Today we’d like to introduce you to Akeia Hill.
Akeia, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Having the common experience as a little girl who gets her hair combed by her mom, was a weekly journey that I knew all too well. I commend my mom for dealing with my wobbly head and thick hair but it became a duty that she put in the hands of beauty professionals. I became a regular little client in a south Dallas beauty school, where I sat still and was rewarded for it. I figured it out after the first time; if I sat still, I’d get a hairstyle that I would later fall in love with! Every time I got my hair done there, I walked out with confidence and feeling like a princess.
With me being a mom now, I know exactly what my mom went through with me when it came to combing hair. But one day, my then, the two-year-old daughter told me she felt like a princess after I styled her hair for school. It clicked! The passion that I ran away from, surfaced back up years later.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
For me, entrepreneurship and “smooth” will never go hand-in-hand. It’s not easy and it’s not for the weak-minded, instead, it is for those who are willing to embrace their struggle & growth process, those who continually challenge themselves to reach their maximum potential, & for those who don’t mind teaching and guiding those who are starting out.
I’ve lost money, time (both personal & family), sleep, & clients but I never lost faith in myself or my journey. It is highly important for young women especially, to change their circle to like-minded & success-oriented people. I’ve seen more progress within my brand by surrounding myself around people who will push me, people who are positive, yet constructive, and who have experience in the same field. My mentors have pushed me to know the value I bring to the table.
Also, the easiest thing to do is to compare the success of other brands with yours. I had to stop doing that & it can be hard, especially when social media is apart of our daily lives. However, timing is a thing that could make or break your business. When I’m ready, God knows when to give me what we need but if my relationship with Him would’ve been non-existent, I’d still be worried and struggling.
Tell us about your business. What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
I am a 23-year-old licensed cosmetologist and I specialize in many services under the umbrella of protective styles. My first love is in wig-making & teaching it. I make my wig units in less than 30 mins by using the sewing machine. My other services include braids, sew-ins, invisible ponytails, & silk presses. Other than being a service provider, I also sell products online too. I sell very unique Long Bonnets (ideal for long hair or braids), Wig Storage Bags, Virgin Hair & other hair accessories. Feel free to visit my website to check them out!
The thing that I am most proud of in my brand is that I have allowed my brand to grow organically. I have done all of the groundwork myself. First starting out, I had more time than I did money. That led me to make my own websites, business cards, flyers, & finding my own vendors (hair, lashes, & packaging) rather than paying someone else. By being resourceful in the beginning, it allows you to adapt well when your business grows. I was hungry to grow and I made the proper investments in myself to excel forward in own my lane, without cutting corners or rushing. This is the true meaning of my business name, Hair From Scratch. I had no detailed blueprint to follow for succeeding as a stylist. I had to take challenges & mistakes that I made, to piece it into something great & that something, has lead me to never be satisfied. I look forward to opportunities to meet my preparedness.
The thing that sets me apart from others is that I love what I do & never want to stay stagnant. I offer different services because I don’t want to get caught up in comfort. Comfort allows you to get nice and relaxed by not challenging you for the next levels. You can’t seek your blessings if you’re not trying to find them. With that being said, I do look forward to adding the service of micro link installations to my books soon!
We’re interested to hear your thoughts on female leadership – in particular, what do you feel are the biggest barriers or obstacles?
The fear of someone else succeeding more than or before someone else, will be the biggest barrier in any industry. It’s a form of jealousy. Jealousy stems from insecurities. Insecurities lead to broken businesses. You can’t build a successful business if you’re not addressing your foundation. The phrase “stay in your bag” is vital to your success. It means to stay focused on what you have going on, while genuinely helping others who are working towards goals as well. This builds female leadership and empowerment. People don’t realize that when they share their knowledge, that’s when their “glow-up” or “come-up” is ignited. What’s for you will always be for you and nobody can take it away.
Pricing:
- Wig Construction Classes by Machine starts at $500.
Contact Info:
- Address: Located at:
The Bar Hair Salon
502A N Hampton Rd Desoto, TX 75115 - Website: www.hairfromscratch.com
- Phone: 4696302322
- Email: info@hairfromscratch.com
- Instagram: Instagram.com/hairfromscratch
- Other: Hairfromscratch.as.me
Image Credit:
Akeia Hill
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