We were lucky to catch up with Bria Carnes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Bria, thanks for joining us today. The first dollar your firm earns is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

My first official client is Jessica Conner. She was a client that followed me from cosmetology school. She has been with me since 2017. Once I graduated school, she waited for me to start taking back clients and was my first official client behind the chair. It felt completely different because I had complete creative control instead of having an instructor tell me what I can do. Although this was not her first time receiving services from me, it felt amazing having her as my official first client. Being an independent contractor, you’re completely on your own to build or retain clients. To know that she had so much faith in my talent meant everything to me. To this day she is still a faithful client

Bria, 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 am a hairstylist who has been behind the chair for six years. I specialize in hair care, natural hair and color. I’ve always had an interest in hair care and helping people since I was a teenager; but I didn’t people who take me serious in that field. I finally got over my fear and started cosmetology school in 2016. I attended Paul Mitchell the School Toledo. The number one thing that I love about my career is that I love helping people fall back in love with their hair. Growing up, I was taught that our hair is our crown and we have to treat it as such. Being able to help clients learn about their hair and how to enhance its beauty is a reward in itself. Then to see their real reaction when their hair is flourishing, is everything.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

Being able to give my guest an experience; not just an appointment. My goal isn’t to get their service down and receive my payment. My goal during each experience is to make sure my clients are completely comfortable and relaxed. They are able to wine down after a long day and be free. Offering amenities for my guests to relax and enjoy their self care moment.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

Targeting your unique audience and finding my niche. When I first started, I would take any client, good or bad just to make income. Most were one time guest or looking for a deal and I couldn’t build a consistent clientele. I had to figure out what type of client I would want in my chair. Marketing and advertising to certain groups on social media helped curate my clientele. I also had to find my “niche”. My first two years behind the chair, I felt as if I needed to do every service to earn income. I could feel myself losing my passion for trying to do all these services that I didn’t love. I focused on Natural Services for natural black hair, and noticed a real need from clients. Education and real hair results! My clients love when I break down every products uses and how to properly use them. It made it easier for them to maintain their hair and helped them see real results!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briasworldofbeauty_/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/briaswob