We recently connected with Lioness Drea and have shared our conversation below.

Lioness , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today In our experience, overnight success is usually the result of years of hard work laying the foundation for success, but unfortunately, it’s exactly this part of the story that most of the media ignores. So, we’d appreciate if you could open up about your growth story and the nitty, gritty details that went into scaling up.

My salon is doing much better today, because I decided to train, and hire another stylist. This of course requires patience and time. I also implemented time management strategies to ensure 95% of the time, my guests get in the chair right at their scheduled appointment. For example, I allot 10-15 mins in between each appointment for me to rest, so I’m not overwhelmed and burnt out between each appointment. This time also allows me to recharge for the next guest, who will be receiving services.

In early 2021, I made the decision to hire another stylist, because I was going on maternity leave. I made sure that in the hiring process, this person was a team player whom had the same drive as myself. Training Alyssa was rewarding for me, because I have never trained anyone in any capacity before. It was my first time, so I was also learning in the process.

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

My name is Andrea, most folks know me as “Drea”. I am Canadian born, Caribbean bred. Jamaica & Dominica are the islands I rep, because that’s where my folks are from.

I got into the hair dressing industry by “accident”. I was doing locs, braids, and Senegalese twists part-time, while in pursuit of my career in Journalism and Multimedia. I saw more potential in becoming a hair stylist, because I love to create. So by nature, it became my passion.

I offer dreadlocks services, mainly in South Florida. I mainly start locs, groom, repair, steam, and maintain a holistic approach while caring for the needs of my guests’ locs.

I am most proud of how grounded I am, despite all of the success I’ve had with my business. My faith in God, my family, and my ability to remain level headed, is what drives me to get up and go to work everyday.

I have also been fortunate to have blessed the crowns of some very notable celebrity guests. My roster includes French rapper, Kalash, Jamaican-Canadian Reggae artist, Exco Levi, MMA fighter, Daniel Straus, and American filmmaker, Ava Duvernay.

We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?

My presence on social media is built on the foundation of love for my brand. My followers are organic, and I get tons of engagement, which I am very grateful for. People always ask how I do a particular style, or ways in which I revitalize my guests’ locs. When I post a picture or video, I am showing people what I can do, and how I’m able to do it. What it all boils down to is the “visuals”. People usually want to see what you’re skill sets are, before they patronize your business.

I think it’s very important to stay true to your brand, remain focused, and maintain a professional approach while running your business. People want to see your work and the person behind the brand. However, it should remain consistent, because people like consistency.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Google, Instagram, Facebook, and word of mouth. I need to work on my You Tube page, but for now, I maintain a steady flow of clientele through the aforementioned platforms. Social media has really changed the game in helping small business owners attract new clientele.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://imperialartoflocs.square.site/
• Instagram: @thelionesslocstress
• Facebook: Locstress Drea
• Youtube: The Lioness Locstress

Image Credits
Photographer :: Hakeem