http://www.angelacstyles.com/default.asp My business has been a constant evolution of my passion. With hair being the main focus, I’ve always tried to work in ways that helped really uplift and enlighten women about their beauty. I am a Chicago native with over 12 years of professional experience as a hair artist. The adopted name “Styles” was born in my early beginnings of brand building to further expand on my creative specialty of hair care and styling. In that passion for hair care and education, I created “Hair” a children’s book to help shed light on the importance of loving and taking care of the hair we are born with. “Hair” is the first of many books I planned to create from my publishing company “The Pretty Curls Club” to unify and educate young women of all ethnicities on the importance of self-confidence, diversity, and friendship.
What were the biggest initial hurdles to building your business and how did you overcome them?
Hurdles will always happen and that’s the beauty of entrepreneurship. The more prepared you are the easier it becomes to deal with the challenges. For me, the biggest challenges have been generating capitol for initial investments, and finding the right players to help bring the brands to life. The ways to over come are to be open to meeting people and building your network. You never know who may become a partner or team member. Often times strangers are the most helpful. Just be open and honest about your needs and lead every interaction with the intent to build relationships.
Did you ever deal with contention from your family and friends concerning your entrepreneurial pursuits?
How did you handle it? What would you do differently in hindsight?
My family and friends have always been super supportive, even though I haven’t always shown the same support in return. Entrepreneurship can be very lonely and draining, so reminding yourself to make time for personal relationships is equally as important as work. Many tend to forget that, including myself. Family and friends can get used to your lack of interest or attention and work can become a source of contention, that’s never good. So finding a balance between the two is key!
What would you say was the single most influential factor in your business success?
Consistency, and overall love for what I do. When you truly love something it shows, and people take notice. Lastly affecting the lives of others always has a way of rewarding you. Career Karmic duty is rewarding.
What do you know today that you wish you would have known when you first got started as an entrepreneur?
It’s not going to be easy!
Spend time investing and understanding tech.
Learn how to build a business before you create one.-Take in as much information as possible on start ups and management. Although there is no blue print, there is a lot of good strategy out there.
What advice would you give to an upcoming young and old entrepreneur locally and internationally?
Follow your passions, flush out your ideas, make sure its something that the market needs. Then find some partners, there is more strength in numbers. Find people who compliment you and are equally as passionate about your business plan. Save money, raise money, and get started!
