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

Andrea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

I started Drea B. Styles LLC. in 2018 after graduating from Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy. I initially wanted to go into cosmetology after high school in 2009 but instead I went off to college and obtained my Bachelors in Early Education. Even so, my dream of being a Cosmetologist always followed me in some kind of way. I completed 5 years in teaching and decided to follow my heart without any doubts. I knew, even as a little girl what I aspired to be and I did just that. At times I wonder how life would be if I went into the hair industry at an earlier age. However, I do believe that God puts you where you need to be and not where you want to. Back in my earlier life I may not have taken my career as a Master Cosmetologist seriously and probably wouldn’t have stuck it out for as long. I’m in a space and time now where I’m able to grow as a business owner and cherish every moment doing what I love each and every day.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?

Hello my name is Andrea Batteast and I’m the owner of Drea B. Styles. I’m from Savannah, Ga and moved to the Atlanta area after I graduated from Georgia Southern University with my Bachelors Degree in Child Development and Early Education. After 5 years of teaching, I decided to follow my passion and attended Toni & Guy Hairdressing Academy where I received my license/ certification in Cosmetology and TIGI Copyright Color.

As a Master Cosmetologist with 7 years in the hair industry, my sole interest is in providing healthy hair care to everyone who sits in my chair. My expertise in protective styling and taking care of the integrity of my clients scalp and hair, sets me apart from others. I believe that some factors determine how a persons hair flourishes. As a Master Cosmetologist my goal is to set a realistic hair regimen for each one of my clients to follow that will help them along their hair journey. For me it’s important to know that my clients hair and scalp is healthy throughout, before giving them their style of choice. I take pride in my core values and strive to give my best to ensure that my clients are happy with their service.

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

My most effective way of growing my clientele is word of mouth. I’ve been referred many times by previous clients, which I deeply appreciate it. I feel that it’s so important to build a good rapport with anyone that I’m in contact with. And yes, social media is an important factor too. I have my media outlets that I network on as well but “word of mouth” to me is major in building and won’t ever go astray. I’m blessed to know that my brand and what I provide is awesome enough for my clientele to go out and let potential clients know about my business.

We’d really appreciate if you could talk to us about how you figured out the manufacturing process.

I’m currently in the process of branding my line of products that consists of protective bonnets and wigs. It has been a tedious for sure. Much research has taken place in finding the right vendors and manufacturers that suits what I’m looking for. The lessons I’ve learned is to never settle with just one vendor. It’s okay to try many just to make sure there a good fit for your vision. Also, in order to produce a really good product, money has to be spent. Sometimes cutting corners in expenses can affect the overall process and in return the product may be a fail. So, it’s important to make sure that your product feels and looks right before producing it.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.dreabstyles.com
• Instagram: Drea_bstyles

Image Credits
Drea B. Styles LLC