We recently connected with Elicia Hawkins and have shared our conversation below.

Elicia , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Starting a business requires analytical thinking, determination, organization, capital, and detailed record-keeping. 
 Without capital it’s not easy. Businesses will grow at their own rates, and many times this is out of the control of the business owner or workers. You have to focus on what u desire and do not overload yourself with everything. Provide services that will be over the top with competitors or if you have good credit leverage from the bank.

Your mind is a powerful thing. When you fill it with positive thoughts, your life will start to change. “Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new.” Albert Einstein
It’s Funny this question is on the panel. Sometimes I have this conversations with my clients, in I realize that everything is meant to be, and we all have certain timing and journeys that we attend to go through. I feel like, if I didn’t go through my journey without knowing how to start a business or managing my business, I would not be where I am at now at this moment in real time.
I don’t think you should rush a business. My journey was meant for me to understand, not to worry why I should’ve started over, or second guess myself.

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

My business represents all cultures. I love working with the community, seeing people smile, brings out their inner natural beauty from Women, Men, and Children. I enjoy creating beautiful styles, making people feel relaxed and comfortable with good energy.

My brand is I will say unique. I also specialize in hair care products such as Lemongrass hair oil, one of our number one seller. Then we have Lavender and Moringa hair oil which is such a great product as well.

I started my journey doing hair, when a very good friend of mines ask me to do her hair. I thought she was playing around I thought to myself, I don’t do hair. Then, one day I gave it a try in she loved it. She would call me, in ask me to do her hair all the time. I actually started liking it. It was a breath of fresh air, like meditation to my fingers. As months went by I realized that, this was it!! This was actually something that I loved to do, and I started doing other people hair around the neighborhood. People would ask me “hey can you do my hair” or they’ll ask how much I charge to do hair. At that moment I knew it wasn’t about money. It was about learning a new skill like something new.

While doing hair, I was able to maintain my career in work my full-time and part-time jobs. I would do hair on the side. I did that for many years until I realized that in order for me to take my business seriously I would have to choose, between my career and side hustle. I had to make a decision fast and it was a very hard one to make. I had to trust my judgment in the universe and just step out on faith.

In the process of everything I was still building clientele. I was still learning to increase my skills while meeting new people. Working two jobs while doing hair on the side wasn’t easy. Big shout out to my friends and clients. They would tell me “You know, just step out just leave your job and just focus on your business, Focus on your clients” but for some reason I couldn’t do that. I had to find my way. I had to see, if this was the right choice for me. I was scared and I think that’s the most important perspective, we have to cognize not being scared, or fearful of things, and just step out on faith.

When you have a calling and it’s something that you think about all the time, like something that you dream about, is something you vision. I believe that we need to open up our third eye and understand what the universe has something to offer us. Sometimes we want do things that the world tell us to do, but not really going deep into our heart and doing what we love to do. When we do something we love to do, it doesn’t become work it becomes something we enjoy. I learned that I could have four or five jobs, but at the end of the day if it’s not something that I love, I’m not gonna be happy with it and I can tell you the honest truth, no matter how many careers I had, I have always found joy in doing hair and practicing healthy hair care for nearly 10 years now. At the end of the day, I am focusing on my business, growing my clientele and meeting new people. I work with a few celebrities, from NFL players, in well known rap artist around the Philadelphia area and other tri states . I have been fortunate to travel the world and promote my business, meeting new celebrities and just enjoying what I do best, making people look good, building self esteem, self love while educating clients on healthy hair care options.

After nine in a half yrs of working for a corporate company. I finally step into my element and crafted what I love. Owning my business, at the end of the day, if I choose not to do hair anymore, I can pass my skills down by training other people become successful loc hairstylists. I also have a bachelor degree in criminal justice/concentration administration, as well as certificates that I maintain working as a social worker in MCM.

My clients are great and I love to share my thoughts and opinions with them always. I allow them to be themselves and feel comfortable to share what they are going through. I encourage my clients to understand we all have our moments, but it’s about being consistent and not giving up on their dreams.

But I love what I do so I will forever keep upgrading my skills for my business in honor of the passing father, that always believed in me always gave me wisdom.

I first would like to thank God and the Universe for placing me in a position with great people.

Secondly, I cannot express how, I feel with the love and support I gain from many people who showed me recognition In spite of all of the help and guidance that I have received from the community, the support of my family and friends my mother who never doubted me my dad who is in spirit now, that is looking down one me has undoubtedly been the most important factor in the completion of my journey.

Special thanks of gratitude to my sister who is the best, and who will always be in my journey. My fiancé who is just a beautiful supporter along our journey.

My brothers who also helped me in completing my projects. I came to know about so many new things I am really thankful for them. Their love is genuine, caring, and filled with motivation.

To all my friends again. I appreciate the love it is a pleasure to have great friendships as friends, y’all make it possible, and I truly appreciate your support. Thanks for believing in me while on my journey from the late night talks, from working with me on different projects I love you all. Thank you for all you have done for me during these years.

This is for all my ancestors! OShea

🪬🌟

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

Well, first let me say if I named every documentary or book, that was recommended to me, I’ll probably take up this whole page. Lol I love to understand and read what it takes to be a great successful entrepreneur. I will literally watch podcasts, documentaries, and read books on how to become the best version of me.

Understanding that no matter, how much I do all above, if you don’t put in the work you will never understand your mission to be great.

I will name four good resources that changed my thinking.

1. The Secret.

2. Podcast on energy and the way we think.

3. The 48 laws of Power

4. Robert Kiyosaki

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My knowledge to expand in business is what builds E’s Natural Locs reputation in the hair market industry. I believe staying consistent, and my drive to learn new skills/ styles to provide to my clients

I can also say, never giving up on what I love to do. That’s apart of my reputation, the more you’re in tuned with what you love, you begin to build an audience around the skill set you masted. The foundation of having great customers service, being an active listener, and staying committed on your word.

Social media content also helped with my repetition, I have potential clients from all over the world contacting me regarding appointments. If you know, how to use your reparation the right way. It can take you to another level, it’s a formula and it must be protected. And, while there are no specific steps to take in every situation, there are guidelines you must follow to have a great business.

Words travels, I believe word of mouth will promote your business, it let others know that your the best at what you do, and what your business provides. It’ll all show in your work. And how you made people feel, that’s the number one key I believe and I experienced.

Everyone had a reputation and it matters!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.esnaturallocs.com
• Instagram: e_natural_locs
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/es.locs?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@elocs8 Google: E’s Natural Locs

Image Credits
By: E’s Natural Locs