Connect
To Top

Meet Laconda James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Laconda James.

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?
My journey started in Jackson, Mississippi and is now in Carrollton, TX. I started doing hair when I was in middle school. Back then, I was charging $25 to $40 for a full head of box braids! Lol. As I grew older, my passion for hair had gotten stronger. I wanted to know more. Throughout my junior high and high school years, I had continued to do all types of braids and styles. When I graduated, I had decided to further my education in cosmetology. I attended the academy of hair design in Jackson, Mississippi. Right after I graduated, I worked at Regis hair salon inside of the mall. I’ve also worked at smartstyle salon that’s located inside Walmart’s across the US, Trade secret, and JCPenny hair salon. Around 2010, I wanted my own salon, so had I branched out on my own and opened TLC’s Hair Closet. I stayed there until 2014. That’s fine hen I had decided to come to Texas because I wanted more for my kids and for myself. When I first moved to the DFW area, I lived in Duncanville with family and decided to move further north because of the horrible traffic that I had to encounter when going to work. While residing in Duncanville, I was employed at UT southwestern. That didn’t last long at all. Traffic is so horrible out south. I moved too far North Dallas with a friend and worked a few temp jobs. That’s when I had decided that corporate America is not for me! I felt like God had gave me a special talent that he wanted me to use.

In 2018, I was working at this company through a temp service. I was so unhappy working there. But it paid my bills. I thought about quitting almost every day but I had my kids to think about. Some nights I cried and prayed for something better. God knew what I wanted but I was too afraid to do it on my own. So I took baby steps. I had stepped out on faith and went and got my first suite in Carrollton. I opened Tress á la mode hair salon Feb. 1, 2019! That was one of the best feelings that I’ve had in a really long time! Even though I worked there part-time, I still wanted to be my own boss indefinitely. I had continued to work the job that I was working for about another two months. I was still unhappy there. But, when I went to my shop, I felt indestructible!! I prayed harder and harder, but still I was too afraid to let the job go. Even though business was running smoothly at the salon. So, one day I went to work and I was told that I was let go. I was freaking out. But then I had a sense of peace to come over me. I think that it a sign from God letting me know that he had me and that I was going to be ok. I was afraid to take the leap that he was trying to get me to take. So, he pushed me. And now I’m a successful business owner! Before I took the first jump, I had only one client. Now I have serviced almost 300 people. I’m so blessed and thankful. I have a few friends who has helped me so much along my journey and I thank them every time I see them! They believed in me and my dreams. And now gif has blessed me with a potential life and business partner. He’s my backbone as well. He believes in me and pushes me to aim even higher than I’ve been aiming. I have so much more that I’m working on and I’m so excited to present it when it’s time. When it all boils down, I’m just a lil country girl in a big city. Also, there will be more locations coming soon.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
In 2018, one of my best friends had passed away from cancer. It had hit me really bad and I was depressed for a very long time. I just started getting the help that I needed this year. But, she was one of my motivators. She was also a hairstylist. So, her passing also motivated me to continue to push for what I really wanted. That year, I lost my car, job, and house. 2018 was a horrible year for me. But I pushed through. And guess what?? I made it!!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I’m a licensed and professional cosmetologist and braider. I specialize in braids, healthy hair, and short styles. In DFW I’m known for braids. I’m proud of all of my accomplishments. My parents taught me how to never depend on others. They both were hard workers. So, throughout my life I learned not to depend on other people because they will almost disappoint you every time because most people are selfish and they don’t want you to succeed in life. And you can’t blame no one else but yourself you depending on them. Not everyone is like me. I’m a compassionate, fun, loving individual who always looks at the bright side of things. I try my best to help anyone if I can. I don’t dwell on the past. The past can only make you stronger and better. I love doing hair and meeting new people. Hair is my passion. I don’t do hair just to make money. I do it because I love to make someone feel confident and beautiful. Twice a month, I usually give away a free service to someone is who isn’t able to afford or get their hair done. I just like for women and children to love themselves no matter what. Something else that sets me aside from other braider is that I braid to help them grow their hair, maintain healthy hair, and most of all……….. keep their dang on edges!!! So many braider a braid so tight that I take the customer’s hair out. You can ask any of my clients about my services. They will vouch that I don’t play about that. I want them to keep every strand and continue to grow and maintain it.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
What I love most about DFW are the different landscapes/lakes. I’m and outdoor person. I love to fish and do other outdoor activities. And as far as landscapes, I love art and taking pics. There are many places here that make beautiful backgrounds for photography.

I hate the traffic!! People here does not know how to drive!🤦🏽‍♀️😂

Contact Info:

  • Email: Tressalamode2019@gmail.com
  • Instagram: Tress_a_la_mode

Suggest a Story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More in Local Stories