Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shanita Robinson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Shanita, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
Humble Hair began without thought or a plan. As a Social Worker of 6 years, I came to a point where I just really hated my schedule. After taking a telephonic position helping active duty service members and their families, I quit after 10 months of doing hair on my off days. Although I had been licensed since graduating high school (2001) I kept hair as a side hustle to get through college.
I quickly realized that I would make more money and have my freedom by quitting, so I did just that in 2014. After doubling my $60k salary, I hopped out on passion and stepped into faith. I built a reputation for installing natural looking sew ins. My clientele grew quickly by word of mouth and showcasing my work on Instagram.
I have been in demand for the entire 10 years since leaving my job. My approach to building a solid reputation came through consistency and never getting too comfortable to change. I have always leveled up to the experience I would like to have as a consumer. The systems I have built around my target market regarding what and how I provide my services allow me to continuously care for regulars as well as new guests each week.
Humble Hair also runs a mentorship and apprentice program which allows new stylists to enter the industry to build solid foundations to start their career. Stylists are able to shadow, assist and work with guests learning technical and business skills that they can use throughout their journey in beauty.
Shanita, 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 obtained my Cosmetology licensure at 18 years old after attending free vocational training while in high school. This allowed me to quickly obtain a position at Hair Cuttery following graduation. Not only did I gain valuable technical skills, my knowledge of salon systems and structure grew from my 6 year tenure at Hair Cuttery, during college.
I obtained a Bachelor’s of Social Work Degree and a Master’s Degree in Urban Education from Norfolk State University. My experience with Social Work grew my people skills in understanding the dynamics of serving which developed the level of soft skills and customer service within my salon.
To date, I’ve created a streamlined process for guests interested in having a Sew In extensions service. This involves educating the client on the state of their natural hair, setting goals, and providing a full-service sew in experience to set our guests up for success. Often times, clients have to use more than one stylist to receive natural haircare services and another stylist to complete the extensions service. At Humble Hair, we begin with an in-depth consultation that includes porosity and elasticity tests to determine how we customize deep cleansing and treatments, coupled with a trim to prepare the hair for a Sew-In. Clients are then offered biweekly appointments to shampoo and maintain, then a removal and reinstall or removal and weave break appointment. We provide safe removal and detangling practices.
This process has set me apart from peers in the extensions industry and has allowed me to gain years of loyalty from repeat clientele and a continuos peak of interest from potential clients because I provide every service they need.
I am most proud of our new shampoo lounge. Our shampoo experiences are top notch and dedicated to making the client feel relaxed and stress free. Lasting 25 minutes or more, we start with removing build-up, then a deep stimulating scalp recipe, followed by a hydrating or moisturizing shampoo before determining the best treatment. Our customized treatments are enhanced with a micromist steamer which is beneficial to the scalp for killing bacteria and for deep hydration to repair thinning and dry hair. All of this before we install a weave to ensure the best results with the natural hair at takedown.
Clients love us for this.
Have you ever had to pivot?
In the whirlwind of life, unexpected challenges often come crashing in, demanding strength we didn’t know we had. My journey includes an unplanned pregnancy that forced me onto bed rest early on, altering my world in ways I could never have imagined. The joy of impending motherhood was soon overshadowed by the physical and emotional hardships that lay ahead.
As my body rested, my relationship crumbled, leading to a painful breakup. I faced the daunting reality of single parenthood while also losing my home—a place that once felt safe and secure. It was a year marked by loss and upheaval, a time when I felt as if everything I had worked for was slipping through my fingers.
Once I welcomed my baby girl into the world, I knew I had to once again level up. But the transition was not easy. With the demands of motherhood, I found myself unable to work evenings or take on the same number of clients. The result? A staggering 80% loss of my clientele, a harsh blow to my business.
Grateful for each loyal member of my tribe during their time with me, I refused to be defined by these setbacks. I began rebuilding my clientele slowly but surely, focusing on quality over quantity. I implemented new strategies, adjusted my pricing, and leaned on the relationships I had nurtured over the years. Each small victory rekindled my spirit and reminded me of my resilience. Little did I know, the migration of new clients served the next part of my journey in ways that the ones who exited, couldn’t. For everything (and everyone), theres a time and a season; so I chose to practice gratitude and faith in God over how this plays out.
With perseverance and determination, I not only restored my business but scaled it to new heights. I now appreciate double the revenue I had during the year of my return from maternity leave. It wasn’t just about survival; it was about thriving. I moved into a home and neighborhood that I had always desired, creating a sanctuary for myself and my child.
Throughout this journey, I learned the importance of balance. The challenges I faced taught me that self-care is not a luxury; it’s a necessity. I began incorporating activities into my routine that nurtured my well-being, allowing me to show up as my best self for my clients. I also initiated group self-care activities in my community, fostering connections and supporting others on their own journeys.
Today, I stand as a testament to resilience and renewal. My salon is thriving and I have found a rhythm that honors both my professional aspirations and personal health. I’ve transformed my hardships into stepping stones, using my experiences to inspire and empower those around me.
This story is not just mine; it’s a reminder that we can overcome life’s most daunting challenges. With faith, support, and a commitment to self-care, we can rise above and create a life we love—one step at a time. I’m doing just that.
Okay – so how did you figure out the manufacturing part? Did you have prior experience?
At Humble Hair, we understand that retail is a powerful avenue for growth and client engagement. Over the past five years, we have cultivated strong relationships with our hair extensions vendors, ensuring that we source high-quality products that resonate with our clientele.
Influance Hair Care Products
Our retail journey began 10 years ago with Influance, a locally produced national hair care brand that caters to all hair textures and types. Our connection to Influance goes beyond just retail; we actively participate in educational and artistic opportunities, such as photoshoots and events, which enrich our understanding of hair care and styling. I serve on the Artistic Team and on the verge of embarking on a career as an educator for Influance, further solidifying our commitment to excellence in hair care.
Raw Indian Hair Extensions
Our Raw Indian Hair extensions, sourced from a trusted family in India. This partnership has allowed us to maintain consistency in quality while also supporting ethical practices in the hair industry. Although we have paused on the public sale of hair extensions, rest assured something new is on the horizon.
New Partnerships in Hair Extensions
We are excited to announce our expansion with new partnerships in the Southeast Asia territory. During our rebrand, we are preparing to release more luxurious types and textures to pair seamlessly with natural hair. This expansion not only enhances our product offerings but also meets the unique needs of our diverse clientele.
Merchandising and Additional Products
To enhance our retail experience, we’ve also introduced a line of merchandise, including dad hats and bucket hats emblazoned with our signature word “Humble.” These items not only promote our brand but also foster community among our clients.
Furthermore, we source hair care tools, such as The Shampoo Brush for detangling and The Bamboo Brush for scalp massage and styling. These products are essential for enhancing the salon experience and provide our clients with the tools they need for at-home care.
Looking Ahead
We take great pride in our long-standing relationships with our vendors, as these connections have been instrumental in our growth. As we look to the future, we are on the brink of sourcing even more products, broadening our retail offerings to further increase the salon’s revenue. Our commitment to quality and community ensures that every product we offer aligns with our mission to serve our clients with excellence.
At Humble Hair, retail is not just about products; it’s about building relationships and providing our clients with everything they need to look and feel their best. As we continue to grow, we remain dedicated to offering high-quality products that reflect our values and enhance the beauty journey for everyone who walks through our doors.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://humblehair.com
- Instagram: humblehair
Image Credits
Influance Haircare, BA Creative & AngieBWinn