We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Tymekia Rayford a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tymekia , thanks for joining us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

Knowing what I know now, I wish I had started my business sooner than later. However, I also believe everything happens when it’s supposed to. I started my business in April of 2021 in the middle of a pandemic. It’s crazy because all of the ideas I ran from I suddenly had both but time to create. The hair industry has always been apart of me since a little girl. My sisters and I would style each other’s hair and then our friends. It wasn’t until my oldest sister was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer that gave me real clarity on life but I was too afraid of taking the leap of faith. Instead I continued working my regular job and took clients when I could. My sister would wear a lot of weaves even before she lost her hair. I developed a love for wigs once she lost her hair though. Shortly after my sister gained her wings I met my husband. He gave me the ability to go after my dream of styling hair full time. Interesting enough even then I didn’t think I’d become an Instructor or even have my own haircare line. My love and passion for hair is endless when my clients sit in my chair I always educate them on their hair. I think any great stylist would. In doing so, I learned what works for them and what didn’t. This ignited the idea of creating my own haircare line. If I could change anything about my journey it would be to just start, stop procrastinating because you can never get the time back you’ve wasted. I would probably be further along in my career.

Tymekia , 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 am a hardworking Wife and mother of four. I am a Cosmetologist who loves to educate others. I would always try new products but wanted a product I could use for both relaxed and natural clients. I wanted a product line that was for everyone. As I researched, I found that many product lines often had categories. Which meant that if I serviced all hair types I would have to purchase so many different products to accommodate my clients. Think about how much space I would need to store that much product. Take it a step further how much money I would have to spend to maintain the needs of my clients. In creating my hair care line I found I wanted so make it as simple and easy as well as affordable. The feedback from customers and clients has been amazing. It motivates me to go harder. I currently offer shampoo, conditioner, edge control, braid pomade, curl cream, detangle spray, heat protector, lace glue and lace glue remover along with a beard kit for men.

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

My loyal clients are amazing. They are the reason I continue to bring in new clientele. Sometimes I think they promote my products more than I do.

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

I created my business with $500 and a prayer. Once products sold I poured that revenue right back into my business. I honestly am still doing that.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tressesbymekallc.com
• Instagram: @tresses_by_meka