We were lucky to catch up with Givini Vega recently and have shared our conversation below.

Givini, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you share a story that illustrates an important or relevant lesson you learned in school

One the first lessons I can remember is from one of my instructors in college. I attended my local technical college to obtain my master cosmetology license. As student and in my profession, I can definitely be a bit of a perfectionist. This can be helpful but also be a hinderance due to over thinking, over analyzation and comparing myself to others. This turns into a spiral of self-doubt. Of course, as we were all beauty students, you would think that it would be common sense that we wouldn’t always be successful at the task at hand.

My instructor Mrs. Edmonson (Mrs. E for short) once said (loosely quoted): You can be the best stylist out there but if your attitude sucks, your chair will remain empty or you won’t keep clients. Now, if you are kind, polite, humble, personable and a mediocre stylist, your clients will keep coming back. They will be willing to work with you and grow with you.

Skills can be taught but naturally attracting people and making them comfortable is an art. In every aspect of my journey to entrepreneurship, I replay those words in my mind. I remain a student despite 10 plus years of experience because there is always something to learn. My confidence has grown over the years but couldn’t have been done without gaining the trust of my guests. Keeping a humble heart has allowed me to experience many opportunities and allowed me to meet amazing individuals that have poured into me.

At the end of the day, being a good person and the highlight of someone’s day is a blessing.

Givini, 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?

I am Givini (pronounced *Say the letter* G – *Say the letter* V – KNEE) owner of Curltured Studio, LLC in Norcross, GA. We are a natural texture focused salon showing love to the kinky, curly, coily, and wavy tresses. We simplify hair care and routine for the everyday curly girl while amplifying relaxation and promoting wellness.

I am proud to have a safe space to work and service guests. My team is made up with individuals that believe in my mission and treat it as their own. Our guests appreciate our work ethic and efforts to change the salon experience in our community.

Walking into Curltured, I hope you feel embraced, accepted and heard. We hold space to discuss your woes and goals. You come for the knowledge but stay for the vibes.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Funds. Funds. Fun.

Curltured Studio is fully self funded. Moving the Atlanta area from Florida, I was starting over. No existing clientele. No job lined up. We moved due to my husband accepting a new job. With his encouragement, I started a new job as a stylist at a local salon as well as a part time product consultant at a local hair product boutique. After 6 months behind the chair, I became fully booked and having to turn away clientele due to unavailability.

My husband suggested I branch off on my own but confidence wise, I wasn’t ready. 1 month later, I was ready. While working my 2 part time jobs as well as help from husband, With him taking care of home expenses, I took the leap and secured a suite. slowly purchased the equipment and products needed, as well as marketing material. Week after week and check after check, I finally had all I needed and was on my own 1 month shy of a year after starting over. It’s been growth ever since: after 6 months, I had to expand my suite to accommodate help. Another 6 months later, I was looking for a store front to grow even more. One pandemic and 2 years later, we are still going strong and self funded.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Customer service. Hands down.

Being courteous, professional, speaking with tact, and consistent has gotten me so far. I try to be as transparent as possible. I like to set the expectations: under promise, over deliver. If a service is out of my lane, I make it known, I will gladly attempt if the guest is open to it and I will also refer out if needed, There is enough business for everyone and we all deserve to thrive.Being a team player has helped establish beautiful connections and consumers and professionals alike take notice, I rather be known and remembered by how I make someone feel in our interactions versus what I have.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.curltured.com
• Instagram: @GiviniV @CurlturedStudioLLC

Image Credits
Joi Visuals