Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Person.
Hi Robyn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2002 when I walked out of the door from my corporate job as a billing/accounting agent for an internet company and into beauty school gates. I discovered my love for hair, fashion, and teaching at an early age. So it was only fair that I dive into the beauty industry by way of Cosmetology. I serve women and children, mostly, who struggle with scalp challenges, hair loss, slow growth, and identity crisis. I consider myself no less than blessed with the tools to teach them proper hair care and inspire them to embrace their inner and outer beauty. Even before graduating from beauty school, I was the choir director and started youth-focused ministries at my church.
I launched the Shadows of Christ Mime Team Ministry in 1999 and hosted various workshops and choir concerts throughout the Oak Cliff community. As a young adult, life began to show me the disparities of today’s teenagers, so I began to carve out time to reach, teach, and develop them. I started “Let’s C.H.A.T.®” (Create Hope among Teens), a forum for pre-teens and teens to discuss and gain keys for winning in life, but it didn’t stop there. A few of my classmates were diagnosed with breast cancer, and I began to understand the dire need for financial assistance for those battling the awful disease. This pushed me to launch Avenue Health, a 501(c)(3) non-profit umbrella with educational and charitable intent, under which I host my annual “Party like a Survivor®” event to raise money to help survivors with out-of-pocket expenses; “Toast & Jam” event to raise awareness to cancer & “L.E.T.’S C.H.A.T.®”
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
ABSOLUTELY NOT! Anything worth having will always have hurdles because “greatness will not go on sale.” I come from parents who worked in the corporate world. My mom climbed the corporate ladder in her field, and my dad was a faithful truck driver for over 40 years. They believed in 401K, PTO, and the likes. My sisters were the same. So, having a child who wanted to “start a business” was like raising the prodigal son… lol… I kid. Though I had their full support, understanding me was like learning a foreign language, okay! And I was determined to show them that I knew what I was doing. The most significant challenge I have faced on this journey was to make hard choices, such as work, over my family, friendships, and social life. When I walked out on my corporate job to begin beauty school, I had a 2-year-old in tow and plans to open a salon. So, I had no option but to “go hard” (as the saying goes), and that, my friend, is when my entrepreneurial adventure began.
One day, while in school, we were low on the supplies we liked to use on our clients. So, I acquired a $50 loan from a cousin and began my own “beauty supply store” from my trunk: Hair supplies, shoes, handbags, designer key chains, & jewelry. If it had to do with beauty, I sold it! After graduating from Beauty School, I aimed to build my clientele and began working full-time in a salon. Unfortunately, the first two salons I worked in went under. I was then met with giving up my dreams of becoming an entrepreneur or re-enter the corporate world. I took a chance on my dreams. I went on to work in a commission salon, where I started over to build my clientele so that I could finance my dream of becoming a salon owner. In the midst of this, I had another son. Some would see this as a stopping point, but it was the gas that I needed. I now have a more significant legacy to establish.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
RobynPerson.com is me. All of me. Everything that I produce under one umbrella. 2018, I chose to house my current business, Personal Kreations LLC, and Avenue Health, my non-profit, under one roof, in anticipation of future endeavors. I’m a Creative by nature, so I’m always thinking of new ways to make coin, okay!?! I’m generally known as Robyn, the Scalp Therapy Strategist. I strategically map out a customized plan just for you to achieve your scalp and hair care goals. I’m most proud of the fact that my business was built by me.
In the beginning, I didn’t have the budget to outsource jobs in order to thrive, so I had to learn to do it on my own. So, all of my websites, and my most recent prize possession, my Personal Kreations app, were done by me! I would love for your readers to know that I am evolving. As I prepare for the future, I’ve begun to build a brand to help aspiring entrepreneurs build the business of their dreams by “Cracking the Boss Code!” “Cracking the Boss Code” is a systematic course created to aid in building your business from the ground up and can even help improve your current brand structure.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Well… after 22 years, I recently retired from Directing. This was not an easy decision for me. I thought about this for roughly five years. I knew that it was my assignment but felt like my gifts and talents were being pulled in a different direction. After some thought, I decided it was time. It’s time to tap into other gifts & ministries.
So…..SURPRISE! I am no longer “the choir director.”
Contact Info:
- Website: www.robynperson.com
- Instagram: TheRobynPerson
- Facebook: TheRobynPerson
Image Credits
Hair pics – Myself Me & the newspaper – The Miss Ari Photography The swing/my boys/choir pics – Sean K Bruce Photography Desk pic- Flix by Kam – Wicks Designs of the inaction styling photo
