We recently connected with Dorothea (Dot) Saint-Fleur and have shared our conversation below.
Dorothea (Dot) , looking forward to hearing all of your stories 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.
Knowing everything that I know now about running a business, I would have trusted myself much sooner. I’ve always known the flexibility I desired in life, but I allowed fear to control me. It resulted in me submitting to the societal pressure of working for companies, instead of working for myself.
We all have talents and skills, but very rarely do we trust that they can be monetized. I took a skill that I’ve had since I was a teen (braiding hair) and turned it into an entire business. The success and freedom that I have now, would have taken me years to build up if I was still working for other people.
Embrace the shift of your career path, instead of going against it. Sometimes the transition is to launch you further into the destiny you dream of.
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 am the owner of NoHo Braids Salon. In the global pandemic of 2020, I was unexpectedly left go from my job. I was heartbroken. The betrayal made me aware of how disposable I was working at the hands of other people. I knew I needed to pivot, and quickly. I was propelled into starting my own business. Taking a skill I’ve had since childhood and capitalizing off of it.
NoHo Braids is an in-home braid salon specializing in individual braids, crochet braids and cornrows. We pride ourselves on intimate care, and therapeutic conversations transforming your hair and your heart. We provide professional and excellent service.
We’ve had the honor to have our work displayed on the cover of Hello Beauty Magazine, People Chica Magazine, Sephora’s commercials and Beyoncé 2022 Oscar’s performance.
NoHo Braids is most proud of our growth! In just 3 years we have worked with celebrities, graced magazine covers and continue to booked out a month in advance.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
Through my entrepreneurial journey I’ve had to learn the hard way to separate business from friendship. It will save your business and your friendship to keep the two separate. Too many favors and/or exceptions will start to diminish the integrity of your business. And trying to enforce those boundaries later on, may tarnish your friendship. A lesson to always remember that anyone who is truly a friend will always respect your business.
Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for building clientele is through social media and word of mouth. If you provide amazing service, your customers will literally tell people about you. They will tag you in their photos and rave about you to their friends. Social media has also helped build my clientele through the use of hashtags and using trending sounds on my videos. These aspects make my work gain more traction.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nohobraids.as.me/schedule.php?fbclid=PAAabMs6L_M-5_3hUlX0ReTmMQQiJynhUKfKDvy9nak-VhatlrrYq-OgDq8Yk_aem_AWDJXVQZorE98x0Z2RMaG430dkIn_lXWOiIA1MslKy4h-Q74KvWwUj8Hh3pOXFjIAhI
- Instagram: Nohobraids