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

Alright, Santanna thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. So, naming is such a challenge. How did you come up with the name of your brand?

The name of my business is Chiquely crowned, pronounced “CHIC-ley.” I originally started selling hair. My grandmother would always say, “your hair is the crown you never take off.” Because I love a good polished chic look, I came up with the name CHIQUELY CROWNED.

Santanna , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I have always loved everything about beauty, I would spend lots of money on hair but rarely received good customer service. One day I was just sitting thinking that I should do this myself. I started studying other brands I admired. Doing my research, watching informational interviews and videos taking notes. Trying to figure out who my targeted audience was is where the discipline came in, Putting in the work to figure out how to make my business lucrative. I’m pretty sociable, so building relationships with my clients is a plus. Making my clients feel comfortable when they’re getting a service, no matter which service. As the servicer, I feel it’s our job to make them feel a little better about themselves. When we’re getting our nails, hair, or lashes done, we sometimes just need/want to decompress. Whether it’s venting about a hectic workday, your kids, or your spouse, I feel it’s my job to create that safe place for my clients. In my opinion, showing humility, and being relatable and genuine are what set me apart from other service providers. My proudest moments are seeing my client’s reactions after they’ve been serviced. I love the excitement and energy from them.

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

I have most of my client’s phone numbers and email addresses. The relationships I’ve built with my clients are crazy, they will more than likely send an ABP out for me if they can’t get an appointment lol

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

I have lash products that can be purchased online at chquelycrowned.com or they can be purchased online and on-hand at the salon located at 417 2oth St. N Birmingham AL, 35203 website:berrybrows.com

Contact Info:

• Website: chiquelycrowned.com
• Instagram: chiquely_crowned
• Facebook: chicquelycrowned
• Twitter: @chiquely_c

Image Credits
Photo creds: Darrionta Jackson | Business name: Greater works studio Graphics: Alexis Turner | Business name: The Rebel Revamp