We recently connected with Lataysha Harley and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lataysha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What can you share with us about the story behind how you found your key vendors?

When I first started selling hair I found my vendor on AliExpress. The hair was okay it wasn’t nothing extraordinary but it was selling like crazy because it was affordable. So I started doing my research and came across a video on YouTube about Alibaba.com, it completely changed my life. When you go on alibaba you type in the type of vendor you want with the location you want it to come from. When you find a vendor you want you send a inquiry and ask them for the MOQ, their catalog and WhatsApp info. After they respond you introduce yourself and tell them what you’re looking for. Do not let them talk you into samples because you’ll end up wasting money. Order a wig to test it out because they can send you a different type of quality than they sell. I made sure I didn’t buy sample with my new vendor and just bought it like a regular order. Me and my vendor have a great relationship. They send me free products and everything. Once you build a relationship with a great vendor you’ll have a friend forever. Always do research before jumping into anything.

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 got into the hair industry when I was 15 going on 16. In high school I use to want a new hairstyle every week and my mom was doing it at the time her exact words were “ you’re going to have to learn how to do your own hair if you going to want a new style every week. “ That is all she had to say after that I was practicing on myself and friends hair. I’ll never forget this one friend I had her name was Tia she let me try every single style I’ve ever wanted in her head. I truly appreciate her for that. She doesn’t know how grateful I am for her. I watched YouTube day in and out learning new styles and learning how to start my hair business. I started my hair business with zero dollars in my pocket. I’ve shipped as far as St. Thomas the Virgin Islands. Here’s a funny story when I first started shipping orders I thought you just pack them and put them in the mailbox. I didn’t know you have to pay. So I put all my packages in the mailbox and they brung them right back to my house lol. I also learned that you need to save money for shipping and your re-up after ordering. Don’t spend it all at once. My hair is affordable, great quality and the shipping is fast. We also have great customer service we cater to everyone needs. My prices separates me from everyone else. I’ve literally inspired every person that’s has came in contact with me in the small town of Florence to start their business. I’ve literally almost done just about everybody’s hair. The main thing I’m most proud of is my growth. I went from full time hair stylist to full time entrepreneur/influencer. That’s the best part to me because I can leave and schedule things when I want. I can work over the road no matter where I am.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Back in 2017-18 I was good at doing installs but I wasn’t great yet. I was still learning basically. Nobody knows everything so I basically did this girl hair so much her skin was irritated by the lace glue. Then another girl order a wig from me and my old vendor decided to send her the wrong inch by mistake. Make a long story short the girl with the wig decided she wanted to make a post about me and post in on Facebook and tell people not to shop with me basically. It was so many “ me too’s “ in the comments that I never knew felt that way. Even this one girl that inboxed me telling me she loved her hair and sent photos of the same style commented and said she hated! I take everything to the chin but I NEVER forget anything. So I realize ALL PUBLICITY is good publicity. I got so many more clients from that. I also blocked them. I realize people are always going to have something to say. It’s doesn’t matter who you are or what you do. It’s up to you to decide how to deal with it. I don’t mind blocking anybody now.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

2021-22 was my best years. I prayed to be booked and busy it was great until I need to go somewhere or do something. I didn’t have time for much. It’s cool to be booked and busy but I would rather be booked and disciplined. I would rather know when to say no and not put money first at all times. Your happiness is way more important than money.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefamoustayy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SlayGirlCEO?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Thefamoustayy_
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TaydaB
• Other: TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@taydab.wayda

Image Credits
Lanaya Paige Robin Roundtree