Today we’d like to introduce you to Imani D. Williams.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’m a Natural Hair Stylist from Los Angeles, California specializing in Braids, Locs and Twists. I’ve had an affinity for hair, as long as I can remember. I enjoyed playing with the big Bratz doll heads, in my own hair or my little cousin’s hair while babysitting. Yet, I didn’t always think I’d be a hairstylist. I actually forgot about it for a couple of years. Until I learned the value in having a hobby, you could sustain a living on. I realized If I should work hard for any company, learn everything there was to know about them and master a job, why not it be something that would benefit me for as long as I wanted. Something that I enjoy doing.
There was going to be learning curve no matter what business I chose, and I felt learning how to be a great hairstylist could carry me throughout my entire life. So, after college in Idaho, I moved to Atlanta, known as the Mecca of Black Entrepreneurs. Many people in Atlanta have a hustle aside from their 9-5. Not illegal hustles but things they enjoy doing but could easily make a living off of. That to me seemed like true freedom. I dove deep within and recalled my love for hair as a child and decided to start there. I began by watching YouTube videos (which gave me a lot of misinformation) and then I began investing in Classes and Eventually enrolled in Cosmetology school. After the first braiding class I took, the instructor told me I was good, a fast learner and invited me to work in her salon the next day. I took the opportunity having never worked in a salon before. It may not seem like such a big deal, but I didn’t even know work the chair. And the salon owner wasn’t there so, I was thrown to the wolves in a way. This was a 24hour braid bar and this appointment was at 9pm. It was just me my client and another stylist who was doing the same exact hairstyle on my client’s best friend. Except hers looked immensely more professional. I was nervous the whole time. I didn’t finish until 4am.
And my client was not impressed. It wasn’t the best first experience to say the least, but oddly I wasn’t discouraged. I was actually quite proud of myself, having made it through the most awkward first salon experience ever. I got paid and never had to go back. I continually practiced on a mannequin head everyday, and I had a couple of friends to also practice on. I started posting pictures to my hair page on Instagram. And randomly, A Natural Hairdresser in Mc. Donough, GA reached out asking if I wanted a chance to work in her braiding salon and she would help “take me to my next level, whatever that meant for me”. I thought it was a scam at first but it wasn’t at all! She and her team at RockAfro taught me everything I needed to know to enter the Atlanta Natural Hair Industry. I learned things I never imagined. Things I thought I knew from YouTube, they taught me the correct way. The only downside was I had to drive 30+ minutes to work and I was having ongoing car trouble. So after a couple of months, with no clientele I took my new talents closer to home and decided to rent a booth at a Beautiful Natural Hair Salon I frequently passed by in East Point, S.P.E.A.K. Natural hair design. I spoke to the owner one day and she seemed happy to have me.
Though I had no idea if anyone would ever come sit in my chair, I began paying for a space. The first few weeks, I may have had one client a week maybe two but eventually it picked up. To where I’d have at least one person a day then two a day. Now I have a consistent clientele after just a year after beginning to do hair CONSISTENTLY in a Salon. My skills have proven that you can be good at anything as long as you invest your time and effort. Everyone has the ability to do something that contributes to society and provides them a peaceful work environment. I believe we just have to pay attention to what we like, even when it’s our first time trying. Talent isn’t what makes a great artist, it’s the ability to stay interested in something long enough to learn everything about it and share it with others. Thank you for reading, best of luck in all of your endeavors.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The hardest part of becoming a hairstylist was finding the courage to start. It was a difficult process finding a grove, exuding enough confidence to give to your clients, and simply finding what Niche I was interested in. For anyone thinking of becoming a hairdresser. DO IT. Figure out a few styles you enjoy doing and perfect them. Clients and Money will come. First, find the joy and comfortability in doing your craft and trust that people will want what you specifically have to offer.
Please tell us about Tucked By Imani D. Will.
Tucked By ImaniDwill is a natural hair Company, providing quality styles with minimal tension. I enjoy doing, Knotless braids are my favorite and I also Love Locs and Twist. Healthy hair is the most important part of styling so I take great pride in providing a pain-free Natural Hair Experience. Beauty is not painful when done with care and patience. Come visit for the best Natural hair Care in Atlanta.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I really wish I started getting serious about my craft sooner, but everything happens in divine timing.
Pricing:
- Knotless Braids Start at $145
- Loc Maintenance and Style Start at $75
- Kinky Twist Start at $135
Contact Info:
- Website: https://squareup.com/appointments/book/988PHFTFE2D2V
- Email: ImaniDivinity@gmail.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/TuckedByImaniDWill
- Facebook: Facebook.com/TuckedbyImanidwill
- Other: Instagram.com/ImaniDwill
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