We recently connected with Lauryn Mott and have shared our conversation below.

Lauryn, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s go back in time to when you were an intern or apprentice – what’s an interesting story you can share from that stage of your career?

Before I finished cosmetology school, I was working at a salon in their associate program. The program consists of you being an assistant to the entire salon for at least six months, once that is complete you move to being an associate. When you are an associate you, you’re placed with each stylist for one month each, taking in everything you can from them to help you advance your skills. After going through each stylist you’re able to spread your wings on the floor and given your own chair.

While being an assistant, I was so eager to get on the floor. There were times where I wasn’t too happy to do the “dirty work” chores, like cleaning up behind everyone, going up and down to the basement to do the laundry, cleaning behind everyone, and being the main one doing them. But looking back, doing those chores definitely built character and good habits for me as the stylist I am now.

Smoak Salon was the first salon to take me in and teach me so much more than what I was able to learn in school and I will always be grateful for the experience that I have received there thus far.

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

I am a licensed cosmetologist that specializes in natural hair styles and soft glam/natural makeup looks. I offer hair styling, cutting, and color services; I do bridal work; I perform makeup and skin care services. I have always had a passion for hair and makeup since I can remember. I have baby photos of me in my grandma’s wig, I had parties when I was young focusing on beauty at places like Club Libby Lu. It just makes sense for me to work in the beauty industry now.

What sets me apart would be my versatility. I can work with any hair or skin type. I’m able to adapt to any situation I am placed in so that makes it easier for me to work with anyone.

I’m most proud of my growth. Being a hairstylist and makeup artist, you’re always learning! There’s so many different techniques and new styles coming out every time you look up. If you think you know everything, you don’t. There’s so much out there to learn and that’s what’s so special about this industry – Beauty is timeless, and it has a different meaning, look, and feel to everyone out there.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

I wouldn’t even call it a side hustle. In high school and college I would do my friends and family’s hair just to do it. I never expected money in return then. After graduating with my Associate’s Degree and changing my mind on being a nurse, with guidance from God I decided to pursue my passion and make it a career. I never dreamed of working. If I had to work, I needed it to be something I enjoyed doing and could do everyday.

In 2020 I started cosmetology school. The beginning was…different to say the least, haha. It was during the earlier part of the pandemic so the first month had to be taken online. Can you imagine hair school online? We definitely got it done though. Shout out to Mrs.White! Once we returned to the campus, the next hill I had to overcome was completing my 1500 course hours. Near the end of that journey I found an AD on Facebook as an Assistant Hairstylist, applied, and got the job. Three years later and I now have my own chair, and building my own clientele.

What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?

WORD OF MOUTH! I can’t express this enough. Social media is a great tool as well, but nothing beats word of mouth. It’s all about who you know, who they know, and so on and so forth. Also, as a stylist I am a walking advertisement. When I do my hair and makeup it can attract strangers and prompt them to ask who did it, from there I hand them a business card and hope to one day see them in the chair.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/theelushlabel
• Instagram: @theelushlabel
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryn-mott-a7979b198