We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Chi Samuel a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Chi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Before we get into specifics, let’s talk about success more generally. What do you think it takes to be successful?
Success isn’t always about material things or how much money you have; it’s about being aligned with your purpose and trusting God’s plan for your life. Proverbs 16:3 says, “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.” This verse reminds me that success starts with surrendering control to God because He’s in charge of every outcome. Often, fear is the voice we use to talk ourselves out of our own potential. It’s that little voice that says, “What if you fail?” But fear isn’t from God, it’s a tactic to keep us stuck. When I started my hairstyling career, I was terrified of taking risks, but I learned that if I didn’t step out in faith, I’d never grow. Failure isn’t the end; it’s just a lesson. One setback doesn’t define your journey, and it certainly doesn’t cancel the wins that are ahead.
To succeed, you also have to dedicate yourself to what you do. You can’t just do it halfway and expect great results, you have to love it, live it, and put your heart into it. For me, hairstyling is more than a job; it’s my passion, my art, and my way of connecting with people. It’s that love and dedication that keep me improving, even when things get tough. Success requires taking risks, being okay with falling short sometimes, and trusting that with persistence, faith, and hard work, you’ll get where you’re meant to be. When you put God first, stay committed, and pour your passion into your work, success will follow, not just in your career but in your whole life.
Chi, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
My journey as a hairstylist began in the 7th grade, inspired by my mother’s creativity and drive. Over the years, I’ve honed my skills and now operate under the brand Finessedbychii, offering hairstyling services in San Marcos and Houston, Texas. My services include a range of hairstyling options tailored to meet the unique needs of each client. What sets me apart is my dedication to my craft and the personalized attention I provide to every individual, ensuring they leave not only looking great but also feeling confident.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and the trust they’ve placed in me to enhance their natural beauty. My brand, Finessedbychii, represents a commitment to excellence, creativity, and a passion for hairstyling that goes beyond mere aesthetics. I want potential clients to know that when they choose my services, they’re not just getting a hairstylist; they’re gaining a partner dedicated to bringing their vision to life with skill and artistry.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn was the habit of always saying yes. As a hairstylist, I used to feel like I had to accommodate every request, even when I knew it wasn’t in my skill set or would stretch me too thin. Over the years, I realized that saying yes to everything didn’t serve my clients or myself, it only led to unnecessary stress and disappointment. There isn’t one specific backstory, but through experience, I learned that it’s okay to say no instead of leading a client on. I can’t please everyone, and that’s perfectly fine. Being honest about my limitations has allowed me to focus on what I’m great at and provide the best possible service to those who trust me with their hair.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been consistent promotion and advertising, both digitally and physically. Whether it’s posting regularly on social media, sharing my work, or handing out business cards in person, I’ve learned that visibility is key. My advice is to be “annoying” in the best way possible—don’t overthink it, just keep showing up and putting yourself out there. The more people see your work and hear about your services, the more likely they are to remember you when they need what you offer. Consistency and confidence in your brand go a long way.
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1 Comment
Gloria
Loved this article and I love Finessedbychii !