We were lucky to catch up with Angel Thornton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Angel, appreciate you joining us today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
If I could do it all over, I would be more patient with the process. I was so consumed with wanting to be in a location that I didn’t calculate how much everything would cost me. I had a vision with no real place. I didn’t think about products that I could sell which would bring in revenue. I didn’t have a full team. I just wanted to be in a space better than I was at with the people I had already. I did not receive any funding so everything came out of my pocket.
So if I was starting over I would have a plan, funding, a team and product line in order before securing a location.
Angel, 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?
Well my name is Angel Thornton and Playhouse Beauty is my brand. I am in the beauty industry and have been in it most of my life. As a child, I would do other kids hair and even adults for $20 (what a scam). I attended Aveda Institute and worked in a few different salons before building my own team and going independent. I currently work between Atlanta and California. I’ve had the pleasure to work on set for movies and videos with some pretty big names. My first celebrity client was Faith Evans. My mission is to educate my clients, grow their hair and build their confidence. Playhouse Beauty is mostly known for our Individual Crochet Locs, it’s a protective style. Pair the locs with our growth serum and magic is made! Some of your favorite people like Toya Johnson, Regina Carter, Shamea Morton and so many more have rocked the style. I am most proud of my accomplishments thus far. It’s really times like this, when I get to reflect and think about how far I’ve come. I want brands, followers, clients and even haters to know that I take pride in what I do. I will continue to grow as a stylist and business owner, I only hope that it is recieved well.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been a few things. Two of the most important being consistency and customer service. I actually have a list, which will be in my book, “How to Become a Successful Stylist” that I am currently working on. It goes into details on how to grow your clientele, maintain your clientele and set yourself apart from other stylist.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Let’s see, it has been a few things that has happen along my journey that illustrates my resilience. From the beginning, looking at locations. I hate to say it but I do feel like there were a couple of instances where I didn’t get the location I wanted because I am black and young. My realtor was a white man, so many people didn’t know the owner would be black until we met in person. Then all of a sudden, radio silence. No matter what, I continued my journey and then the next issue would be my credit. I hadn’t established enough credit so a couple of people wanted me to have a co-signer. I was totally against that because nobody was putting money towards my business so in a weird way I felt like no one would take credit for helping secure the location. I also didn’t have anyone who would be willing or could help. After a year of searching with my realtor, I had finally secured a location by myself.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.playhousebeauty.me
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/playhousebeauty
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayhouseBeauty
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angel-thornton-3a1a81202
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/_yuhmarie
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLVa5sP2Cv6L4Zq3njyox_ANlTUqKA8EZS
Image Credits
B.Mars