Help! I need urban hair care, in North Dakota?!

 calypso fargo

The other day I wrote an article about a cool salon in Atlanta and one in Henderson North Carolina.  You know Atlanta the “black mecca” of the United States.  Where you can get more flavor than a liquor store candy isle.   And North Carolina has one of the largest African American populations in the country as well.   But where do you turn if you need to get your cornows done and you live in…… North Dakota?

Well they say necessity is the mother of invention.   Today I learned that a small mind is a terrible thing to have.  I spoke with Tarsi of the Calypso Fargo Salon in Fargo North Dakota and she let me know not to sleep on Fargo’s booming urban scene.  Lets be clear, Fargo will not rival the ATL, Chicago or the NYC for urban flavor anytime soon, but they are making a name for themselves.

Kristen Lock: How is salon business in Fargo North Dakota?

Tarsi or Calyspo Fargo:  Business is going well.  We have been opened for a year and the salon stays Read more

My Interview with the Mixed Chicks

Recently I was invited to meet Kim and Wendi, the founder of Mixed Chicks at a mixer in West Hollywood. Talk about gracious and down to earth women. I was nervous, but they made me feel right at home. I don’t know about you but the pressure of speaking in front of a camera is indescribable. Anyways, their product is highly recommended for many woman of mixed ethnicities, but don’t take my word, read other reviews on the net.

As a stylist I can give all aspiring stylist one piece of advice that has served me well. Stay versatile and continue to learn. What I am really saying is that hair comes in many grades and textures. If you don’t learn how to style various styles, you will limit your potential range of clients.

Creating a brand vs. creating products


Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price does an interview for Rolling Out TV.

It’s important to understand the difference between a beauty brand as opposed to a stand alone products. Think of Macy’s as a fashion store brand and the local boutique as a stand alone product. Each plays an important role, but for those looking to eventually exit the business, a great strategy would consist of getting out when you are ahead.

Essentially what is smart to consider, after you have created your products and know what works and does not work for your customers, taking your products to the next level would include creating affiliates, resellers or getting distribution in retail. This is where the big money is at and what most people look at as a marker that they are on the path to great growth.

Welcome to Kristen Lock Dot Com

This is the 1st post. Glad you made it to my blog. I hope that you learn and are inspired. First post are really overrated, but I know the blog will be worth its weight in gold. How much does a blog weigh?

Again welcome to my blog at Kristen Lock Dot Com.