We recently connected with Destiny Pringle and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Destiny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.
If I were to start over I would start with focusing on and building business credit and registering my business with my state to have access to the many benefits more early on. I say this because technically I’ve been in business for myself for almost 10 years as of 2022 but legally my business has only existed 2 years. If I knew what I know now, I would’ve registered my business with my state much earlier on in my career, started to build business credit by opening up lines of credit and using the credit to purchase inventory instead of using my own money. I would keep my business credit at a high standing and leverage off of it. That is the only thing that I would do differently if I had the chance to start all over. But you know, you live and you learn. I am grateful for all of the great lessons I learned on my journey toward entrepreneurship.
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
My name is Destiny born and raised in Miami, fl I am a 23 years young Aries. I started my business Styles By Proof officially in the year of 2016 but I was doing hair long before then. I started my hairstylist journey in middle school by offering rope twist as a service to family, friends, and other clientele that was attracted to my work. I continued on my journey by practicing quick weaves on some of my friends and myself but didn’t begin to take it seriously til I graduated high school and was headed off to college. I always had a passion for hair but didn’t take heed to it until it was time for me to go to college and I had to think of something to do for extra money to provide for myself while in school. I launched Styles By Proof in June of 2016 and I’ve been building and advancing my business ever since. Im a self taught hairstylist where I learned most of my different hair techniques from YouTube and with some help from aunt. I continue to practice newly evolved techniques on myself and friends to make sure that I keep up with new trends and keep my business relevant.
In 2018 I left Tallahassee, Fl where I was attending college and moved back home that was when I had a complete shift on my life from a full time student to a part time hairstylist ( I was still working 9 to 5 ), I registered my business with my state as Proof In The Hair and moving forward my clientele begin to expand beyond measures.In 2021 I quit my job and I moved my business from my mother’s living room to a private salon suite to better service my widely grown clientele. I am currently a full time hairstylist located in Miramar, Fl providing over 10+ services to females from Miami, Broward and even Atlanta Georgia. I launched my hair extensions line Proof Hair Extensions providing top quality lace wigs, bundle, frontals, closures. In 2022 I launched my hair product/tools line Lace Bestie Collection which includes our long lasting lace glue ” Sticky Icky Glue”, Sticky Skin Protectant , Parting combs, Edge Brushes, and Melt Bands ” Lace Bestie Band “.
As you can see I’m a very faithful women once I see a vision for my self I make sure I execute that vision and make it come to reality. I always dreamed of being my own boss and the fact that I couldn’t keep a job made it very clear that I was destined for my dreams. All it takes is a bit of faith, time, patience, and prayer and your dreams will unfold right in front of you. Always believe you can and you will.
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
My initial capital to start my business came from a very small pay check that I received from working my 9 to 5 job. That initial investment was so scary but necessary because it was a jump start for what my business has grown into today.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
Consistency and Honesty. I don’t sugar coat anything with my clients and I always keep an open line of communication with them. They respect my drive and willingness to show up for my business. I would never just cancel appointments on a client, unless there’s a real life emergency beyond my control, because I know how important it is for a women or girl to keep her hair done. Not having you hair done can really take a toll on some people’s self esteem, and just imagine your client had to go to an event that day or the days approaching and you cancel on her hair appointment so now she has to miss her event for your inconvenience. I always try to think from a ” what if it was me ” point of view with my clients and I treat them exactly how I expect to be treated as a paying customer. I build relationships with my clients I don’t care about popularity because I understand that the people that are meant to be in my chair will sit in my chair and get serviced by me. I treat all of my beautiful clients like queens and I succeed at bringing out their inner beauty by giving them personality through the beautiful art of hairstyling.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.proofinthehair.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stylesbyproof_?igshid=NDBlY2NjN2I=
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/Stylesbyproof_-109518110616633/?ref=bookmarks
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsjn2w5fYBQ
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