We were lucky to catch up with Troi Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Troi, appreciate you joining us today. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

Walkins are really the name of the game when it comes to branching out in the barbering field. Initially that’s how you eat. When your family consists of mostly women, same with your immediate friend group, you don’t have many options to work with. They have to support your business in other ways such as sharing a social media post or handing out my business cards etc. Me being a soft spoken female entering this industry was definitely a challenge in the beginning. Being nervous around potential clientele, being scared to mess up or dreading them hating the final outcome. Just trying to find where I fit in and what made sense. I had to quickly realize confidence is what’s key. No one wants to be serviced by someone who makes it apparent that they don’t know what they’re doing. Once that confidence soars inside of you, there’s literally nothing that can stop you. If you feel good, your client will feel good, on top of that before they leave your chair they’ll then look good! It’s a win/win situation. That first dollar made in a new venture is always a stamp to show where I was, where I am now and where I’m going. It’s more than just the money but that first dollar is the drive I need to tell myself this is just the beginning, let’s work.

Troi, 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 26 year old Florence SC native. Hair has always peaked my interest, but in the beginning it was strictly women’s hair. The braids, duby wraps, quick weaves, I was in awe. Going to the salon was literally my favorite thing to do at a young age. I loved watching each style be created and just come to life and I knew that someway somehow, this is what I would be getting into.

During the pandemic I was working from home, so I ended up with a lot of free time. My mind was always racing trying to figure out what’s next? What can I put in place for the long run? It was time for a career I was serious about, something that motivated me. I was all over YouTube, the internet, and social media searching really just deciding what route to take when eventually barber videos started coming across my screen more than anything. I instantly fell in love. The technique, the form, the interaction, the sound of the clippers, the atmosphere was all new but it grabbed me. Months following I ran across my previous instructor promoting his new school, it was fate if you ask me. But talk about nervous? I was so excited to be there but so timid all at the same time. Not really being the first to jump up to catch a walk-in, always in my head about it not being perfect, sweating all the time lol the beginning stages were rough. As the days went by, my guard finally fell. I started to talk more with my peers, take on the hard tasks and realize it’s okay to mess up, that’s why you’re here. I finally felt comfortable and felt like I belonged there. Graduation was a huge accomplishment for me and I feel as if I left with everything I needed to be the best barber I can be.

Now I am formally know as The Female Barb(her). Professional and fully licensed. I specialize in all clean and detailed cuts, children’s cuts, eyebrows, facial steams and scalp treatments. What sets me apart from others is my personality. My whit, my charm, my way with others. I’ve been in customer service all my life and I take that knowledge with me and apply it everywhere I go. I’m big on first impressions and how I come off to others. I make sure all clients are comfortable and feel that they’re in a safe space when they’re in my chair. I want them to know they have my undivided attention and I care about what they’re saying. I’m most proud of the progress I’ve made in this industry. It’s male dominated but I didn’t let that stop me. I thrive more and more everyday and continue to be true to myself. I want all potential clients to know that they’re in good hands with me. I am my brand and I’ll do anything to make sure it stays in high standing, I can’t fail.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

Promoting myself, investing in myself and staying true to who I am. Social media is the high peak of marketing right now. It comes easy to some and hard to most but giving up isn’t an option. You have to stay consistent. Post pictures, make reels, nobody likes your content? That’s okay, react to your own pictures, repost and share your own work, stay relevant. You have to find what sets you apart to really stand out to your key audience. I am my own biggest fan and supporter all in one.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

All of my clients have access to me via phone, email and social media. I’m always available for questions, consultations, etc. I love to enhance the client experience as much as possible. I engage in client feedback, I love to know how they feel about my services or where they think I can improve to better their time spent with me. You have to get personal with your clientele. Learn their names, their background, really hold on to what they tell you. Customer loyalty increases the chances of them willingly booking with you again. Put in the necessary work and they will continue to grow with you.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: tb.dub
• Facebook: Troi Brown