DTH Mag Vol 5 - Flipbook - Page 32
Celeste, you absolutely do it all! Not
many stylists can say that they specialize
in straight and natural styles. What was
the force that drove you into both lanes?
The force was my genuine desire to
showcase the versatility of natural hair.
To shift perspectives on what "natural
hair" looks like. What the possibilities
could be. In the beginning of my career as
a textured haircare specialist, I was doing
more straight thermal styling than
anything else because people wanted to
be natural but not ready to LOOK natural,
but that's a different conversation. If
you've followed my journey you might
say that the "Blowout" or "Silk Press" was
my claim to (ig) fame. Because I was one
of the only ones in my city/state or on
social media taking natural hair from tight
kinky to straight silky. My transformation
videos did numbers. I'm talking about
back in 2012, 2013. As I matured in my
craft and womanhood my focus shifted
toward
haircare
that
encouraged
accepting your original texture and
maintaining the integrity of your natural
curl. Both ways can be healthy, both can
be beautiful, and both are a vibe.
As a salon owner, what are some of the
trials of owning a business? What are
some of the best parts?
I'll start with the good. The best parts are
the moments you realize that you are
aligned in your purpose and actually
making a difference in your community.
When you are able to help put others in
positions to elevate and grow into their
best selves. Another pro to owning my
own business is that it mirrors who I am.
The design is eclectic and Afrocentric, it
smells good, clean, top-tier music, vibez,
all that.
Some trials we face as business owners
are trying to establish and maintain a
good work-life balance. I have to make
sure that I'm present and available for my
family while still being able to show up for
self. Another one for me is just trying to
not take things personal. Sometimes I still
struggle to remove my feelings from
business.
You also are one of the first stylists I've
ever seen who filmed high-quality videos
of your haircare and posted it to IG. How
has that benefitted your career over the
years?
Oh tremendously! High quality visuals
back before it was considered "content"
was one of the key components that
made my brand stick out. People tend to
engage more when they are visually
stimulated. It made it easier to connect
with my target audience and build trust.
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