We recently connected with Eboni Smalls and have shared our conversation below.
Eboni, appreciate you joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Since I was young I have always loved people. I was the friend who would jump off a bridge for you. Even though that is totally unsafe and risky, I believe it truly shows how much I value others. As I started to walk in my purpose I realized that all of my gifts were to truly be there for others. With God first in everything I do, helping others (whether it’s with words, art, or even a hairstyle) is what I always strive for. Love, kindness and compassion is what our world lacks. My mission is to implement those things during my act of services. The money is nice but the results with the person are truly what keep me passionate!
Eboni, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
My name is Eboni Smalls, and I am a creative. Getting in the hair industry was literally a crisis push. Dealing with mourning after my ex-boyfriend and grandmother passing in the same week, college just didn’t make sense to me anymore. Through my darkest time God truly pushed me to find my purpose. Through the act of faith I applied to get into Cosmetology school and since then I have never looked back! As time progressed I started stepping into my other gifts. Art was always my strong arm growing up. Sometimes I laugh at how things work in our lives when it comes to things that are destined. I remember cleaning up in the house I grew up in to move and I found a drawing from when I was six where I drew me working in a salon. Although my name is not Barbra, and I have no idea who Barbra is who owns a salon, it was through that art I found confirmation in my purpose. Sometimes I would find myself psyched out because some of my past sketches would come to life. Even something as simple as sketching a photo of my daughter as she was in my stomach. Sketching a drawing about how I thought she would look and birthing her to see that the same mole I drew in the sketch was the same mole she has today. It is no denying that drawing is my gift. Today I express my art through sketches, paintings, or even photo art. Art is often emotional for me. Whatever I feel at the moment it’s what I do. So when others see my art they are able to see and feel what I felt through each stroke of paint. Music was something I always loved as well. Growing up I always got yelled at for knowing all the lyrics to a song but not remembering what I was told ten minutes ago. It wasn’t until I met my biological father when I found where the passion came from and how it could be fulfilled. Finding out that he is a DJ and Music Producer inspired me. He would let me DJ almost every weekend in the house just to practice. It wasn’t long after until he taught me how to create musical beats and music theory. Ever since then I have been in love. Writing was something that resurfaced for me. I remember when I was young I had a computer that I would literally write stories on Microsoft Word for hours. Today I have created different story genres and have received different badges on Author apps for my engaging books. These gifts are what keep me going today. From being a people lover since I was young, I now demonstrate these same qualities with my clients. I love people. I love giving them the things they may be missing! Some people used to wonder why some of my male clients would vent to me so much about their relationship and personal life. Not many realize that we all need someone to talk to! We all need someone who is kind and someone who really strives to create an environment that will truly heal the hearts and minds that were corrupted from things that are outside of the salon. Through my services I create that comfortable environment and also cater to my clients giving them more than what they pay for. A lot of people today refuse to do more for less but I truly believe when you do more the things that aren’t physically paid for are paid for in the eyes of God. It is through kindness and gratitude that we find not only being a blessing to others but receiving blessings of our own. Through my art, through my music, through my hair services and through my books in some way shape or form you will always find a piece of that.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Many people use to tell me that social media is the best way to build clientele. Although that may be the best case for others, I cannot say the same for myself. Word of mouth have been my best bet. I believe that giving a person to see your true authentic self is the best way to allow them to physically see what being around you is like. Then allowing them to have something tangible in their hand such as a business card that is a visual representation is key. It will have you still giving an impression even when you leave. Most people can feel when a person is a good person or not. I am thankful that through this strategy I have not had a complaint on being a bad person or leaving a bad impression.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
I usually send texts to my clients outside of the service just to make sure that they are well as human beings. Although I am running a business, my clients are more than clients to me. I care for each and everyone of them! So much so that I even through their services I reward their loyalty. I have a rewards program that I implement. After 5 services with me they receive $10 off a service, product, or membership payment. After 10 services they receive $20 off. It’s my way of giving back!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.wattpad.com/518621548?utm_source=ios&utm_medium=link&utm_content=share_reading&wp_page=reading_part_end&wp_uname=Lotus526&wp_originator=HBirnCQMTbSUh068QgrJFD8AP2%2Fv3LosKAby%2BaponGsh9IiLnHTzzICAjVRq77LCmQUvKMSCeVUYBAvcHJOB6F7PffNzFaFk5er5Ymz%2BKEGspMXxAV%2FsjKrv0GBUlt2O
- Instagram: @ebeedidit
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCwmwH5aJzGBWnkXYgu1merw
- Other: Hair bookings: https://styles-by-eboni.square.site/