We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Virginia Taylor a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Virginia, thanks for joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
When I first started out with my business, I took a huge risk. I used all the money I had at the time. I didn’t apply for a business loan, because I didn’t want to start out in debt. I remember finding my first building located at 3607 S.Texas Ave. Bryan, Texas 77803. I didn’t even have all the equipment I needed, bit I stepped out on faith anyway, and was practically given everything that I needed. I’ve learned that taking a risk was the best thing I could have ever done. I have been my own Boss since September of 2006, and still loving it!!!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
My business exists and was created for the sake of helping being others who have been turned down and told that it is impossible to have this or that done. I love being creative, braiding, weaving, and making sure everyone’s hair remain healthy. I love helping people and making people feel good about themselves. I got into the industry, because of my dad (Lonnie B. Goosby R.I.P). He was the first person to see potential in me. He told me that I would be better off working for myself. What set me apart from others is the ambition, strength, and creativity I have to bring almost any style presented to me to life! I’m most proud of the smile that I see on each of my clients face before they leave my chair. I would like future clients/fans/critics to know that if I have ever wronged you in anyway, I have no problem making it right and that I stand behind my work 100%.
What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?
My side hustle turned into my greatest career of all time period. I honestly, gotten to know more individuals. through using my skills in my talent.I started my side hustle when my kids were small, over 28 years ago. One day, I did not have anyone to watch my children. , so I decided that I would start braiding hair. Once I found out. I was talented at that from family and friends. I began to charge very cheap prices, because I did not know my worth. I remember doing micro braids for $65 haha!!!, and fingernails for $10. I must say times have drastically changed. Now I charge anywhere from $150 to $300 for micrograms. It took alot of hard work to get to where I am today. Some of the key milestones are standing in the midst of adversity and knowing who I am as a person and not letting anyone around me to dictate where they felt like my business should be. It is my vision and I’ve held on to that vision and my business continues to flourish mightly!!!
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
The back story of my business is that it would be wise to start your business with a business plan.I did not. I just hit the ground running. I did luck up and be came totally successful despite not having a business plan. All I knew is that I wanted to start a business. Let’s just say, their were great people placed in my path to help me along my journey.
Contact Info:
- Website: Outstandingstylesbraidingweaving.booksy.com
- Instagram: Outstanding1styles
- Facebook: Outstanding Styles
Image Credits
Photo Credit goes to DeMarkus Abbs Witta_q_productions