Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Saniya Jefferson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Saniya, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

I am an affordable mobile hairstylist and College student at the Illustrious Texas Southern University, my motto is “Your hair is your crown,” reflects a deep appreciation for personal identity and self-expression. It suggests that hair isn’t just a physical attribute but a significant part of who we are. This mission likely stems from a desire to empower individuals to embrace their unique beauty and celebrate their heritage. I absolutely love transforming individuals and helping to provide them with a positive self-image.

I believe that when people feel confident about their hair, it enhances their overall self-esteem and personal presence. This mission could be rooted in your own experiences or observations about how hair can influence perception, confidence, and even cultural pride. Ultimately, it’s about helping others recognize and honor their individuality, fostering a sense of pride and empowerment in how they present themselves to the world. “If you look good you feel good and if you feel good you do good!”

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?

My name is Saniya Jefferson, and I’m a student/hairstylist at Texas Southern University (TSU), where I’m pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Administration. This fall, I will be starting the second semester of my third year. Originally from Denver, Colorado, my family relocated to Texas in 2015, and my time here has contributed significantly to my personal growth.

I graduated high school in just three years and was actively involved in basketball and student leadership, along with interning at the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. I’ve also embarked on an entrepreneurial journey as a mobile hairstylist. During my first year of college, I discovered my passion for hairstyling, starting by practicing on myself and then styling my peers at little or no cost. With hard work and a practice, my skills attracted a growing clientele, and I’ve been thriving ever since. I approach my work with a strong desire to help others.

Time management and striking a balance between job, education, and student life are some of the difficulties encountered by a self-taught entrepreneur. In addition, I would add that there are moments when I struggle to meet the high standards of the rapidly evolving social trends, to identify the appropriate concepts and looks for my peers. Although my marketing methods weren’t very successful at first, I am getting better at them by researching qualitative market research. It is critical to comprehend the opinions and ideas of your target audience.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Building my audience on social media started with a clear focus on authenticity and community. I began by sharing my hairstyling journey—posting before-and-after photos, tutorials, and tips that showcased my skills and passion. Engaging with my followers through comments and direct messages helped create a sense of connection. I also have interacted with my clients/followers personally, asking them to follow or sharing my business cards.

I also leveraged hashtags relevant to my niche and participated in trending challenges to increase visibility. Collaborating with other local creators and businesses expanded my reach even further.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

Regular Communication: I send follow-up messages after appointments to thank clients and ask for feedback. This shows I value their experience. Social Media Engagement: I share styling tips, tutorials, and updates on platforms where my clients are active. Engaging with their content also helps maintain connections. I also give flowers to my consistent clientele.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Saniyadeniseee, sjcustomcrowns
• Facebook: Saniya Jefferson

Image Credits

@frostylense