Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Barakya Rawchaa. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Barakya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

In 2021 My brother started his locs and he needed a retwist. I offered to do it. He wanted a style as well. This was my first time doing a retwist, I started twisting his hair and the twist was unraveling. I figured it out and finished the entire process. My brother liked how his hair looked and suggested I started to take doing hair seriously. I laughed and told him I’ll think about and it wasn’t a bad idea. As time went on I gave it lots of thought and started researching schools. I landed a school called Hogan institute of Cosmetology and Esthetics. It an experience I will never forget and enjoyed. I was also working full time, so now I would be adding on going to school part time. That was quite the challenge but with God anything is possible

A few months later, I started to take on more clients during the weekends this helped grew into my passion for hair. I love encouraging people to embrace their natural and feel better than they entered.

I started to create my logo and brand name. I landed on “BeesCurlsnStyles” and began working on finding my niche in the beauty industry. BeesCurlsnStyles represents where beauty invites hair care.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am Barakya Rawchaa, the owner of BeesCurlsnStyles. It all started the summer of 2012, when my brother decided he wanted to grow his hair out. He kept bugging me to learn how to do cornrows. We went on YouTube and clicked on the first video that popped up. I immediately became stressed out and wanted to quit but he encourage me to keep trying every day that week.

After lots of trial and error I got the concept of how to do cornrows. Now I had to work on my grip and techniques. Once I started highschool I grew into myself and my natural hair. I would wear twist outs, braid outs, Bantu knot out etc. My siblings were my models for anything I needed to practice and I appreciate them so much for it.

In 2020 I branched out to braids with added hair (Knotless braids, Feed in cornrows, etc) I shadowed other braiders to learn more of the concept, skills, and speed techniques. Then I became my own model and began practicing on myself. After years of preparation, I offer Traditional locs retwist/styles, natural hair, and braid services.

In addition to mastering my craft, I listen to my client’s needs and desires when it comes to hair care. In the beginning of every services, I ask “What do they like most about their hair?”, What is their routine/lifestyle like?”, and “How do they plan to improve?”. With this approach I can execute exactly what is needed during the appointment. Equally important to growing long beautiful hair, many people want to confident in wearing curly styles or in its natural state. I create a personal routine for them and ensure that they are keeping up with it. I would recommend what products they should buy or start using, styling tips, overnight routines, and in between services care as well.

I am proud to say I have grown so much as a person. I’ve learned to love myself, embrace my mistakes, sympathize with others while putting myself first, and standing my ground when it comes to respect, boundaries, and building healthy relationships between clients and friends. I would like my future clients, friends, and supporters to know that I take pride in what I do. Not only because of the outcome but the differences it makes in others lives. For instance, the confidence boost you once your hair is done or the hair care routine results are showing. I value my time that is spent with each person I interact with. So with that being said thank you all and don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with BeesCurlsnStyles.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

A lesson I had to unlearn was taking constructive criticism personal. I used to respond so negatively when I received corrections about my work or character.

I was taught that when you are corrected it means that you have done something wrong or they are not pleased with me.

One day at school I had a client who asked for a pixie cut with flat iron curls. I never offered that service so I took on the challenge. During the service she complained about everything and I did not take the commentary well, hence I’m in school and I’m learning as I go.

Unfortunately, she reported me to my instructor and complained about my attitude towards her. My instructor then pulled me to the side and explained to me that I cannot respond negatively to unsatisfied clients. It’s a learning experience and this is apart of it. She then stepped in and showed me how to do the style and encouraged me to finish the service.

At the end of class I did feel a lot better and appreciated the correction. I continued to work on my responses, regulate my emotions and focus on my body language.

Have you ever had to pivot?

In December of 2023 I was only 20 hours away from completing my 1500 hours for cosmetology school. I was set to graduate in January 2024. I was part time so the term was 2 years long.

During financial aid review, I had a balance remaining and I had to pay it off before I could complete my hours. I was devastated. By the end of the week I would only have 4 hours remaining and I would be done! Sadly, I had to take a Leave of Absence from school and figure out how I was going to pay $584 with in 2 weeks of completion without staying longer than I wanted. I become discouraged and disappointed about the leave, not ringing the bell with my friends, and staying in school longer.

Not to mention, I had my personal expenses to cover, so I began to thinking of a plan. I started to make small payments at time before my LOA but it wasn’t enough. I ran a fundraiser/sale to make the money. I selected a few styles, discounted the prices and started taking clients whenever I could. I was so blessed that I ended up making more than the amount I needed so I extended the sale until I started back school.

In March 2024 I returned to school, completed my 4 hours, passed my final exam, and received my diploma.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Beescurlsnstyles
• Other: TikTok: BeesCurlsnStyles

Image Credits

Barakya Rawchaa I took all pictures