Today we’d like to introduce you to Clarisa Wiley
Hi Clarisa, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My career started in 2018. In 2017 I decided to quit my job. I can remember the day it happened. I pull into my parking spot, sat in my car getting mentally prepared to go to work. I remember placing my hands on the steering wheel and telling God I could no longer do it. I told God he would have to take over the wheels and I went home.
While attending beauty school in 2017-2018 everything went wrong. But I made a promise to myself I wouldn’t quit no matter what happened. I became homeless that year with 3 kids it was tough. I’m from College Park Ga so I sent them home with family. That decision was hard but I had to finish school. A lot happened that year, graduating was one of them.
While in school I got a job as an assistant with one of the Top Braiders in Dallas Tx. That was the start of my career. I went to Mexico for a content retreat and received my first feature with Shopakira an online clothing store. Also connected with a lot of, I would say big time beauty officials. That trip taught me a lot about the industry. It also helped me decide what lane I wanted to be in within the beauty industry.
Being an assistant is the best thing I could have done to jumpstart my career. While assisting I started taking my own clients. Few month in I was booked out 30 days in advance. It was the start of rebuilding my life. I found a 1 bedroom brought my kids home and it’s been growth from there.
My business was thriving! The year Covid happened I decided to leave the Braider I was working with. I wanted to learn more than braids. So I found a salon in Arlington Tx that specialized in natural hair, cuts and color. I stayed there for almost 2 years. Learned so much then I got my own suite.
April 2025 will be 7 years in business for me. I’m so proud of myself, I never thought I would be a hairstylist. When I left my job to start this one it wasn’t the plan to have a whole business. I was planning to go back to school for dental hygiene. God had a different plan. Who would’ve thought this gift of braiding passed down from my mother. Would be an entire business that still has a long way to go.
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?
Not at all. Stepping out on faith doing this came with a lot. Being homeless trying to chase your goals was very stressful. Not having a support system definitely made it even more difficult. No one supported my decision but it was needed for my mental stability.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a Natural hair stylist/Braider. I specialize in braids and hair health. I’m most proud of starting this business. It wasn’t easy. What sets me apart from others is my versability. Yes I started as a Braider but I can do so much more. Doing natural hair I’m always learning taking classes and getting creative.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
Yes I did. I learned that while running a business you also have to pay attention to the economy. Knowing how the world is flowing because it will affect your business. By paying attention to it will help you prepare to keep your business safe.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.cypressstyles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cypresstyles?igsh=OTJtdWZ6b3N3YmEz&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/QFRtpEEMvhFN9tya/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cypressstyles?si=TmIPvJd554eTHYKi
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cypresstyles?_t=8pPu0dlQJqA&_r=1
