We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shakala Atkinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shakala thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Taking care of customers isn’t just good business – it is often one of the main reasons folks went into business in the first place. So, we’d love to get a conversation going around how to best help clients feel appreciated – maybe you can share something you’ve done or seen someone do that’s been really effective at helping a customer feel valued?

As a Braider, I realized showing appreciation to my customers have a significant impact on their experience and loyalty. Going the extra mile to understand my customer’s preferences and suggesting hairstyles that suit their style and personality makes them feel valued and appreciated. By taking the time to listen and provide tailored recommendations, I show that I care about their individual needs. I also provide exclusive discounts or coupons to my loyal customers This not only saves them money but also makes them feel like they are part of a special community. I also give them referral discounts for word-of-mouth referrals. I Grant my loyal customers VIP access to new products, services, or events. Occasionally, I surprise my customers with a complimentary upgrade or additional service (I.e: free wash, free trim, freestyle upgrade). After completing a service, I follow up with a personalized message to check on my customer’s satisfaction and offer any additional support. Their happiness and satisfaction is key to my business success.

Shakala, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Let me introduce myself. I’m Shakala Atkinson, a highly experienced Braider from Arizona with 20 years of expertise in the industry.

My journey in the braiding industry began with a passion for creativity and a love for hair. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and developed a deep understanding of various braiding techniques and styles. My dedication to my craft and commitment to providing exceptional services have made me a sought-after Braider in Arizona.

As a Braider, I offer a wide range of products and services to my clients. I specialize in various braiding styles, such as box braids, cornrows, twists, and more. I take pride in my ability to create intricate and beautifully crafted hairstyles that not only enhance my clients’ natural beauty but also reflect their individual style and personality.

One of the main problems I solve for my clients is helping them achieve their desired look while maintaining healthy hair. I prioritize the health and integrity of my clients’ hair by using high-quality products and employing techniques that minimize damage. I understand the importance of hair care and strive to educate my clients on proper maintenance and styling techniques.

What sets me apart from others is my extensive experience and attention to detail. With 20 years in the industry, I’ve mastered the art of braiding and can create stunning hairstyles that exceed my clients’ expectations. My ability to listen to my clients’ needs, provide personalized recommendations, and execute flawless braiding techniques sets me apart as a trusted and skilled Braider.

I’m most proud of the long-lasting relationships I’ve built with my clients. I value the trust and loyalty they’ve placed in me over the years. I take great satisfaction in seeing my clients leave my chair feeling confident and happy with their new hairstyles.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that I am dedicated to providing exceptional service and creating beautiful braided hairstyles. I strive for customer satisfaction and aim to make every client feel valued and special. My work speaks for itself, and I invite everyone to experience the expertise and artistry I bring to the braiding industry.

Overall, I’m Shakala Atkinson, a highly skilled and experienced Braider from Arizona. With my passion for creativity, commitment to hair care, and dedication to my clients, I’ve established myself as a trusted name in the industry. My expertise, attention to detail, and personalized approach make me the go-to Braider for those seeking exceptional braiding services.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word-of-mouth referrals. When my clients are happy with the braided hairstyles I create for them, they often recommend me to their friends, family, and colleagues. This has been a powerful way for me to expand my client base and attract new customers. Additionally, I believe in the power of social media and online presence. By showcasing my work on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, I can reach a wider audience and showcase my skills and expertise. Sharing before and after photos, client testimonials, and behind-the-scenes content has helped me attract new clients who are impressed by my work. Another effective strategy has been networking within the hair and beauty industry. By attending industry events, connecting with other hairstylists, and collaborating on projects, I’ve been able to expand my professional network and gain exposure to new potential clients.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funding my business was an exciting and challenging endeavor. I relied on my own personal savings to gather the initial capital needed to start my business. I had been diligently saving for quite some time, and I decided that it was the right moment to invest in my entrepreneurial dream. With the capital I had saved, I took the necessary steps to set up my business, including securing a location, purchasing equipment and inventory, and covering initial marketing expenses. It was a leap of faith, but I believed in my business idea and was determined to make it a success. Word of mouth played a significant role in the growth of my business. As I started providing services to my first clients, they were impressed with the quality and value I offered. They began recommending my business to their friends, family, and colleagues, which led to an increase in clients. This positive feedback and the growing number of satisfied customers helped me gain more visibility and attract even more clients. While I had hoped to secure grants to further support my business, I faced multiple rejections. Although it was disheartening, I didn’t let it discourage me. Instead, I focused on finding alternative ways to generate revenue and sustain the growth of my business. Through my dedication and perseverance, I explored different marketing strategies to reach a wider audience. I leveraged social media platforms, created a professional website, and actively engaged with potential clients through networking events and industry conferences. These efforts helped me expand my client base and generate more income, allowing me to reinvest in my business and fuel its growth. Looking back, I am grateful for the journey and the lessons I learned along the way. It taught me the importance of resourcefulness, resilience, and the power of personal investment in achieving my entrepreneurial goals.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.remarkablebraids.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/remarkablebraids_bykayla?igsh=bXBhZjNudjkzc2lk&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/remarkablebraids.bykayla?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@remarkablebraids?feature=shared
• Other: Snapchat: https://snapchat.com/t/JKoW35VR
  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@remarkablebraids?_t=8nxrfbQFPA7&_r=1