We were lucky to catch up with Christopher J. Rich recently and have shared our conversation below.

Christopher, appreciate you joining us today. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.

My cousin was my first ever paying client. In November 2018 I had made my second wig ever. I had some blonde bundles and dyed them this burnt orange color before making it into a wig. That was my first time ever coloring a wig, and to be honest I didn’t know it would be the start of my career as a hairstylist. I loved that wig so much! She did to because she bought it from me for two or three hundred dollars. At the time I barely knew how to install wigs, but after she purchased it she wanted me to install it on her too. I was nervous as hell, but I didn’t let that me stop me from getting the install done. When I wore the wig it was such a big deal, but when I put it on her and I would see people ask her “who did your hair?” I would light up with excitement because people liked my work in the early stages of my now career.

Christopher, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Hello world my name Is Christopher J. Rich A.K.A. Slay Rich. I am a hairstylist based out of Woodland Hills, CA. I specialize In wigs(making, and installing them), extensions(sew ins, tape ins), and natural hair(silk press). I got my start in hair at a young age, but I never thought it would be my career. After gaining my associates degree In Musical Performing Arts In 2018 I decided I wanted to pursue hair. I’ve been doing hair five years now, four of those years as a licensed cosmetologist. I’ve been blessed early in my career to have worked with celebrities like Amber Riley, Doechii, and KeKe Palmer to name a few. Most people would consider me a hair influencer because of the content I create, but I just consider myself a dope hairstylist.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

To me the most rewarding part of what I do Is getting to see my clients get out of my chair with their confidence boost from a ten to one hundred. When they start talking spicy and doing hair flips that’s when I know I’ve done a great job. Another thing I find rewarding Is me getting love from strangers and the people in my corner. That kind of love and support can’t be bought! That let’s me know I’m doing a great job and that I have the support/love that will help me continue to grow and push myself creatively in my career.

How did you build your audience on social media?

So I have this love hate relationship with social media. When I first started I had just mastered a good selfie. Once I did that I made sure to always post a cute picture every week. Now that I do hair and post hair content it can become a little overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong I’m not saying don’t post! I’m saying if you’re like me try to have at least 1-2 days out of your week to edit all your content. I usually edit all the content I film on my off days. That way when I’m ready to post I can just press upload and I’m done. A lot of people say social media doesn’t work, but It actually works really well. The few viral videos I have gained me a lot of work. I also see people say hashtags don’t work, but that’s a lie! Don’t be scared to use those hashtags, and make sure you get the people talking under your post. Getting the people to talk is the engagement you want. If I was more consistent with posting on all my social media platforms I would definitely have a super huge following. One last tip I’ll leave you with is don’t expect to go viral instantly. When that moment happens you will least expect it, but in the meantime keep posting good quality content!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Slayedbyjrich
• Twitter: @Slayrichh
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@slayrichh

Image Credits

Parker Brooks(Header Photo)
Sara Lee(Denim Look & White Tank with jeans)