We were lucky to catch up with Kourtlan Carter recently and have shared our conversation below.
Kourtlan, 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.
The marketing aspect of my company, The KCARTER Collection, is something I would change if I could start over. One of the most crucial aspects of running a business, especially in the modern world, is marketing. Since I never actually had a work for a long time, I was never able to “save” enough money to completely invest in my business and buy other items that would set me apart from competing businesses. Because the hair market is so oversaturated, it’s crucial to be doing something unique to set yourself apart from other stylists. I believe as though my business would be more successful if I had at least $5,000 saved or was perhaps able to obtain a bank loan. If I had more money & knowledge when I first started my business, I could have done more photoshoots which will attract more customers and clients, launched hair products more regularly, kept more wigs on hand, and purchased a suite to better serve my clients.
Kourtlan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Greetings! I am Kourtlan Carter a hairstylists located in Atlanta, Georgia & Tallahassee Florida. I am a full time college student at Florida A&M University and the owner of The KCARTER Collection. The KCARTER Collection offer services such as wig installs and frontal/closure quick-weaves. We also sell wigs, bundles, frontals, wig care products and more! I began my business on February 14,2021 where I originally just started selling wigs, bundles, frontals, and closures. I then decided that I wanted to expand my business and offer wig installs and quick-weaves as a service. On April 1, 2021 I started accepting clients for wig installs and quick-weaves. My first year in the hair industry was very challenging, I did not meet any of my goals that I made for myself but honestly now I understand that they where too high and unrealistic. I honestly thought that after my class I knew everything to do for a flawless install and that my work was going to look like other stylist who has been doing hair longer than me, but that was not the case nobody learns how to do a craft and instantly gets good at it , it takes time and practice to perfect a craft. I would often get discouraged because it would be days or sometimes even weeks I would go with out having zero clients and I would see other people booked and busy. Over the past two years I’ve took the time to actually invest and perfect my craft by practicing day in and day out, learning the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, and trying to figure out different things that will set me apart from other stylist. As a hair stylist that specializes in wigs I offer wig reinstalls that I previously did not install, meanwhile a lot of stylist do not like to work over work they previously did not do. By offering this services it allows me to differ from other stylist and bring in more clients for my business. I also do wig installs over locs/dreads because I feel as if just because you have dreads/locs it should not limit your options of hairstyles. Lastly I offer snacks and refreshments at each appointment I enjoy for each client to sit back relax and enjoy their experience when booking with The KCARTER Collection!
Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?
The reason I am in the hair industry today is because of my mother. It can be quite challenging to balance school, work, and a business while in college. My mother listened to my ideas and instructed me to draft a business plan because she was aware that I was never the kind to hold down a job. She loaned me $2,000 when I finalized my business plan and I demonstrated how I would double my earnings while repaying her.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
The most important thing for all business owners trying to increase their social media following is to BE CONSISTENT! You must make sure that you post every single day at the exact same time! You may also purchase advertisements on Facebook and Instagram that will promote your page and content on an ongoing basis. You can select your budget and the length of time you would like to boost your post when attempting to market your material.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.thekcartercollection.as.me
- Instagram: @thekcartercollection
- Facebook: @thekcartercollection