We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Kamesia Rainey. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Kamesia below.
Hi Kamesia, thanks for joining us today. Any thoughts about whether to ask friends and family to support your business. What’s okay in your view?
Starting a business, typically your family and friends are the first to hear about it. An idea pops up in your head and to ensure that it is a great one, you test it out on the ones closest to you. Let me just say that it doesn’t always stay that way. I’ve learned in my years of being in business, that strangers are your biggest supporters. They would believe in your dreams, patronize your services and manifest success in your business faster than people you’ve known for decades. I have family and friends that would rather support others, doing the same thing as me, instead of me. I used to blame it on financial instability but seeing them not hesitate to pay others, sometimes more than what I require, let me know that wasn’t the reason. I have some family and friends that loves to support me, but it comes with negotiations. My target audiences when promoting and marketing will always be strangers first, they seem to value your worth more than the ones under your nose.
Kamesia, 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?
Hello, my name is Kamesia Rainey, and I am a Protective Style Specialist at PaintedByKam. I am a licensed hair stylist and certified makeup artist with 20 plus years of experience. I got into this industry, because as a child I loved all things beauty. My dolls hair, face and clothing had to be the best at all times. As I got older, I realized that this was not only a hobby, but I was also really passionate about it. Styling myself, as well as family and friends truly made me happy. I started cosmetology school in 2015, graduated and started my professional career as a beauty enthusiast soon after. When my clients visit me, it’s not just an appointment, it’s an experience. I give them the full package, starting with exceptional customer service followed by great beauty enhancing skills. I provide protective hairstyles that give minimal manipulation, while still ensuring growth of your natural hair underneath. I also provide take home maintenance products to ensure that you maintain your regimen at home. What sets me apart from others is that I make sure that you are knowledgeable on your own hair/face as well. Going to the salon is a luxury convenience, just in case you can’t make it to me, I make sure you at least know the basics. I remain affordable without devaluing myself, and I stay up to date on current trends to give my clients the best experience at all times.
We’d love to hear about how you keep in touch with clients.
80% of my clients are clients I’ve had since I started. Weve established a relationship to where I can just text or call them to tell them news about PaintedByKam. I like that because, believe it or not, some people do not have social media platforms. Social media makes it so much easier to keep in touch with clients, but before we had these apps we had to go out and do it the manual way. All appointments have to be booked through my booking site. Questions and concerns, I love to communicate directly so I prefer phone interaction. New clients have the option to email me if that’s easier for them. I keep everyone up to date using my social media accounts. Brand loyalty comes from providing great customer service to where they would want to return. Word of mouth from my loyal clients help as well, they are my walking billboards.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
A lesson I had to unlearn is being booked and busy is how it’s supposed to be. I used to be the person that always wanted to be at work. I never wanted to miss out on any money. If my clients called, I was headed to the salon. I had to realize that I needed to take a breather because I was missing out on life. Important events with my family, time with my friends, bonding with my significant other and making memories with my daughter. Also, taking time to rest and reset my mind, and body to ensure I’m giving my best self to everyone. Now I set boundaries with my clients and space out my time with family and friends. I make sure I take at least 2 days off to relax and I don’t start work as early or stay as late. I also have learned to say no and that has been the hardest challenge for me lol.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://PaintedByKam.as.me/
- Instagram: @_paintedbykam
- Facebook: Paintedbykam
Image Credits
Kamesia Rainey