Today we’d like to introduce you to Zakiya Brown.
Hi Zakiya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I’m originally from Nashville, Tennessee; I moved here about a year and a half ago, looking for new beginnings. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist since 2013. I started doing hair after college because I enjoyed traveling so much the summer that I graduated that I had to think of a way to be able to make enough money to travel and still have flexibility to go when I wanted. Cosmetology was the answer! While in Nashville, I ran a mobile hair service primarily for women who had mobility issues or needed in-home services for privacy reasons. I loved being able to provide a service to people who were appreciative of my flexibility. A lot of my clients were pregnant or had some type of disability due to surgery. It wasn’t until the pandemic that I decided to pivot to men’s hair. My mobile hair service slowed down because clients and myself were unsure of what was happening in the beginning stages of the pandemic, so it’s best that everyone kept their distance. Once things opened back up, I took a job with a men’s salon. At the salon, I honed in on my hair-cutting skills. I absolutely love working with male clients now, but I still take some female clients. Although I’ve been in Dallas for a little over a year and a half, I just decided to branch out on my own and leave the salon that brought me here. I am now located at the corner of Preston and Forest in my own space. From time to time, I offer mobile hair services, but I prefer to work out of my suite because it gives me the freedom and the time to prep before a client arrives. I love making people feel good about themselves, and I don’t allow them to beat themselves up in my chair. When you’re in my chair, we’re definitely going to laugh, and we may even cry a little. What can I say? I’m a sensitive girl, lol. Well, I’m so happy to start my new life here in Dallas, and I cannot wait to grow my clientele.
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?
Saving up enough money to buy tools and to pay for the space that I rent has not been easy, but I have the support of new friends that I’ve made here in Dallas and my family back home in Nashville. None of this would be possible without them. Not only do I have the support of friends and family, but there are some clients who have made donations to my business because they believe in me. I am forever indebted to these men and women! Special shout out to Doug and Omar.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hair stylist that specializes in women’s braiding and weaving and men’s cuts. Back home, I’m known amongst the ladies for my braiding and weaving techniques, and here in Dallas, I’m known for my men’s cutting skills. I am most proud of my ability to pivot when the market calls for it. I think what sets me apart from others is that I make people feel comfortable. I often hear from my clients that they don’t know why they’re telling me information that they are sharing. Lol I guess I just have that effect on people!
Networking and finding a mentor can have such a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have reached out to hairstylists and barbers that have been in the business for years, and they have been very helpful with teaching me new skills, marketing ideas, and how to scale my business. I’ve learned to take things slow now that I’m out here in a new city on my own. In the past, I have been very impulsive. I like to get things done immediately. Now that I’m older and wiser, I understand that things have to be taken one step at a time so that I am not overwhelmed or overextended. Word of mouth has always been what has worked best for me. Your smile, personality, and reputation will always get you far in life.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @Hairbyzaizaib
