We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Clarisa Wiley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Clarisa thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?
It all started in beauty school. When I step into becoming a hairstylist it wasn’t in the plan to make it my career. I had the talent naturally but the brand found me. One of my instructors would call me Cypress everyday. I didn’t understand why so I asked her why and told her my actual name. Her response was God told me that’s your name. So I was sold. I was in a very bad place during beauty school so the meaning touched me deeply.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I got into cosmetology because of my previous employment I needed a change. I hated my job and my household was going through a lot. I needed something where I could create my own schedule to return to school. But it didn’t turn out that way. It became my career and I love it.
While in beauty school I wanted to quit, but I promised myself I wouldn’t no matter what happened. But Everything happened. I became homeless and sent my kids back to Atlanta where I’m originally from, to their father and my aunt. I had to finish what I started. It took a lot discipline and faith in my plan.
When I completed my hours and passed my state board my instructor Mrs. Alice. She was the best! She saw my talent and told me not to get stuck in braids to do it all and that’s just what I’m doing. I specialize in Braids, Natural hair care, hair growth and natural products. I love to bring my clients vision to the eye. The creativity is the fun for me.
What I think sets me apart from other stylist? Well I can doing a variety of styles and protect your hair as well. I’m very creative so when a client has a idea I’m the one to call.
What I’m most proud of with stepping into this? My fight. The things I’ve experienced while trying to become this household name hasn’t been easy. Its still challenging but I absolutely love it and wouldn’t change any of it.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
While building my brand I had a survival mentality because of my situation. When my business took off and was doing very well I didn’t realize I needed to change my mind set until this year actually. I wanted more within my business but it felt like I couldn’t find the time to do so. To add more you have to create space/time to do so. There was no need for me to be overly working like I was. My system has to change.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
Working as a assistant! It helped me in so many ways. Especially if you are working with a pretty popular stylist.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.cypressstyles.com
- Instagram: @cypresstyles
- Facebook: @cypresstyles