We recently connected with Constunce Brantley and have shared our conversation below.

Constunce , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Coming up with the idea is so exciting, but then comes the hard part – executing. Too often the media ignores the execution part and goes from idea to success, skipping over the nitty, gritty details of executing in the early days. We think that’s a disservice both to the entrepreneurs who built something amazing as well as the public who isn’t getting a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed. So, we’d really appreciate if you could open up about your execution story – how did you go from idea to execution?

Owning a business wasn’t something I had always envisioned for myself. For the longest time, I imagined becoming a corporate employee, relying on the stability of a steady paycheck year after year. But as time went on, I realized the traditional 9-to-5 grind wasn’t for me. I craved autonomy—the freedom to set my own schedule, pursue my passions, and dedicate time to what I truly cared about.

My journey began in high school when I took AP Chemistry as a sophomore. That class gave me the perfect opportunity to combine my love for haircare with science. Fast forward to college, and I was creating everything—gels, moisturizers, sprays—you name it. At first, I made these products exclusively for friends, which gave me the chance to experiment and refine my process. It was during this time that I learned how to properly preserve my creations without refrigeration, a critical step in product development.

After graduating from Texas State, I moved to Austin in the midst of the pandemic and an entrepreneurial boom. It felt like the perfect time to take my passion a step further and turn it into a business. That’s when the real work began. I dove headfirst into research, learning everything I could about hair textures, ingredient blends, and formulation techniques. It took six months of trial and error to get my products just right. Once I perfected them, I felt confident enough to start selling at local markets—and the response was incredible. People loved my products, and I knew I was onto something special.

But as my business grew, I wanted to expand my knowledge and credibility. I decided to formalize my business by obtaining an LLC. While reflecting on the future of my brand, I started asking myself some hard questions: How did I want to show up for my business? What other credentials would I need to make a lasting impact?

For me, one of the answers was earning my cosmetology license. To some, it might seem like a minor detail, but within the Black community, having the knowledge and expertise to care for our hair is incredibly significant. I wanted to ensure I wasn’t just a business owner but someone who could offer real, informed guidance.

Today, I’m proud to be a licensed cosmetologist and a haircare brand owner. I feel equipped to not only create products that maintain and nurture hair but also help my clients’ hair truly thrive. This journey has been challenging but deeply rewarding, and I’m excited to continue growing my business and making an impact.

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’m a 27-year-old dog mom from Dallas, Texas, and a graduate of Texas State University with a degree in Electronic Journalism. Since leaving Spectrum News, I gained many hats. I’m a Content Creator under my brand, ConnieBSocial, a Hair Stylist at Two Rooted Hair Salon, and a Social Media Manager who often steps into the role of a videographer.

Content creation has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I’ve been inspired by YouTubers since middle school, watching different creators do skits and storytelling through video. Over time, I’ve also developed a deep love for social media management. Each client offers a unique perspective—some are meticulously Type A, while others are more hands-off, trusting me to bring their vision to life. Regardless of their approach, there’s always something to learn.

At Two Rooted Hair Salon, my work goes beyond hairstyling—it’s about creating a safe, empowering space. In a city like Austin, where the Black community often struggles to find spaces to authentically be themselves, Two Rooted has become that space. It’s a place where I can fully embrace who I am as a Black woman, free from stereotypes or limitations.

Altogether, my diverse skill set and passion for creativity have allowed me to thrive across these ventures. Whether it’s serving my community, telling impactful stories, or creating something meaningful for my family’s future, I’m proud of the journey I’m on and excited for what’s to come.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

Pivoting from a producer to a hairstylist was incredibly hard. How does one come to terms with the fact that the four years spent in college might not be the direct stepping stones to one’s success as a young adult?

I stayed at my job for nearly two years before realizing I couldn’t keep going down that path. Deep down, I knew I wanted to focus on my haircare brand, but I didn’t have the funding or time to drop everything and pursue vendor markets full-time. I had to make a choice—go all in or stay stuck.

If you’ve read my other article, you’ll know I stayed with a friend during this time. Living there allowed me to pay her rent while attending cosmetology school, all while working as a social media manager. Those two years were a whirlwind but I came out on the other side. I wasn’t sure how I was going to get into cosmetology school, let alone keep my business afloat—but I made it work.

Any advice for managing a team?

As someone who has worked directly under business owners and led a team, my first piece of advice is to understand your business deeply. As a business owner, you need to clearly define the type of business you want to run and the core values you want to uphold. Once you’ve established these for yourself, instill them in your team. Make sure they not only understand these values but also see how they directly impact the business’s success.

Maintaining high morale starts with respect—respecting your team members and holding everyone, including yourself, to the same high standards. Consistency is key. When your actions align with the values you preach, it sets the tone for the entire team and inspires them to follow your lead.

Managing a team isn’t always easy, especially with varying personalities, but keeping everyone aligned is crucial. One-on-one check-ins and open forums for employees to share concerns or feedback are effective ways to ensure everyone feels heard and stays on the same page. These moments of connection can make a significant difference in fostering a collaborative and motivated team environment.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/constunce/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/constuncebrantley
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Constunceb

Image Credits

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