Today we’d like to introduce you to Victory Needum.
Hi Victory, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I started off doing braids and sew-ins in 2018, my junior year in high school. I realized standing for hours didn’t bother me, so I continued to do braids and sew-ins for my family and friends for practice. After a couple months, I noticed my fingers would cramp up a lot while braiding, so I started looking for other styles I could do instead of braids. I discovered Faux Locs. Everyone remembers the traditional Goddess Locs, right? Super stiff, looking like a dookie turds honestly lol. But people loved them, so I started doing those. $50 models! I’m not going to lie when I look back at old pictures, I can’t believe people were actually letting me play in their heads haha!
One day scrolling through Instagram, I discovered the soft locs, but I couldn’t figure out how they got them to stay. I was doing my homegirl Suga hair, shout out to Suga, and she told me, “Girl, they wrap a hair around the locs.” BOOM! I went to the beauty supply that day. Bought and couple different types of hair. Started practicing and eventually did them on myself… I posted them, and the bookings started coming in fast! SlayedByVictory was rebirthed!
2020 myself my best friend Aure, shoutout to CrownedByAure the GOAT at Knotless Braids and any other braids, started at DKiss Boutique in South Dallas. My first booth. I was so nervous but excited at the same time. I was in cosmetology school at the time, so this was part-time after school and on weekends. I got my clientele up was building good relationships with people; it was great. Then, covid happened. You would think it stopped everything, but baby, we was still trapping haha!
Fast forward some I went to another shop, and due to personal reasons sometime after, I was back being a living room stylist.
I always wanted a suite, but I was scared. Slow seasons scared me.
In Nov 2022, I decided to go back and finish Cosmetology School! I DID THAT! Graduated in May of 2023. Got in my suite July 2023, and I’m scheduled to be a Licensed Cosmetologist in Sept/Oct 2023!
I’m excited for what’s next. I plan to take over.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not smooth. Of course, as you’re learning, nothing is perfect, and when working with people, attitudes clash. Some people don’t give you grace. Some people want PERFECT work for little to nothing. Some people just want to bash you.
I’ve been blasted on Facebook a time or two, but it’s never been anything I couldn’t handle.
One thing I know for sure is I’m always open to righting my wrongs,
Then, of course, obstacles I face in my personal life.
All well worth it though.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am THEE Slayologist! Known for slaying the gals 😉 I specialize in Faux Locs, and I’m growing my portfolio to provide Healthy Hair, Natural Hair, Extensions, and Gel-X Nail services to my SLAYBAES!
I’m most proud of my growth and consistency. As much as I’ve wanted to quit altogether, I NEVER have, and I only get better and better every day.
I feel I set myself apart from others by being myself. I like to build close relationships with my SLAYBAES (clients) if they so choose.
I love a good time. I love a good vibe. And I love trying new things.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
I can’t think of one in particular but any moments with family, from going to wrecker calls with my dad or going to the beauty shop with my mom. Childhood was great.
Take me back because bills are high!
Pricing:
- Victory Locs starting at $240
- Distressed Locs starting at $250
- Loc Wigs starting at $300
- Gypsy Locs starting at $385
- Gel-X Nails starting at $40
Contact Info:
- Website: www.slayedbyvictory.as.me
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/slayedbyvictoryy
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/slayedbyvictory
