We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaQuann Easton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaQuann, appreciate you joining us today. How do you feel about asking friends and family to support your business? What’s appropriate, what’s not? Where do you draw the line?

Asking for support form family and friends is kind of good and bad. The good about is it shows you who’s with you and supportive of your business. The bad part is not everyone will support you just because they’re your family/friend. I’ve experienced both ends of the deal and at first it bothered me, then I accepted it for what it was and not what I was expecting it to be.

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

I’m always asked how/what made me want to do hair (become a cosmetologist). Well, as a lil girl I would see my mother doing hair and how her and her clients would laugh and talk, their interactions just gave me life. So when I would get Barbie Dolls I went to town with the shears, lol. When my mother started taking me to the salon that sealed the deal. Everything about the salon was fun, exciting and just to see all the different hairstyles, cuts and colors was so lit. I began to practice of family and friends hair but having daughters was my first start. Before I became a Licensed Cosmetologist/Loctician I would get my hair done every week like clockwork. Eventually I decided to get my license once I moved to Lexington, Kentucky.

Once I got into cosmetology school I was so nervous and excited and scared. I went to Paul Mitchell, where I did (if I’m remembering correctly over 1300hrs), then graduated from TSPA. Let me tell you, getting through school was the hardest thing for me to do. I had so many challenges but I was determined to finish. Man, I can remember not having a car to get to school and catching the bus, then walking about 2 miles to get to school. Even in the winter, I was cold and freezing, nose running, feet cold but I went. Listen, cosmetology school is so fun and stressful, lol. At Paul Mitchell, my core teacher David was the highlight of my school days. He was so funny and bubbly, yet honest and didn’t play with us, lol.

After graduating I had to find my way around the hair industry. I wanted the same vibes and energy working in a salon as I got going and being a client. Once I got started I went right into booth renting. That’s where you learn what you’re made of as a stylist. I had help from friends and that’s what made me continue into the industry. I appreciate all those people. Some even cried with me. These people will always be dear to me.

I’m a Licensed Cosmetologist and Loctician so my services are mainly catered to those who have or are interested in getting Locs. Some of the services I offer range from starting Locs, Loc repairs, Loc Extensions and more.

When it comes to Locs and all that it requires to keep them looking beautiful and healthy it takes team work. Ok so for example, let’s say someone comes in with Locs that needs to be repaired, one of the methods that I use is (what I call it) the “Stitch Method”. It’s a name I came up with because I feel as if that’s what I’m doing. Kinda like as if my hands and tools are a sewing machine and needle and the hair is the thread. Even tho I call it the “Stitch Method” it’s called the “Crochet Method” in the Beauty Industry/Loc. I just like to be different and stand out from the crowd so I gave it my own name, lol. It’s basically the same method except I add my own twist to how I do it.

I can say one of the things I’m most proud of is coming up with “LOC CONFIDENCE”. That’s my baby love. I came up with that out of the blue (I’m always coming up with names, lol) a few years ago and during 2020 I gave it a definition and also started the clothing brand. My goal with “LOC CONFIDENCE” is to have my Loc babies Confident in wearing their Locs. I want them to know that Locs are not a trend, they have a much deeper meaning and they’re so powerful.

Being a Loctician and someone who loves to see people happy about their Locs is what I offer. My craft goes far beyond having them in my chair. We become a team I.e. our goal and mission will always be the same. If that guest is looking for healthy Locs, Locs that turn heads, Locs that gives them CONFIDENCE, Locs that they will love and respect, then we become a team. My brand is growing and I’m learning so much about the industry. As I work on their Locs I work on myself to be the best version of me so that I can continue giving them ‘THE BEST”. Team work makes the dream work.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding thing for me as a Loctician is meeting customers who shares the same goal as I do when it comes to taking take of their Locs. Especially when they need some repairs done and they see the finished product. The smiles on their faces let’s me know I’m doing something right. I feel like it’s so important for people to feel good about their hair and how it looks.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

To me the best way of growing your clientele is to be you and do it authentically. As a Licensed Professional you want your clients to feel welcomed and be someone they can relate to in some way. Don’t be fake. Be the stylist that actually cares about your costumers. Most costumers are looking for someone that will love on their hair. Be that hair lover, lol. Smile. It’s contagious and the costumers love it. You never know who needs that smile. Be honest with them about their hair. Never do something you have no knowledge of. It’s totally fine to let them know, they respect that. Most of all love what you do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: laquann THEE LOC PLUG
• Facebook: LOC CONFIDENCE

Image Credits
KADavisphotography