Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Tramaine Plains. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Tramaine , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today So, let’s imagine that you were advising someone who wanted to start something similar to you and they asked you what you would do differently in the startup-process knowing what you know now. How would you respond?
Proper planning would have gotten me to where I am faster, with way less capital. My wife, Sharrain, who is also my business partner taught as well as showed me the importance of organization. I made a lot of moves in the beginning without seeing them out, the what ifs or what not. Lost and mistakes are going to happen when building a business so if you can avoid the “unnecessary” by planning out your thoughts and also budgeting, lets not forget about that, you will definitely get ahead faster.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Tramaine Plains or you can call me Steady. I’ve been cutting for longer than I can remember, it was something that came natural to me. I moved to Atlanta, GA, worked little jobs here and there but ultimately, I had a huge vision and wanted to pursue my goal of having my own barbershop. I built my plan out for five years but attained it in three years. I also met my wife, Sharrain, the prior year—so she was able to help with the entire process. Our shop, Steadyhands Barber & Beauty Shop, LLC has grown to be a fully equipped barbershop and now newly renovated salon! I love what I do, and I show that in my work. I think we are at an amazing spot right now and growing every day.
Steadyhands is not your typical barbershop and salon. We wanted to create an environment like no other on the south side of Atlanta. We have brought the downtown/midtown vibes to Clayton County! From the graffiti walls, arena-style televisions in the ceiling, and most importantly quality cuts, I would say we are one of a kind. We have a luxury-style salon featuring a hanging chandelier, white leather upholstery, and complimentary refreshments. We are known for our family-friendly environment, good energy, cleanliness, and diversity. We are also a staple of our community, we are preparing for our 7th annual Back-To-School Bash. Last year we had the honor of collaborating with our city Lovejoy, we were able to help over 500 families with supplies, food, and free haircuts! We are also featured on the Lovejoy version of the game Monopoly, Lovejoy-opoly!
We have a diverse team of friendly barbers that are available to service walk-ins or appointments. I mainly work off appointments which can be booked via TheCut app. When I’m available I also service walk-ins. I specialize in all cuts but if I had to pick my favorite, it would be fades and line-ups, two important details of a haircut. My personality and skill set combined sets me apart.
Can you talk to us about how you funded your business?
Believe it or not this question comes to me a lot, about how I funded my business. I’m proud to say hard-work and dedication did the trick. I don’t want to say my culture because it’s not everyone, but I didn’t come from a background where I was taught how to secure a loan or build credit so starting off was challenging for me because all the capital came out of my pocket. It’s almost hard to believe when I tell my story of a young black man having a successful business before the age of 30, I mean I feel its becoming more normal due to social media but during my time of building I received a lot doubt from people which helped motivate me to keep going. I worked in local barbershops to save and secure my funding and then at one point in my life I feel I was pushed beyond the point of no return. The shop I was working in closed out of nowhere, I came to work one morning to my things sitting on the floor. I had no choice but to pursue my vision or go to another dead end situation. I took everything I had saved up, paid a deposit, bout enough furniture to get started up, and overtime and with patience,I built up my shop.
Any advice for managing a team?
Managing a team is not for everyone, meaning owning a business is not for everyone. Anyone thats in a position to manage a team has to know the difference between business and personal because there is a fine line between them and too much of one can alter the other. Secondly, lower your expectations, this may sound extreme when this is your business but do not expect people to act or do as you would, thats why everyone has their own position. I found that I was expecting too much from people who vision in life may not have been what mine is. I’m not saying my goals are better or I’m better it’s just something that comes with growth and maybe those individuals are comfortable with the level they are on, who I am to say they need to be better. Now lowering your expectations from the team doesn’t mean lower your standards. You want to stand firm on your standards and policies for your business thats what you are built on and they must respect that to be on the team.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.steadyhandsbb.com
- Instagram: tramaine_steady
- Facebook: Steady De Barber
- Other: My business partner/Wife instagram is dreeka_plains
Image Credits
Photos by Sharrain Plains IG: dreeka_plains