We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sarai Brooks. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sarai below.

Sarai, appreciate you joining 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?

People who feel valued and appreciated are often loyal. This is often true in the context of the hair stylist to client relationship. I have found in my years of working behind the chair that its the skill that gets the client in the chair – But, its the experience that keeps them in the chair. I typically do protective styles such as braids, locs and twists. These styles all take usually 2 hours or more. During this time my clients and I share laughs, meaningful conversations, and what I like to call,, “silent-time” (everyone needs this once in a while). On one particular day, I was servicing my long-time client, Erika. She walked in to the salon full of anxiety as she was contemplating quitting her job that no longer served her. She wanted to start her own business using skills she acquired from her job. What a leap! I shared with her my experience in taking a risk by quitting my high-paying ‘steady’ job and jumping in to an entrepreneurial role. I shared my successes, failures, steps and connections to ensure her possible success should she decide to step out on her own too. Some months later, she shared with me her business plan, LLC filing and website she built in that short span of time. Little did I know, she attributed her recent success and progress to that one conversation. Now, am I saying every client is going to walk away and become business owners? No. What I am saying, is sometimes all people want is a listening ear and maybe some feedback or motivation. I am happy to have an interchange of good energy when I intentionally try to add value and share kindness to all who I come across in my business.

Sarai, 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?

I am a creative hair artisan who focuses on natural hair and protective styling. One of my main protective styling methods is braiding – the art of weaving the pieces of hair together into a pattern. Braiding for me is more than a job, it’s an art passed down through generations. Anything involving transforming those waves, curls & coils into something woven & beautiful, I strive to execute with care, precision, and efficiency. Not only are my styles neat & precise, I also prioritize my client’s hair & scalp needs while maintaining the integrity of the styles desired. I am one of the fastest braiders in both Columbus OH and Southern California.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

The best person you can be on social media is authentic. I share my personality through my work by incorporating art, music and visuals to market my business. Consistency is key. I had to strategically build and plan my content for the week while still staying active in connecting with others to boost engagement. I also learned that having the same name and branding style on all social media platforms attracts an engaged and loyal audience. I asked my followers for feedback along the way such as, “what would you all like to see more of?” or I would take advantages of the tools for questions and polls on Instagram that also helps keep an audience engaged. As my audience grew, I continued to reintroduce myself.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I had to unlearn the idea of having to stay “on”. Let’s be honest. Working with the public can be draining and wear on your mental faculties over time. I found myself drowning in anxiety, moody and unorganized when not taking the time todo self-care. I had to learn that it is OK to not be OK and taking breaks are necessary.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://raistyles.simplybook.me/v2/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rai.styles/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarai-brooks-908730148/
• Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/raibstyles

Image Credits
Photographer/Creative Director: Brooke Muhammad @_brookenicolephotos_ Make-Up Artist: Mariah Joy (Coleman) @blushbyjoy Studio: The Que Studio @thequestudio Models: Andreanna @iam.andreanna Nia @niacherise Abbie @mutantninjaturners Secondary Hair Artist: Rakiatu @knotsbyraks (hair done on Sarai) Hair Artist/Brand/Creative Director: Sarai B. @rai.styles