Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashley Daniels and James Ray.
Ashley and James, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My story might be like most, it started when I was little. I’ve always wanted to own my own business. I’ve always had that mindset, I never knew what it was going to be, I just knew I would have a business of my own one day. A few years ago, I decided that I wanted to sell hair. I’m always wearing weave, you would literally rarely see me without it. I always had sew-ins, quick weaves, clip-in extensions. And I noticed I was spending so much money on hair, something that I love, that changed the way I looked. Something that made me feel great about myself. So, why don’t I start selling it and make others feel just as great. I didn’t have the money. I didn’t know how to start. So, I did so much research. I asked questions, I watched videos about business strategies. After I did all of that, I still wasn’t ready to start. I just felt like it wasn’t the right time. Last year, I got pregnant. And as soon as I got pregnant, it’s like I had all the motivation in the world to start selling hair, and I finally started purchasing samples, found the right hair, and started my brand. My boyfriend is my business partner. He has put into the business as well, so this journey is ours together.
Great, 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?
At the beginning when we first started selling, our target base was Instagram. We started making sells right away. We had so much support from high schoolers and the little Instagram friends that we did have. Nothing is ever going to stay easy. You’re going to have obstacles. We’ve been open for a year today. And we’re struggling with sells. A lot of our potential customers want us to have hair on hand. Which we do keep a few matching lengths on hand, but until we can get enough money, we can’t have as many bundles on hand as our customers wish.
Please tell us about Lola Faye Extensions.
Lola Faye Extensions is a Virgin hair company. I named our business after my great grandmother who passed away when I turned 1. I currently work, but I pray that one day our business will grow big enough for that to be the only thing that I focus on and I won’t have to work anymore. We are known for our affordable great quality hair. I wanted to make our hair affordable for high schoolers who may not be working. Because hair can be very expensive. I know I always wanted my hair done in school and my dad would be the one buying my weave and it added up. I’m most proud of the fact that we started and the massive support that I’ve received when I started it. I feel what sets our business apart from others is the fact that we’re very personal with people. When our customers have concerns, or maybe can’t afford something, we try our best to accommodate them.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is my neighborhood friends. We used to play outside every day until the street lights came on. We played football, we played hide and seek, and we also played teacher in my grandma’s garage. I was the teacher and my friends were my students. I would bring old papers from my school that my teachers let me have and give my friends work to do.
Pricing:
- Our bundles start at $45 for 12”
- Our longest bundles (32”)end at $83
- Shipping is $15
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lolafayextensions.com
- Phone: 2146216074
- Email: lolafayextensions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lolafayextensions_llc/
Image Credit:
Alex Hudson Instagram: @alexjhudsonphoto
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