We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mae Watson. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mae below.

Hi Mae, thanks for joining us today. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?

This is a question that many people may not get the opportunity to stop and think about. However, it comes up in conversations, often, with my friends and clients. My appreciation for the lessons my parents taught me, throughout the years, have been instrumental into the woman I am today. Family is something I hold dear to my heart. I am the youngest of three children with a 15 and 20 year age gap, in between.

I will start with my daddy, a US Air Force Veteran and US Marshal. We were fortunate to spend just only 4.5 years together, before his passing. However, in those short years, we created memories that will last me, a lifetime. I was in pre-k, when my father became ill. He had to stop working but was able to pick me up every afternoon, from school, until he was no longer able. Those evenings were our time, together.

I also believe that my full time career, in the Criminal Justice arena, is in part, because of him.

Growing up in a neighborhood, in heart of Washington, DC, everyone on our block and the surrounding streets were truly neighbors. Each evening, after school, we would visit our neighbors. Some would have snacks for us. We shared in feeding the neighborhood squirrels and making sure when we watered our grass and those of our elderly neighbors, too. At a very early age, it taught me what a community should be and what kindness looks like.

My father passed just before Christmas. I was just 4 years old.

Since my siblings were older, with one in college and one on their own, life continued with just my mom and I. We began to adjust to our new normal. My mom made it a priority to create lasting memories with me. I realized, early on, that tomorrow is truly not promised and to make every day count. My mom instilled so many values in me. Introducing me to Christ, at an early age, has been an integral part of my journey. In addition to that, treating people with kindness and giving back in every way that I can.

Growing up, we would donate and feed the homeless. It wasn’t just a thing of dropping off items and onto the next person. My mom would stop the car and have a conservation with the person. Listening to the stories that each person told, helped me understand several key things that have impacted me, on my personal journey. It has also impacted me, as a business owner. First and foremost, you don’t know a person’s story so there’s no need to pass judgement. The major key – was treating people with pure kindness. Because you don’t know what a person is going through. Your act of kindness, no matter how small, could change the trajectory of a person’s day or even their life.

Inboth my professional career and as a business owner, this has stuck me – as I interact with others.

From helping persons navigate the criminal justice system to styling my clients, it’s my hope that our conversations or my kindness will make a difference.

These simple lessons, taken from my parents, are just a few of the many things my parents did right.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

From a very young age, I have loved all things hair. From doing the hair on my dolls, my mom purchasing a mannequin head, or my friends and family letting me try a new style, I knew it was always a passion of mine.

Throughout high school, I would spend Saturdays with my cousin, Kim, at Renee’ by Boddie’s Salon, in Washington, DC. Kim, a master stylist, had a very diverse clientele. She brought me on as the “wash girl.” Officially known as the shampoo assistant.

Because I could braid, she would allow me braid down her sew-in clients. That’s where it all began. She began letting me do the majority of the process. One thing that always stuck out to me was that her clients would leave looking as if the hair was growing from their scalp itself.

In college my dorm room was “Thee Salon.” I would be doing a little of everything from press ‘n curls and blowouts, to sew-ins. After college, I began my career in the criminal justice field, another long-term passion of mine. However, all things “hair” wasn’t too far away.

My friends, who knew my skills, would book me for various styles but I was never committed to doing hair on a consistent basis. From proms to birthdays, and everything in between – the job was mine. Fast forward to the pandemic. I had time to really sit down and map things out. I finally birthed Hair by Mae, LLC.

I reached out to my friend turned family, Danielle. She too, a master stylist, taught me so much throughout the years and is still teaching me week after week. I knew that I had to take my talents up a notch. What started as me posting a few pictures on IG turned into a full business.

My main focus has always been providing women with great customer service and achieving healthy hair goals. Reminding women, of every age, that their hair is perfect, no matter the texture or length, is important to me as a stylist.

In 2020, my business partner, Danielle and I, partnered together to collectively provide our clients with quality bundles to enhance their look. This has allowed us to reach clients from our area to California, as well inquiries internationally.

In 2021, I created “Girls Day Out” for Breast Cancer Awareness.

In 2019, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 Breast Cancer. My namesake and grandmother suffered from Breast Cancer; along with many other family members. Creating an awareness for Breast Cancer is very near and dear to my heart. During the event, we celebrate ladies who are fighters and survivors of Breast Cancer. We provide them with complimentary hairstyles, goodie bags, and health & wellness. The space also serves as a reminder for other women to schedule their mammograms. In addition to us providing a service, we create opportunities for them to share their stories. We are currently working new and amazing ideas, for 2023.

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

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been by word of mouth and social media, As the viral phrase goes, “everything is content… Everythinggg is content!” It means just that. Learning how to navigate social media that catches a potential client’s eye is everything. Making sure your post aren’t long and drawn out so that the few moments a person spends on your post is most meaningful.

Word of mouth is still the best source to grow your clientele. Some of my clients are gatekeepers, which we laugh about. However, many clients refer my business which is helpful. Persons learning about a product or service from first hand experience makes them less apprehensive to book. Having an up-to-date social media page is an added bonus.

How’d you think through whether to sell directly on your own site or through a platform like Amazon, Etsy, Cratejoy, etc.

I enjoy having things all is one space. I am also a one click kind of girl. Since many of my clients or their friends use social media, having my site linked to the instagram is perfect. It provides clients and prospective clients the option to book an appointment and purchases items such as bundles or hats, from my e-commerce site.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.hairbymae.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/__hairbymae
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairbyMae4/

Image Credits

@desimua @photobycaptiva @__hairbymae @fuchsiahotpinkhair @ashleighbing @meekmakeup @nailsdonewright @thehairsurgeon__