Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trakenya Hayes. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Trakenya, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. One thing we always find fascinating is how differently entrepreneurs think about revenue growth and cost reductions – both can be powerful ways to improve profitability. What do you spend more of your time and energy on?
Growing revenue would definitely outweigh cutting costs for me! The hair industry is a business with many layers to it, you won’t make any money just by cutting costs. Although cutting costs helps when it comes to products that we use, but I’m all about building and climbing the ladder financially.
Trakenya, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I’m a 39 year old mother of two. I graduated from International Renowned Beauty Academy and have been a licensed cosmetologist for over 20 plus years. I started out styling my dolls like most young girls do, but I gained a love for it when I watched my grandmother do hair when I was growing up. I knew this industry is where I belonged because the gift was in me since birth, my hands are blessed! What sets me apart from most cosmetologists is the ability that I have to work fast and efficiently! I pride myself on this because time is definitely important, because everyone’s time is valuable and it’s something we can never get back. The main thing I would say people should know about me, is that I have a huge personality and I love people! I don’t meet a stranger, lol
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Oh for sure! Some years ago, It seemed like the hair industry was tanking! I felt that because of the YouTube tutorials and How to videos, that it watered down our industry! I couldn’t understand why people would give away the secrets to how we performed our craft. I soon realized that, even if one tries to mimic or recreate your craft that they had to be gifted as well. I started going back to college, which I’m still attending majoring in Criminal Justice and also went out for the Fort Worth police department, because that has always been my passion as well, I love helping people. I actually got hired on with FWPD contingent upon the passing of my PAT test, and I had to really evaluate whether or not I wanted to completely give up doing hair. Some time after and with lots of prayer, my business began to pick back up, I started marketing myself even more, and now I have so many clients, old and new that I have to work over time and I’m beyond grateful!
How did you build your audience on social media?
Yes. Honestly people have gravitated toward me, because of my big personality! Gaining followers on social media in the aspect of my business was basically just taking ALLOT of pictures and posting them on all social media outlets! I remember when I first started out I would set an alarm every 3 hours to remind myself to take pictures of my clients and post them! The only way you can stay relevant, is by constantly marketing yourself and your brand. Another tip would be to try and Stu positive and use hashtags that are always trending.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.StyleSeat.com/trakenyahayes
- Instagram: dfwhairsavage
- Facebook: The Chic Lounge
- Twitter: dfw_hairsavage