We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chamaillerie Simmons. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chamaillerie below.
Chamaillerie, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later
I never imagined that I would dive into doing hair full time. I developed my passion for braiding as a teenager. I would braid my friends hair at school and practice on myself and my two siblings. After graduating high school, i wanted to do hair, but like many others having a guaranteed paycheck and benefits reeled me into corporate America instead. I worked for a couple different businesses, primarily as a sales agent, but While employed with those companies, i would still take clients part time from my home. I found myself becoming better at my craft and that feeling of self accomplishment begin to really settle in. Although, i had many acquired many achievements as a employee, this feeling was different. I finally felt like I could be my own boss and really be Good at it. So, it became very hard for me to continue to walk into my 9-5 everyday knowing I had my own talent as a product that I could sell. I then strategized my plan to quit my job. Before resigning, I gained my hair license and established my business “ Sit With Cham” . I then, further invested in myself by paying for special classes to enhance my skills. And broaden my style pallet. As my clientele began to grow in home, I knew it was time for me to step out on faith and give myself a chance professionally. However, with being a wife and a mother, it was a very scary decision to consider. There was so much uncertainty lingering in my thoughts. I remember thinking “what if this doesn’t work” and “would i be able to survive if i don’t get a certain amount of bookings”….. it was definitely heavy on my brain, but my heart ultimately won! After securing my space in a new Salon home in February of 2022,i released a huge amount of self doubt and I made the move. Yep, i quit my job and began Working full time styling hair. I’ve been a full time entrepreneur for less than year, but I’ve discovered so much more about myself in this transition. I already felt confident in my talent to braid and deliver an excellent customer care, but i knew i wasn’t really good at creating content, or wasn’t really knowledgeable about marketing techniques. So the love for my business has forced me to wear multiple hats. Some may feel i juggle them well, but It hasn’t been easy, there can be days where business is slow and bills are stacking up, but i believe its in the most difficult moments is where you learn the most about yourself. Instead of letting self doubt move back in, I’ve been able to transform that energy into positive actions by dedicating that brain space to form resolutions instead. I finally feel like i am living in my purpose and its liberating. Honestly, I wish i would’ve taken these steps a lot earlier in life. I’ve thought about where i could’ve been by now had i started ten plus years ago, but none of that really matters, what matters is the Now. Now is the time to take that leap!
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 a Versatile Stylist that takes great pride in making others feel beautiful all while delivering a relaxing self care experience! My specialties range from braid styles as in knotless and stitch-braids to protective loc styles like softlocs and faux loc styles. I also offer retwist and style service for naturally locked clients. When booking an appointment with me, you can basically come as you are! Hair is included for most styles and a complimentary Shampoo, Condition & Dry is included with your style of choice!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Social media can be a tough cookie to crumble! When starting my business, I initially started with Instagram. I didn’t have a Tik Tok and Facebook was still used more so for personal use. Upon realizing how impactful social medial is in driving future bookings, i took a little more time to see how I could grow my presence across more forums. I created my business page on Facebook and merged it with my Instagram account to help maintain my consistency with posting. I found a way to auto post to Facebook from Instagram and that was a lifesaver. finding tutorials to help you create content for certain audiences helps as well. Creating Content is an everyday project, i can only say just try and stay persistent and in time growth will come.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy has been by posting via social media. The majority of my clients have come from seeing the business page or by seeing an ad that I may have posted. I didn’t really understand the significance of hashtags until one of my clients advised she found a picture of my under a hashtag she searched for.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @SitWithCham
- Facebook: Sit With Cham
- Other: TikTok: @gositwithcham