We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chilli Cornell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chilli below.

Chilli, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We love asking folks what they would do differently if they were starting today – how they would speed up the process, etc. We’d love to hear how you would set everything up if you were to start from step 1 today

If I were to start over, I would have definitely been more upfront with my words and trusted my talent and skills.

I would have listened to myself instead of trying to please other people (family).

At the end of the day. I don’t regret starting later in the beauty industry as it made me who I am today, so am very grateful.

Chilli, 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?

Hello.

My name is Williette but am socially known as Chilli. I’ve always known that I wanted to be in the beauty industry and I’ve known since I was 12.

My inspiration came from my mother, as she had a beauty shop back home in Ghana. I would come home from school and head straight to the shop. I love watching the reactions her clients would get, the excitement in their facial expression and the way their mood would shift from just a hairstyle or even the color change of their nails. I knew right away I wanted to have that effect on someone. I wanted to make someone smile that like.

I got lucky when I had the opportunity to travel to Canada with my family at a young age and I made a promise to myself to accomplish my goal of being in the beauty industry. I started small by volunteering my time at a local salon in Ontario called queens salon. I would go there after school and on the weekends. Then when I graduated high school I knew I wanted ro go to beauty school but the timing wasn’t right until 2015. I decided to leave my 9 to 5pm to focus on my dream. I went to MC College for Makeup Artistry and in 2016 I attended Everlyn Charles Academy for Cosmology and graduated.

From then on I worked at several Salons in the city and managed them. But I still wasn’t happy as I wanted to run my own business. I spoke with my husband and we decided to purchase a home so that that I could have a home based studio. I am the proud owner of Chillis Beauty Studio based in Edmonton Alberta. And I plan to franchise one day by the grace of God.

My business consists of different hair services. We also provide custom made wigs for hair loss or for fashion. We specialize in many hair extensions services like, fusion extensions, tap-ins, itip, micro weft, traditional leave-out or sew-ins. We also perform wig installation services , hair cuts and colors for both women and men. Not to mention top notch makeup applications for special occasions, like weddings, parties, prom bridal shower using various brands from across the world.

I think what I would say to anyone that wants to pursue theirs dreams in this industry would be “stay consistent “, and “have love for what you do”. I’ve learnt that having passion for my work has kept me going. Having a positive mindset goes a long way. There will be times when you don’t feel like things are going to work out but I promise you staying positive and hard work will get you there .

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I was told my a very close family member if mine that being in the beauty industry was a waste and that if I continue if I continue this process (that said person) would never speak to me again.

I was heart broken and completely shattered inside. But I knew no one could understand my dream like I did (do). So I had to put myself together and focus on me for once. Because I was the child who always obeyed and did what I was told

But this time I said no for the first time and it felt good. Good to know that I chose me.
I overcame and still continue to pursue my dreams and now here I am. A proud business owner at that.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Thank God for society media. It has really been a game changer.

Basically I used to record every I did. Ever hair service makeup sessions with every client. And I would share it with family and friends and they would share it for me on Facebook.

Then came Instagram (the holy grill)
I didn’t really know how to work it at first, so I watched YouTube tutorials. From then on It became a religious thing for me to do. I’d say I post every other day or so. My business has grown so much more because of social media.

My advice to anyone who is trying to build as society media presence for their business would be :record it and post it”

Even if it’s just 2 people who’s watched it I guarantee you that those 2 ppl will bring in 200 ppl. And word of mouth is very powerful.

Contact Info:

• Website: Allthingschillisbeauty.com
• Instagram: @chillisbeautystudio
• Facebook: @chillisbeautystudio
• Youtube: Chilli cornell