Today we’d like to introduce you to Erin Niles.
Hi Erin, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for sharing your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.
I have always dreamed of being a hairstylist as a kid. I attempted to start my career during high school and took the cosmetology program. In my second year in the program, I moved to a school that did not have cosmetology, so I gave up. In 2012, I attempted to go back to cosmetology school, and at Quest College, it was going great until the school had some issues and ended up closing down, so I gave up again. Last year, a woman asked me to work in her braiding hair shop. I loved the environment and what I was doing and wanted to do more. So I signed back up for school, and today, I am 2 months from graduating and have my salon suite.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
This has been a challenging road; I started in this industry working for someone else. The salon was beautiful; the owner was a nice person. However, we had different visions, so it did not work out. I do not consider that a loss because I learned much from her, and she inspired me to return to school. After I left there, I got my first salon suite. And it was a beautiful suite, and my landlord was amazing. I was over-ambitious; I had no clients when I got that suit and struggled for 3 months. After leaving my suite, I worked at a salon, and after 30 days, it closed down. By then, I was ready to give up again and throw the towel in, but I didn’t stop there. I found a barbershop to work in, and it was cool, but that didn’t exactly work out either. So here I am 5 months after my first salon suite opened with a second salon suite in the same building as the first. I struggled but learned a lot along the way.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a professional hair braider, doing braids and locs on natural hair or with extensions. I am proud of how many times I gave up all the struggles I went through along the way and how I grew as a person and a business. The best part about the hair industry to me is when your client gets up from your chair confidently and smiles. What sets me apart from others is I didn’t get into this industry to make a million dollars. I didn’t start a business to become rich; I came into this industry because I love what I do. I came into this industry because if you are going to waste time making money, you might as well make money doing something you love.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
Our city is entirely of culture. We are a big city, but we are like a small town; there are many festivals and history. I wish our city would renovate old buildings rather than build new buildings in empty spaces.
Pricing:
- Medium Knotless $275 all inclusive
- Starter locs $150
Contact Info:
- Website: https://m0netbraids.as.me/
