We were lucky to catch up with Courtney Reed recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Courtney thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

While in college, it was difficult finding someone to style my hair. I began styling my own hair and other black women on campus noticed. Attending a PWI had its pros and cons. But my hair business began to show me a different side of the college experience. Women started approaching me on campus asking could I give them my stylist’s information so they could get their hair done. My first official client reached out to ask about my pricing. I told her about my hair journey thus far and she decided to give me a chance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

As a child I always played with one particular toy. It was a doll head with a head full of hair I could practice on. The doll’s hair was the complete opposite texture of my own, but I learned the fundamentals through time, and trial and error. I was able to teach myself the basics and then apply it to those around me. Relatives, friends, coworkers, everyone wanted to be a client. I knew from that day on that it was my job to not only provide the client with a luxurious style, but a meaningful connection. Speaking to fellow black women during appointments is very rarely about the newest pop artist or their ex boyfriend. It’s about creating a safe space that allows clients to share apart of themselves with me. Getting your hair done, especially as a black woman is very rarely a two hour appointment. It takes sometimes two hours to ten hours. Just depending on the style and their hair density. I am most proud of not only providing a physical service, but an emotional one. Connecting with people and building trust is how you keep a client satisfied. The quality of the style won’t matter if you aren’t personable and kind. Their payment doesn’t go towards only supplies and labor, they are entitled to an experience with the person they’ve trusted in such a short amount of time that feeds their soul.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

Social media is primarily about aesthetic. Everyone wants to leave reality for a moment and be captivated by something that looks good and makes them feel good. Sometimes having a social media presence isn’t always about working the hardest to be seen, but relying on simplicity and raw talent. And oftentimes that will get you noticed before the facades will. I try to keep my content interesting but also realistic.

Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?

The sermon, Pivot by Pastor Touree Roberts talks about the importance of being able to adjust and be flexible in this day and age. It’s always been an important skill to have but in modern times it’s even more important to expect the unexpected.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: beautyby.courtnay and hay.courtnay
• Linkedin: Courtney Reed