Today we’d like to introduce you to Dominique “LaRue” Wilder.
Dominique, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My journey to become LaRue the Loc Goddess began as a youth. As a child, I was always into beauty, art, and music. Raised by a single father, my older sister and I were forced to learn how to maintain our hair at an early age. Throughout high school, my sister was my hairstylist. She had a natural talent for it. I used to assist her and also come up with creative and unique styles. I started styling hair, my own as well as classmates, while I was in college at Prairie View A&M University. Back then, I was known around campus for my colorful, outrageous hairstyles and weaves. It wasn’t until after I dropped out of college, got married, and had children that my love and passion for Locs derived. I first started maintaining Locs when my husband began his Loc journey in 2009. My children and I got our Locs later as well. So now, I’m naturally the Loctician for a family of 5. Choosing to transition to Locs was more than just for looks; it was a conscious decision to love ourselves and embrace our natural hair. I wanted to help others make the same transition. After being fed up with the normal 9-5 job, living from paycheck to paycheck, and enduring many circumstances of poverty, I decided to pursue my talents more seriously. I was unhappy with not living my dreams or pursuing my passions and wanted to begin to build something for myself and my family. I used the money from the jobs and invested in myself. I made some business cards and purchased the necessary equipment. I also created a business page on Instagram. I began to pass out cards all over town and promote myself on social media. Slowly but surely, I have gained more clientele and am now able to work for myself. Over years of maintaining my families Locs, I developed my own ALL NATURAL oil and Loc and twist solution that I call JUICEE LARUE OIL and JUICEE LARUE LOC & TWIST SAUCE. I promote and sell these items as well. I have come very far and still have far to go. I feel like I’m still in the beginning stages, but I am thankful for everything I have accomplished thus far and everyone who has supported me in the process.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has not been smooth at all, but well worth the struggle. Trying to build your own business in the middle of poverty or working a 9-5 seems almost impossible at times. Especially when you are a person of color in this country and are building something from nothing. It has been extremely hard at times just dealing with everyday life and trying to get your business off the ground. But in my opinion, if it ain’t hard, It ain’t worth it. There have been so many obstacles, so much I had to learn, and so much I’m still learning. The most important thing I have learned is to believe in yourself because it starts in mind. You have to believe in yourself and invest in yourself even if you feel like you don’t have the money to. Even when you are making a big sacrifice to do so, do it and start today.
Locc’d by LaRue the Loc Goddess – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Locc’d by LaRue the Loc Goddess is where people come who want to begin their Loc Journey and experience relaxing vibes and exceptional customer service. I do my best to provide healthy maintenance of Locs and natural styles. It’s also important to educate my clients on the process of locking hair and my natural Loc products. I have been specializing in starting and styling Locs for over 10 years and genuinely love what I do. I love the people I get to meet and service I get to provide. My clients appreciate the comfortable, relaxing environment of my place and the music as well and the conversation. It’s truly more than just a hair appointment. It is a real vibe!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me is measured by the number of people I can help, whether it is providing a product, service, information, financial support, etc. Success is also doing what makes me feel good. Success is being able to live happily and comfortably while I’m alive and being able to leave something for my children/family/friends when I am gone. Setting and achieving daily and long term goals is part of being successful, no matter how small or big the goal may seem. Contributing to the growth of your community is a success. Telling yourself you can do something and doing it, that’s success to me.
Contact Info:
- Website: loccdbylarue.boosky.com
- Phone: 4696305566
- Email: mrslarue211@gmail.com
- Instagram: @mrslarue211 @goddesslarue84
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