We were lucky to catch up with Contressa Oliver recently and have shared our conversation below.
Contressa, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you find your key vendor or vendors? Maybe you can share the backstory and share some context and the relevant details to help us understand why you chose them, why they chose you, etc.
Finding a key vendor was difficult until I realized there was an easier way to accomplish my goal. In the beginning, I chose vendors based on trial and error. I would choose a vendor that seemed reputable and from there, negotiate terms. I would then test their products on myself for an extended period so that I was able to fully analyze the products. After roughly six months of trial and error, most of the products were not the quality that I needed. What I thought would be an easy process turned out to be a very difficult one as my finances were decreasing tremendously. One day, I was looking through a bag of hair extensions purchased possibly ten years prior and came across a weft of hair from a very reputable company. The weft was not in its original form from wear and tear but the high quality remained. It was at that moment, I decided to use a vendor that I was familiar with. This company swept the world for many years, and from experience, I knew that the product would last. The very next day, I scheduled a meeting with the company’s distributor. We met at one of his companies in Atlanta Georgia where I was able to tour and sample other products. We were able to negotiate deals that would allow us both to gain immediate profits. So far, I have been very satisfied with this company and the transparency that has allowed us to build a business relationship that will last a lifetime.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I am a published hairstylist and barber in the state of Georgia with over 20 years of experience. I’ve worked for companies such as the very popular Regis Corporation where I became educated on all hair types. Completing my degree in marketing and becoming a licensed cosmetology instructor in 2010 has been quite the reward. As a high school educator, teaching the cosmetology pathway is a great way for students to not only get a jump start on earning college credits but also a great opportunity for students to gain knowledge and hands-on experience. Students graduate from high school with a certificate(s), diploma, and/or an associate’s degree that allows them to go straight into their career field. For the past two years, I’ve served as a judge and advisor for Georgia’s SkillsUSA Cosmetology. By having experience in both areas, I can properly train students for regional and state competitions. Teaching post-secondary education allows me to prep students for their state board licensure exams and teach them the rules and regulations of their state. Building their confidence, pushing them to their highest potential, and helping them accomplish their goals are my number one priority.
One of my recent accomplishments was becoming an educator for The Bronner Brother’s International Beauty Show in Atlanta Georgia. I have admired this company for many many years and to become a part of something so legendary is truly an honor. My e-commerce beauty supply store, Noble Glam Hair Collection offers high-quality hair extensions and other haircare and beauty needs. I recently founded Revilo the Beauty Brand, which educates people on the importance of beauty and wellness. Many emphases are placed on maintaining outward beauty while completely overlooking health and wellness. It is widely accepted that beauty can significantly boost confidence. In an effort to maintain a youthful and attractive appearance, we often invest significant time and resources into our appearance. However, it is important to recognize that beauty and wellness are closely interconnected. Our outer appearance is often a reflection of our overall health and well-being. By prioritizing healthy lifestyle choices, we can not only enhance our appearance but improve our physical and emotional well-being. For example, if we are not getting enough sleep, or have a well-balanced diet, that can cause many issues with our skin especially as we age. We will then rely on makeup, Botox, etc. to cover imperfections. As a proud member of the Professional Beauty Association, my goal is to educate as many men and women on this topic so that they are able to get the results they are looking for while building self-confidence.
Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?
Building my social media presence is fun but requires patience and persistence. With so much happening on social media, it is easy to become overshadowed. Building a social media presence helps businesses stay relevant. Three tips that I use to build my social media are one, share your social media with everyone. Most people today have some sort of social media and this allows them to engage with your brand. This also allows you to expand your brand so that it will grow. Next, create visual and engaging content. Studies show that 78% of people will more likely interact with content videos versus a post containing words. If words are used, create content that shares testimonials and reviews. When content is relatable or when people are learning something new, it builds trust in your brand. The longer people engage with your videos, the most likely social media will allow your content to remain in the algorithm. Lastly, use hashtags. Hashtags put your content in front of a broader audience. A key to remember when using hashtags is that each social media platform has its own guidelines when it comes to using hashtags. For example, when using Twitter, one to two hashtags are recommended.
How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.
Customers can purchase items directly from my website. I think that this is a more flexible option because products are available to customers 24/7. The convenience of having the option to purchase on your website generates repeat business. Repeat sales serve as a primary factor in growing your business. You can generate email lists, create your discount codes and coupons, and connect with customers through content such as blogs or videos. Customers are more likely to return to your website when there is a simple checkout system. Selling products on your website also removes barriers that would be present when selling in a storefront. A business owner can reach customers worldwide versus being limited to that area. A few disadvantages to selling products on your website would be customers not being able to test the product first. In some cases, customers want to examine or feel hair extensions to determine if it’s a great choice for them. Unfortunately, that wouldn’t be an option for online purchases. Shipping rates and processing can also be lengthy. There are stages behind the scenes that take place when products are ordered. Transactions require processing with the site host and bank, items are then packaged and delivered to the carrier. The carrier then sorts and scans packages. Once packages are scanned, they are then ready for shipment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nobleglamhair.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nobleglamhair/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nobleglamhair
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/NobleGlamHair
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWefHhtjUMI
- Other: https://contressa.wixsite.com/contressa-oliver