have younger siblings that are learning from me as I go on this journey.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a protective stylist, better known as a “braider”. Although braids are a pretty popular style, soft locs have become just as popular. I consider myself a soft loc specialist, as it is my most requested service. I am able to complete a soft loc service in under 3 hours, which is very quick compared to others. Sometimes I take a moment to look back at my work when I first started doing hair, and I am always very shocked at how much I have grown over the years. It was hard to gain support starting out, but now I have a steady clientele and they actually support me as a stylist and a person. I could not ask for better clients.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My salon is set to open in Roswell, GA no later than June 15, 2022. I would appreciate anyone who could stop to receive a service, recommend us to friends/family, follow us on social media, or referring us to others in the beauty industry who may be looking for a salon home. My salon is a one-stop-shop. I will be working alongside hairstylists, braiders, nail techs, lash techs, and makeup artists to deliver the Top Tier Experience that we want for our customers. I am also always open to collaborating with other businesses, especially black-owned businesses. I love networking with others and supporting other businesses so I am willing to hear out to anyone who may be interested.
Contact Info:
- Email: Betoptier@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toptierexperiencesalon/
