Today we’d like to introduce you to Ria Hartfield.
Ria, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I started twisting locs in 2011. I always thought they looked cool so I asked my boyfriend at the time to start his. He did but neither of us knew how to maintain them and we couldn’t afford to go to the hair salons. I was against doing it myself because I had no clue what I was doing but he threatened to cut it if I didn’t help him. So I taught myself by watching YouTube tutorials and got pretty good at maintaining it.
After about a year of twisting it was long enough to learn how to style. The styles attracted his friends, coworkers and colleagues which is how I established a clientele. I maintained locs on the side the entire time I was in college (I worked at a gas station as well). In 2015 I graduated from the University of Texas in Arlington with a bachelor’s in Social Work. However, instead of pursuing social work, I decided to maintain locs full time. I had a part-time job working at a gas station but I never had free time. Therefore, in 2017 after eight years, I finally quit working at the gas station and became a full-time loctician! I’ve been self-employed ever since and that was the best decision I ever made!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
To be honest for the most part it has been pretty smooth. I have the best clients in the world! Sometimes I struggle with setting boundaries with my clients but I’ve never had any major problems.
Please tell us about your work.
I specialized in the locking process. I don’t just twist hair. I cultivate, comb, part and prepare the hair to lock. What sets me apart from others is that I take my time to ensure each loc is maintenance to perfection. Also, I make and use my own product. It’s all-natural and won’t flake or cause build-up like most products on the shelf. My product also lasts longer than most locking gels or waxes. This is why I have so many returning clients. Furthermore, I continue to seek education in my craft. I still take loc classes and watch other master locticians because I’m always willing to learn different techniques and styles.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Honestly, I wouldn’t have done anything differently. Each day brings a new lesson. I am evolving with my business and it’s a humbling experience. We can’t change the past but we can always prepare for the future. It’s all about learning from your mistakes and making better decisions as you move forward.
Contact Info:
- Address: 820 and Meadowbrook Dr.
Fort Worth, Texas - Phone: 6825560083
- Instagram: Instagram.com/locsbyria
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Locs-By-Ria-574361529582778/?ref=bookmarks
Suggest a story: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Felecia
October 3, 2019 at 10:47 pm
I am a client of Ria’s. She started my locs at maybe 2 inches long nearly 4 years ago and now they are down my back. Not only long, but healthy. Her product has never caused a build up. I seen the effect of too much unnatural product use, and a detox becomes necessary. I have never had to have a detox thanks to Ria!