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.

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.

Now if you have been reading this blog for any amount of time you are well aware that I think relaxers should be avoided like the plague. Why? They weaken the hair. They tend to make women of color feel as though their natural beauty aint natural enough and finally there are so many other looks that one could wear. But….. If perms are your thing, then I would advise you to at least consider no-lye relaxers. But even they have their issues.

I found a great video of a young lady (TracieMae) in Atlanta going through the process of chopping off her relaxed hair and starting anew. She chronicled her experience at Urbanbella an Apothecary in Atlanta. (My sisters on the west coast don’t know nuthin’ ’bout no apothecary). I would call it brave, but in the comments I saw a woman who went natural due to chemo and thought twice about my choice of words. But none the less I hope this inspires someone considering chopping their processed hair off and starting over.

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.