We recently connected with Bella Rashay and have shared our conversation below.
Bella, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risking taking is a huge part of most people’s story but too often society overlooks those risks and only focuses on where you are today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – it could be a big risk or a small one – but walk us through the backstory.
Since a teenager learning the ins and outs of working for others, I have always been a passionate, goal driven, hard worker, to say the least. I’ve always worked for great companies like Winn-Dixie, Broward County Clerk of Courts, and Quest Diagnostics. It wasn’t until the year of 2019 when I was working as a Specimen Technician for Quest Diagnostics laboratory, after being laid off a previous job in December of 2017, where I realized that I no longer enjoyed working for anyone else. Realizing this I also didn’t know what I wanted to do to acquire an income, I just knew that I really enjoyed doing hair. On my days off I would always use my time to do family members hair and my spouse would help me by doing things like going to the beauty supply store for what I needed, cleaning up my mess when I finish so I can have a seat to rest my feet, and he would sometimes even help me plait down on some styles that were time consuming. One day I was talking to him about how I didn’t want to work for Quest Diagnostics any longer and he told me to quit and put forth my effort into doing what I love, which is braids/hair. I was extremely scared and questionable as to how can I do that, where do I start, what about the health benefits, etc. He explained the financial pros and cons of me quitting and starting my own business, how even on a slow day I would make the same or even more than I would working for that company or how I would spend countless hours doing overtime and miss valuable time with my family, how I could make my own schedule and hours. After that conversation, he left me in deep thought and excitement for days. I approached my parents and some family members about the idea of me quitting and starting my own business but no one seemed to see or agree with the vision I was gracefully given. I, myself didn’t even believe at first, thinking about all of the benefits that came with working for such a great company that I would be leaving behind. My spouse constantly reminded me of the impeccable potential, personality, and customer service skills I had and told me that the only way was to believe and win. Hearing that from my spouse/best friend was more than enough for me because I knew that he was a praying person full of hope and I’ve witnessed all of his dreams come true. So here I am today with the greatest decision I’ve ever made in my life thus far, as a full time entrepreneur for Muy Bella Styles LLC.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Bella Rashay Tucker, I am a radiant God fearing woman, born and raised in West Park, Florida (formerly known as Carver Ranches). I am a compassionate and honorable individual who cares and loves everyone as a their own person. I have always enjoyed hair and fashion growing up. I did hair for little of nothing in return and most times for free of charge for years. I got into my business by simply going back to what I’ve always enjoyed, which is doing hair. I’ve spent countless days, with the support and motivation from my spouse, researching and brainstorming on how to start my business. After being laid off a job with no explanation back in December of 2017 it took me about 7 months before I started working again, for Quest Diagnostics laboratory. There, I was very unhappy and decided to take my business to the next level. I am so proud of the fact that I used the motivation/push from the head of my kingdom (my spouse) to make a difference through the joy of serving others. I am set apart by being myself, very professional, understanding, and full of dignity. When working I get excited daily, after styling I surprise myself sometimes. With the satisfaction from my clients, money can never buy the smiles and results I get from my service.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele is always staying true to who I am as an individual and business woman. This means interacting with each client and constantly learning about them each appointment to find new ways to keep them happy.
How did you build your audience on social media?
How I built my audience on social media was simple. I literally woke up one day after posting the day before and my audience grew rapidly and daily. I always make sure that the content I post is clean, watermarked, and has meaning behind it for each caption. For example: I would post a picture of a finished style and instead of using a caption like “Click the link in my bio to book this style” I would write a purposeful caption like: “The beauty in this style is the result of doing what you love and loving what you do. I was working a job I hated going to until I built the courage to step out on faith and believe in my skills”. I also used hashtags to build my audience on social media as well.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://muybellastyles.as.me
- Instagram: muybellastyles
- Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI0h-tNBMVQDOMo9gSbXByQ