Today we’d like to introduce you to Rinah Gardner.
Rinah, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Born and raised in beautiful Bermuda, my mom would sometimes have to do our hair every week, due to the island’s heat & humidity, not to mention summer swimming! BLESS HER heart! She always kept our hair natural, would give us various hair treatments, and incorporate natural products & oils. Being the eldest girl, I would be last on a Sunday night to get my hair done before school the next day. Understandably so, she was weary by the time she got to mine! So, at age 11, I decided to start styling my own hair, after awhile I was doing everyone’s hair! Fast forward nine years, I began doing hair professionally. I can definitely say, watching my mom pour love into our natural hair is what inspired me & sparked my passion for natural hair care! I’ve been doing hair in the West End, Atlanta for the past 15 years. I was at Braids Unlimited, Royal Crown Barbershop & Salon, & I’ve recently gotten my own salon suite!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Building a steady clientele was one of my biggest challenges! When I moved to Atlanta, I was newly married & shortly after, we were blessed to start our family! With each child I’d leave the shop for months at a time, taking clients at home when I could. Of course, you lose contact with some customers, and returning to work can feel like starting over each time. That paired with the hair business not always being constant, you have your slower periods throughout the year, and then times when it gets so busy you can’t fit everyone in. I’d say those have been my main challenges. That said, I am thankful to be doing something I love, & I’ve enjoyed the journey thus far!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Natural Hair by Rinah story. Tell us more about the business.
I’ve lived in Bermuda, different parts of Africa, Europe, & America, and have enjoyed learning the different hairstyling techniques of each country, incorporating them into my business! I’ve now narrowed down my catalogue to specialize in flat twists, two strand twists & ‘locs’! ‘Natural Hair by Rinah’ is all about healthy, nourished hair, styled to perfection! When a client sits in my chair, we always discuss any issues they may be having with their hair, products they use, tips for at-home care, even diet sometimes, it’s a holistic experience! I’d say I’m best known for my twist styles; when it comes to hair, they were my first love!
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve definitely been blessed to have been raised apart of an international community of African Hebrew Israelites. Our lifestyle is a health conscious and spiritual one, centred around mantaining a positive mindset! The truths of life, (that I continue to learn from my parents and community, along with my own research), have taught me about manifestation, that all things are relative, and the importance of putting out positive energy at all times! So, I’d say my spirituality has been key to my success!
Pricing:
- Twist Styles (with wash) start at $85
- Loc retwist (with wash) starts at $75
- Loc styles start at $20
- Natural Hair by Rinah Healthy hair oil 4oz. $10
- Natural Hair by Rinah Healthy hair oil 8oz. $20
Contact Info:
- Address: 825 Beecher Street SW, Suite 115, Atlanta, GA 30310
- Website: www.facebook.com/naturalhairbyRinah
- Phone: 4702960597
- Email: rinah5@yahoo.com
- Instagram: @natural_hair_by_Rinah
- Facebook: @NaturalhairbyRinah
- Yelp: Natural Hair by Rinah
- Other: Google: Natural Hair by Rinah
Image Credit:
Amishai Gardner
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