Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawn and Jerard McWhirter.
Shawn and Jerard, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As many African American women often do, for years I struggled with how to care for and wear my hair. I tried the perms, braids, and extensions while experiencing breakage and damaged hair. While complaining to my stepdaughter one day, she suggested a type of loc that I had never heard of….Sisterlocks™. I started my research and was immediately impressed with what I found. Shortly thereafter, I found a nearby consultant and schedule the establishment for myself and my daughter. Best hair decision ever!
A few months later, I enrolled in the class to become a Trainee and eventually, a Certified Consultant. We have been conditioned to believe that “our” hair cannot grow to certain lengths. Or simply that our hair, in its natural state, is unacceptable. Through my Sisterlock journey, I was able to dispel and break down those myths for my young daughter, at a time during which she was watching me the closest. I started my business in my home by converting my living room and dining rooms into my home salon. After several conversations, my husband came up with the name “All Tangled Up”. We felt that the name embodied what so many women go through, trying to achieve the best from our tresses.
During this time, I was also operating an in-home daycare. It was a slow process, finding clients and getting them to trust me. I continued to get better and better. Within a short time, I was able to close the daycare and focus on All Tangled Up fulltime. After about two years, my husband who is also my biggest supporter, got laid off from his corporate job. We decided then that this was the perfect time to open our own actual Salon.
Has it been a smooth road?
No! But they say that nothing worth having comes with ease. Right?!
From the onset, the struggles began; the first of which was getting clients to know and trust me. We set up Facebook and Instagram pages and placed ads. It took a while, but my phone began to ring and ring….client after client! It was great! But, this “greatness” soon brought about another issue: Helping clients to understand the value of the service that we were providing. And, not only the life quality value, but also the monetary value. Initially, I would negotiate and try to meet them at a lower price, but as my husband pointed out, I too, had to understand my value. I had completed over 140 installs/ establishments and had become very proficient and passionate about transforming lives of women via their God-given heads of hair! No more negotiations!
Another struggle that we’ve faced and continue to face is attracting skilled, credentialed, and passionate staff members. As a result, the hours are often long, but very rewarding, so while we continue to recruit new talent, it is important that I am here and available to serve the needs of my wonderful clients. I’m still working on that work/life balance piece!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the All Tangled Up Hair Salon & Barbershop story. Tell us more about the business.
At All Tangled Up, we specialize in Sisterlocks™ and Interlocks. But, that isn’t to exclude our full-service Barbershop, with one of the most talented and experienced Barbers in the city. We also offer mentorships for new Sisterlocks trainees after they have successfully completed the four-day Sisterlocks training course.
What I’m mostly proud of is the atmosphere that we create for our clients. We are a high scale salon but family-friendly and we pride ourselves on great customer service. In the four years since beginning this journey, we have seen clients from all of the US, and the Caribbean! My gratitude is endless!
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
There will always be a need for hair care for African American women. More and more ladies are leaving the harsh chemicals in perms and embracing their natural hair. Sisterlocks™ offers the perfect natural hair management system and a low maintenance regimen that many of us are seeking!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2046 W Park Place Blvd
Suite D
Stone Mountain, GA. 30087Shawn McWhirter
Sisterlocks TM Certified Brand Ambassador - Website: https://www.alltangleduploc.com/
- Phone: 7708074581
- Email: alltangled@yahoo.com
- Instagram: alltangleduplocs
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tangledupbyshawn/
Image Credit:
Made You Look Photography & Film
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Keshaa Mcurn, CPA
October 17, 2019 at 2:35 pm
Fantastic article and pics! You go Shawn!!!