Today we’d like to introduce you to Laiora Hadnot.
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 passion for hair truly started when I was pretty young, I started going to a salon to get my hair done around age 5. My Mom, Evangeline Carter, attended Mims Cosmetology School but was shortly diagnosed with fibromyalgia after being honorably discharged from the Air Force. Which didn’t give her the opportunity to finish cosmetology school. Around the same time I got my first bratz doll head at the age of 8. By the age of 12 I was doing and styling my own hair, and by the time I got into high school I was learning to make U-part wigs from watching YouTube videos. I began coloring & styling My Mom’s hair. I also was doing sew in extensions, braids & styling some of my classmates hair throughout middle school and high school. I was always doing someone’s hair growing up but didn’t think about cosmetology as a career path.
I revisited the idea of being a cosmetologist at the end of 2015 after my mom was diagnosed with a rare brain cancer. After being told my mom would have a few months to live, I wanted to do something special to honor her. Something that we both loved and bonded over, which lead me to cosmetology.
I started Paul Mitchell The School-Arlington in February 2016. My mother passed in May 2016 3 months into my cosmetology journey, but the love we shared for hair has always stayed with me. I graduated from Paul Mitchell in April 2017 and began working in a well known salon franchise for 5 years. After lots and lots of prayer, planning, family investments and trusting in Gods plan & myself, I felt I was prepared to start my own business.
I came up with the concept & my brand “The Hair Imprint” because of the impact my mother and her love of all things hair & hair care molded me into the cosmetologist I am today. I began The Hair Imprint December 26, 2022 on my mother’s 50th birthday.
Being a cosmetologist & starting my business brings my reason for being in this industry around full circle. I have My Mom to thank for my love of all things hair & my start in cosmetology.
I have been a licensed cosmetologist for the last 8 years and I have been The owner of The Hair Imprint for 3 years. I have truly been enjoying all the different aspects of being an entrepreneur & cosmetologist over the years.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
A one of the different obstacles I’ve encountered in this field have been finding and keeping consistent clientele, it was extremely discouraging in the beginning of my career but I’ve found that showing up authentically, educating clients, & providing top tier accommodating services that tailor to every clients specific needs.
Another obstacle for me was transitioning from just being a cosmetologist/stylist to wearing all hats to be a small business owner in addition to being a cosmetologist. Learning how to balance all of the various titles that are required to run a successful business has been an overwhelming experience at times. Doing this on my own has been a true test of faith, giving myself time and grace has helped me get through it.
Some of the challenges I’ve faced over the years have been difficult to overcome but knowing that this career has brought me so much joy and creative opportunity makes the challenges worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Natural Healthy Hair, Silk Presses & Extension services. I believe I am known for my Silk Press services. I am most proud of educating my clients on how to maintain and keep their hair healthy while retaining length. I believe that is what sets me apart from others along with my gentleness while doing hair. Many of my clients have given me compliments on my ability to do their hair without them experiencing discomfort or pain.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was spending time with my mom at the salon with our beautician, Ms. Dee. We started going to her to get our hair done when I was around 5 years old and would always go to her salon or suite consistently over 12 years. Bonding with my mom over what hair style we were gonna get, flipping through hair books and magazines. I remember helping out around the salon, sweeping, folding towels and sometimes being there until closing. I feel like those memories have had the biggest influence on my life and inspire what I do today.
Pricing:
- Silk Press $120-$175
- Natural Hair $150-$200
- Traditional Sew In $225
- Quick Weave $170
Contact Info:
- Website: https://TheHairImprint.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thehairimprint?igsh=NmxpNnZ4c3JndnVl&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thehairimprint?_r=1&_t=ZP-91g2HNzEsV4
