We were lucky to catch up with Maya Martin recently and have shared our conversation below.

Maya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?

Although this is still just the beginning, if I was to start my entrepreneurial career over today, I would have started sooner.

A lot of ideas and opportunities over the years could have come sooner had I started when I first came up with the idea to get in the hair industry business. I started working in the hair industry at 18 and since, I have had many business ideas pass me by thinking I don’t know where or how to start or believing things needed to be perfect by looking a certain way or working a certain way from the beginning. I had multiple interest, I was unsure of what I wanted to make a long term career out of. In some cases, really just talking myself out of doing things or thinking that some of my ideas were not attainable or possible. Over the years, I realized that even through hard times, nothing is impossible if you really want it and put the work in to obtain it. There is always someone that needs or wants that you have to offer.

If I was to start over today some things I can specifically note I would do differently would include:

1. Starting my hair business in 2011/2012 when I first thought of the idea after wearing bundles for 2 years, I had a great interest in the hair industry. I also spent a lot of time working in shops and learning about different methods to make money from hair that didn’t include a lot of physical labor to make money.

2. I would have used the opportunity to appropriately license myself in the industry while working in the salon actively full time. At the time I was working in the salon, I knew I did not have the urge to work in the hair industry physically daily but I did want to still work in it. As I got further into my career, I learned that instead of going to cosmetology school, working under a licensed stylist and testing could also get you a license. So had I known that, I would have used that time to do so while I was taking a break from regular college.

3. Save more money to put into my business.

4. And lastly, started my YouTube channel!

In conclusion, I regret nothing but definitely can reflect on the things that could have potentially changed the outcome of where my business is now. Starting is the easy part but sticking to it is hard. And I’m still working so I can look back and say I started in and didn’t give up.

Maya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I am Maya M. I am an Entrepreneur. I currently run a company called, Wow Hair Collection.

I got into the hair industry mainly because I’ve always had an interest in hair. As a teen I started with braids then just grew my knowledge of hair from that point. I started my first job in the hair salon official job in the salon at 18 working as a stylist assistant. Prior to that I used to assist my aunt in my younger teen years. As time passed I spent well over 10 years working in the shop and decided to finally start my own business. This is how Wow Hair Collection came into fruition.

Wow Hair Collection is company that provides quality virgin hair products. The collection of products includes: Lace Closures, Lace Frontals, Virgin Brazilian Extensions, Full Lace Wigs, and Glueless Machine Sewn Units.

The main reason behind starting this brand is to provide quality hair products for those who are interested in low-maintenance but high quality products. With WOW products you receive longevity in your purchase. For many this is useful because instead of paying for hair styling once or twice a month, these products can last for months or years with the correct maintenance. My business also helps for those who experience hair loss. The main product sold is the glueless handmade machine sewn unit, for many, it as simple as just putting on the unit and going. This product helps for those whose hair requires little to no consistent manipulation. My customers include mostly women. My business helps women achieve the look that they are interested in without “commitment”. It provides quality hair and makes it easy for styling.

What I am most proud about about Wow Hair Collection is that I know this is just only the beginning. Although I’m not new to the hair industry, I know my ideas, knowledge, and creativity will take me places. The brand will eventually lead to shops, products and more. And I can’t wait to show the industry some of what it’s been missing.

What’s been the best source of new clients for you?

Word of mouth is the best source of gaining new clients.

When people see hair it’s a first impression kind of thing, it makes a statement without talking. And when executed correctly, it will mostly likely result in a compliment and/or conversation.

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

My side hustle has definitely turned into a career for me. My initial introduction to the hair industry was working as a stylist assistant starting in high school. I always knew that the interest would make me money but also, carry over into something that can be bigger than just doing hair. I would work in the shop doing small things (washing hair, sweeping, mixing colors) and just learning about hair. Overtime you realize how much and how quickly the industry changes. There is a million ways to make money in the hair industry, I believe that you just need to find your niche. Some of my key milestones would be going from a part time assistant to a highly requested one with popular and heavily booked stylist who wanted to work with me because of my experience and skills plus work ethic. Another milestone would definitely be starting Wow Hair Collection. I spent so much time learning, researching, and wearing different hair, I just felt comfortable in doing something that I have the knowledge and experience in.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.WowHairCollection.com
• Instagram: @WowHairCollection
• Facebook: The Wow Hair Collection

Image Credits
Q 11 Photography