We recently connected with ErisRenee Bernard-Bolton and have shared our conversation below.

ErisRenee, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a risk you’ve taken – walk us through the story?

As an entrepreneur we take risk everyday or every decision we make for our businesses. Some things may work, some may not, but we’ll never know until we try!

I am an all around entrepreneur. I have owned and operated an Early Childhood facility for 14 years (currently in the early stages of re-opening) I am an Independent Paparazzi Consultant ( I sell $5 Fashion Jewelry); I am a fulltime Cosmetologist, I do hair, nails, lashes and body waxing. Imagine the risk I take daily lol.

The biggest risk I’ve taken was walking off of my fulltime 9-5 and solely depending on ME financially. That’s a really scary thing to do when you know for a fact when you walk into your 9-5 job you’re going to get paid for a 40 hour week!

As an entrepreneur we step out on FAITH and work our way through whatever obstacles we may face on a day to day basis. We learn as we go and we must have an open mind to learn and be cautious at the same time.

The risk is not know financially how to proceed with a lot of things; supplies, marketing, etc. The grind gets tough, the long hours and restless nights! We have to keep going.

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 originally from a small town in Southern Mississippi, I was born and raised there. I am the middle child from my mom, she had 5 children and I was a loner as a young child. I had a very broad imagination and as I grew up I knew I wanted more than what was ever offered for me and to me. Living in a small town there’s no growth, it’s like this big huge Oscar fish in this small 10 gallon tank and it’s content with not being able to turn around or swim. I wanted GREATER for my children and the family I’ve always wanted.

I am that fish that jumped out of this 10 gallon tank, took a risk and jumped into the ocean! I moved to Dallas, Tx at the age of 17 years old and explored from there. I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur when I worked multiple jobs and management and owners only thought about themselves and not the employees. I knew I would and could do better with owning a business no matter what it was. I would try just about anything I found interest in. Either it’s going to work or it doesn’t! If it doesn’t work the first time try something different.

I love children and I love to make people feel good about themselves! Childcare was one of my first risk to take in the business world and I hit many road blocks but I never quit. I’ve learned that many business owners were and are gate keepers and with that being said I love to share information to others. No matter the information I believe in all of us winning! I learned a lot from many jobs that I had and I’ve used what was beneficial to me and my companies and so far it has been working for me.

As a current hairstylist and Independent Paparazzi Consultant, I listen to my clients/customers, I let them vent, cry, we pray together and it all stays with and between us. Some people want/need to feel beautiful on the outside. After leaving the salon they feel good inside as well. I will follow up with my clients and check in on them from time to time before their next appointment to see how they are and hold them accountable for the areas in their lives that they want to see prosper.

Consistency is Key! Making sacrifices and not giving up!!! I believe in the Death Crawl from the movie Facing the Giants. Give it your all and give it your best! Negotiate with your mind to find more strength to keep going!

I am proud of myself for how far I’ve come, being a young mom and raising my children to be who they are today! They’re all building their own brands and we stick together as a family, as a whole!

Epic Stylez Beauty Studio is located in North Houston. We specialize in healthy hair, Silk Press and Protective Styles. We educate our clients on their hair journey and help them to maintain the look they come in for.

Epic Jewelz showcases our beautiful $5 fashion jewelry that is nickel and lead free! Choose from our large selection of different metals, from silver, gold, black, brass, etc.
” To Bring Strength, Independence and Empowerment to individuals and their families by building confidence and financial freedom through affordable fashion. While $5 jewelry may not change the world, we believe those who wear it will.”

My family and I have businesses we are currently operating and building.
Credit Restoration and building residual income;
Mullah Stylez Hair Extensions,
The Prince Fresh Stylist, Professional Stylist
Young Steps Beyond -Early Childhood, Dallas TX
Tech Code Solutions, Dallas TX
SiaChic Design and Rental Event Planning – Chicago Ill

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Funding my businesses were out of pocket. At the time I had not educated myself on finances and growing up I was never taught anything about finances, credit, etc.

I worked a 9-5 and managed my finances accordingly to my life style, taking care of my children and funding my businesses. I made many sacrifices to be where I am today.

I have found what has best fit me for financial literacy and learning to fund my businesses with credit building,etc.

As an entrepreneur I will always be a student.

Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?

I feel that not being a gate keeper helps to build my reputation within the market. My business will always be MY BUSINESS no matter the tools, education, etc I provide to others who are either looking into the businesses or wanting to build their own. What’s mine is mine and what is theirs will be theirs.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://epicstylezbeautystudio.chairwatch.com
• Instagram: lady_erisrenee and epic_beauteegoddess
• Facebook: Epic Stylez Beauty Studio and Epic Jewelz
• Linkedin: ErisRenee Bernard
• Twitter: mserisreneetx