We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Naomi Lee a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Naomi , appreciate you joining us today. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new firm – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

When I first became interested in doing hair i was very young . I grew up in the suburbs of Rochester New York , where in the city people were always keeping up with the latest fashion and trends. I was in middle school by the time that I had mastered the cornrow technique. I would practice on my hair all night long trying different braid styles , until I got the part and braid perfect .I would braid my sisters hair , and the kids hair at school during lunch and gym . I just had to get my hands on hair by any means necessary!!! It was early 2000 when the popular braid style called Iverson braids became popular. Which was named after the famous basketball player Allen Iverson . And of course I had to try it so I did the style on myself . One day I was waking home from school , a guy stopped me and compliment my hair . He asked me who did your hair ? I replied “I did “ he then said to me man that’s looks great !!! I shyly said thank you . Not going that he was going to give me an opportunity to showcase my skills . He then said I have a lot of guys that come into the barber shop wanting to get their hair braided. And I don’t have anyone to braid , would you be interested? I said yes !!! Then he replies but you’re too young to work in my barber shop without a license . So he said here’s a what I can do for you I’ll set you up a chair outside and I’ll send you all the men that want braids . It was on that nice Saturday afternoon that I stood outside for roughly four hours doing what I loved . They all paid me and I got to keep every dollar that I made . At the time a $100 seemed like a lot to me and I was so happy that I made my own money . It was from then that I knew that I had a real passion for braiding hair , and just learning the flow and techniques. Now as a master stylist I am able to share my gift and teach others who enjoy the art of hair . Showing them how to take your passion and make it a business. I host braiding classes for anyone who is interested in learning the art of braids . I teach them all the proper techniques from how you prep the hair , hand placement , tension control , and much more . The overall techniques to producing a neat braid . I have made thousands of dollars since being in the industry and honestly every time I do hair if feels like the very first time . It’s always pleasurable experience to see my clients smile , knowing that I have put more than 100% into giving them a beautiful style . As I continue to strive for more in this industry as a stylist and more . I encourage anyone that is struggling to keep on practicing until your completely satisfied. And always know that there is plenty room for improvement . And the ultimate goal is to never loose your passion ,give your work your all . While always striving to make sure that your client leaves happy.

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 am originally from Bronx, New York I grew up in Rochester , New York. As a child I have always had a fascination for the different ways that hair could be done . I took liking into doing braids . As a child it seemed like a complicated process and I was eager to learn. With having multiple siblings i was able to get many chances to practice while practicing on myself many times until I perfected the art of braids .I became more skilled and disciplined once I made my first $100 dollars . It was then that I decided to take my craft more seriously and worked very hard into always producing satisfactory work . As a master cosmetologist who focuses on braids and the healthiness of hair I want people to know that I love what I do. And my goal as a stylist is to always make sure that anyone who sits in my chair is pleased with the service that I have provided . Throughout the years of being a stylist I have developed great relationships with my clients. I have taught them how to care for their hair outside of coming to the salon . I tell them what products to use. And what styles fit their hair texture best. What I am most proud of since I have been a stylist for over 20 years is that my clients trust me and they are loyal . I enjoy creating new trendy styles while keeping their hair healthy . I also love that my clients ask questions and want to know what’s best for their hair . It’s completely satisfying to know that my clients have built a trust and keep returning and I never want that to change.

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

In order to grow your clientele and to keep to keep them. The key is to always listen to what their needs are then then execute to make sure that the client is always satisfied.

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

The best source of new clientele has been word of mouth and social media . A lot of my clients are from current clients, and the ones that inquire through social media are enticed by what they see posted online .

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Lovelee_hairstudio
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCLuEtZofkbcTMaW71kiHe3g