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

Sylvia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What do you think it takes to be successful?

I think to become successful you have to have a certain mindset. The mindset to get up and do things when you’re not feeling it. You have to give it 100% at all times. You have to lose some sleep. You have to have a mind that pretty much work 24/7. You can’t be afraid of failure and you for sure can’t give up. Sometimes you have to be uncomfortable to succeed. A lot of people misconstrue success with being a millionaire. But honestly success is doing what you love and constantly achieving in that area. Money doesn’t make you successful but achievements do!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’ve been around the hair industry all my life. My mom there was pregnant with me while she was in cosmetology school. I was what they call a “shop baby “ I was always at the beauty Salon with my mother. So I guess you can say I was born for the industry lol. I didn’t get into the industry until my late 20’s. My discipline came from the military and I honestly thank God for that structure and ability to strategically think under pressure. That carried me a long way! I believe what sets me apart is ultimately my customer service skills. People definitely don’t understand how critical that is. That always turn a $50 haircut to a $60-$80 haircuts because of a tip!
I’m honestly most proud of starting up my business on my own because I didn’t come up with money I’ve earned everything I have and although the road wasn’t easy I wouldn’t change the path if I had the chance to redo it because of the lessons that came with it!

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

Actually, I paid for my business out of pocket. I had some money saved from a car wreck I had. I told myself I’d rather use my own money and have a 100% return. The beauty of not having to owe money for loan is beautiful. It was a tough road at first.It definitely was a risk because the real question was what if I didn’t succeed but that was a risk I was willing to take by using my own money.

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

Honestly, I would say my art (Haircutting) speaks for itself, along with catering to my clients. One thing about words is it travel like wildfire, and if you’re good the word will definitely get out! But at the same time social media helped a lot. Also the booking app I use. My work is showcased therefore it’s self explanatory. I have people tell me all the time that they’ve studied me on social media or the booking app before they book me, and once I’ve finished a service they always say. I’m glad I chose you! From the customer service to the actual service I make you feel seen, and that’s what I teach to my other barbers at my shop. It will always be the way you make the person you’re doing business with feel.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.nextlevelgroominglounge.com
• Instagram: I_am_da_barber_
• Facebook: Next Level Grooming Lounge