Today we’d like to introduce you to LaDonna Reed.
Thanks for sharing your story with us LaDonna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
About 3 years ago I felt an urgency to leave the state of Illinois. I didn’t understand where this feeling was coming from because Chicago had been my home since birth. I knew one thing though, if God says move then you move and don’t look back. My family and I packed up whatever we could fit in our car, and the rest we sold or threw away. Then we took the ultimate leap of Faith! Which meant saying goodbye to family, friends, and even my salon suite that had been getting good business. Even though I was nervous about starting over, I immediately saw the need for hairstylists in the area. I didn’t waist anytime getting my name out there. I passed out business cards, advertised on all social media outlets, and I also drove around town with 2 big magnets on each of my doors, lol. I was determined to say the least! I’ve been doing hair since the young age of 11. I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist as of 2009. I had a pretty decent clientele that was built throughout those years. So starting from scratch was really scary for me, however within the second year of me being here in Dallas my clientele shot through the roof. I had more clients than I had ever had in my life in less than 2 years of being here! God is good! I’m still in the process of growing my business, however things are going great! I can honestly say that leap of Faith was the best decision my family could have ever made. If I could tell people one thing it would be, “Trust God in all that you do, when you take a leap he will either catch you or teach you how to fly”!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
For the most part, it has been a pretty smooth road. The biggest challenge I faced in the beginning was dealing with no-shows. People would schedule an appointment and not show up, that was very frustrating to deal with. So I had to make an executive decision to start charging a deposit fee at time of booking. That way I myself was secured for the most part as well as my clients! That most definitely lowered no shows or cancellations by over 99%! Other than that, it’s been smooth sailing lol.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I’m a licensed cosmetologist so I do some of everything, however I specialize in braids and sewins! As well as crochet, silk press, ponytails, wig installs, quick weaves, and more! What I’m most proud of as an entrepreneur is the many referrals I get every week. It’s one thing to like a picture on social media but it’s another when you start to get new referrals every week booking with you. My work is out and about speaking for itself and that by itself speaks volumes. What sets me apart from others is the fact that I’m very gentle with my hands. With that being said, most of my clients are so comfortable and relaxed they fall asleep. I’m told at least 4-5 times a week, “I don’t feel you braiding my hair” that’s a win right there because who wants to be in pain while enhancing their beauty lol!
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I would have moved here to the Dallas area sooner. There are so many opportunities here.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 6304531727
- Instagram: ladonna_creativehands
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