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How long have you been doing hair?
For about 20 years, my mother was a hairstylist. I grew up watching her transform women's lives through hair and it was something I really wanted to be a part of, so I got my start while still in high school.
What do you like most about being a hairstylist? What's your least favorite part?
I love being able to use my gift to bring about positive transformations to the lives of women. And I hate the fact that I only have two hands! Lol
What would you say is your specialty?
Edgy yet classy hair.
Everyone has a favorite product/tool what's yours?
By Him for Her Products of course! These tools have been my exclusive go-to for the past 5 years.
Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Charlotte, NC, where I currently operate my salon, Hera By Him.
What advice would you give a new hairstylist trying to make a name in the industry?
I would advise new stylist to get to know who you are as a stylist and stand firm on that! The hair game is rat race, and with the evolution of social media it's only getting more competitive. Figure out what your lane is and work it, by only putting your best work forward. Don't allow anything other than you to "make you", because if it can make you, it can certainly break you! Stay mindful that you don't have to be a "celebrity stylist" in order to be successful. Whatever you do, never stop learning/cultivating your craft. And last, but certainly not least, you must be providing excellent customer service constantly, to the point where it's a way of life that makes your presence indispensable.
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Weigh in on The Great Debate, has Youtube helped or hurt the profession?
Well….Both.
It has helped in the sense that it pushes professional stylist out of complacency and forces us to level up and provide styles and service that can’t be replicated by an amateur.
It has hurt because it empowers self-taught clients to sever ties with their hairstylist.
If we’re sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it’s been for you, what did you achieve?
The overwhelming success of my new styling product line, By Him for Her. As well as my growth as a creative professional, through my ability to stay true to myself and focused on the vision God has given me for my life.
Tell me about an accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career.
My long-standing collaboration with music and style icon Fantasia.
If you could steal credit for any great haircut/hairstyle which one would you claim?
Tight soft wavy hair/wavy edges. As well as the grey/white hair trend that I credit to a viral hairstyle I created on Fantasia
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If you were the CEO of The Hair Industry name one thing you would ban.
Individual Salon Suites! They have eaten away at the notion of salon unity, the “team spririt” and the social skills that hairstylist truly need to grow and prosper in the industry.
Would you rather one annoying client that tips really well or 5 less annoying clients that never tip?
Easy one! 5 less annoying, I value my peace of mind over all!
If you could sing one song on at The Grammy's, what would it be?
Lose to Win, Fantasia
What do you love about yourself?
My ability to remain humble and honor the God in me.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF DERICKUS.
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