We were lucky to catch up with Vanessa Denise recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Vanessa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today.
What would I have done differently to get to where I am today? 3 words… Believing In Myself! I think a lot of people including myself fall victim to self doubt. Even though I believe I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be I still wonder how much farther I would be in my career if I would have believed in my dreams years ago. Instead I let self doubt take over and completely walked away from my talents because I didn’t think I was good enough. I didn’t think I’d be successful. I was completely wrong. I’m one of Austin’s Top Stylists. People all over the world fly to me. Drive hours to see me. Wait months to book me. I’m truly thankful for my God given gift. If there’s anyone struggling that’s reading this I want them to know you can do it. Don’t chase love. Chase your education. Chase a career that truly makes you happy. Chase financial stability so that you don’t have to depend on anyone to take care of you. Don’t put your education, career or money to the side for anyone. Believe in yourself. Speak positivity into yourself everyday. Most importantly , HUSTLE! Hustle every single day. When you feel like quitting, get up and hustle even harder! I promise you that your hard work and dedication will pay off. Start now. The time will pass regardless. Everyday that you work towards your goals is another day closer to your dreams! You got this!!!
Vanessa, 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’m known as the fastest braider in Austin,Tx! Although I built my career on braiding I’ve slowly rebranded my business specializing in Ombré Locs. Human and synthetic. Something I excelled in rather quickly. It’s funny now that I think of it because about 6 years ago I did Locs for the first time. They were so ugly and took me almost 10 hours. I said I would never do them again. Fast forward to now I’m one of the best Loc stylists in the city. I can finish a set of butt length Locs in 3 hours sometimes less. I’ll eventually only provide Ombré locs. I took a class not too long ago. The speaker spoke about focusing solely on a speciality. Why be good at 15 different styles when you can be great at 5? That really resonated with me because I want to be the best in what I do in every aspect. I’ve expanded my business to shipping Locs all over the world. I think that’s pretty cool that my Locs have been to city/states I haven’t even been to. Since my last interview I’ve recently launched my 100% natural hair oil. Made with organic cold pressed oils imported from around the world. Unlike the hair store oils filled with nothing but cancer causing chemicals. VNatural’s New Growth Hair oil is gentle enough for babies.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Professionalism! You wouldn’t believe how many stories I hear about other stylists being unprofessional to their clients. It’s stocking. People genuinely appreciate professionalism. It’s the #1 reason why 85% of my clients are repeat clientele. Greeting your clients, answering their questions, & responding in a timely manner goes a long way! Being dependable also plays a huge role in my success. My clients know when they book an appointment with me that they won’t get canceled on. I start on time and I’m consistent!
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Posting consistently, everyday. Posting quality pictures and videos & having catchy captions. Hashtags & tagging popular spots in your city on your pictures. It works!
Contact Info:
- Website: vnatural.co
- Instagram: Trapness