Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Pettway.
Hi Lisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I began my journey in cosmetology at the Learning Institute of Beauty Science in New York, where I earned my cosmetology license in 1996. After graduating, I worked as an assistant to a hair stylist in Manhattan who styled hair for entertainers and celebrities. That experience gave me a strong foundation in the beauty industry. Soon after I stepped out on faith and started my own business from my mother’s kitchen with the support of my church, family and friends, I built my first clientele. As my business grew I moved into a booth rental Salon where I continued to develop my skills and establish myself as a professional hair stylist. When I relocated to Maryland, I had to start over from scratch. I worked in commission based salons while building a new clientele and I quickly learned that every state has its own trends, techniques, and client expectations. Adapting to those differences helped me grow both personally and professionally. Since 2006 I have been self-employed as the owner of FolliclesHS. Over the past 30 years I remain committed in learning, growing, and serving my clients through every economic challenge and Industry change. My journey has been one of faith in God, perseverance, and dedication, and I’m grateful that those humble beginnings have led me to where I am today.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not at all. Like many small business owners I face my share of challenges.
One of my biggest challenges was relocating from New York to Maryland. Although I had years of experience, I quickly learned that every state has its own trends, terminology, and client preferences. I had to adapt, learn a new market and build my clientele all over again.
Another challenge was working in commission based salons. When a salon struggles financially or closes its doors, it affects everyone who works there. After experiencing that several times, I realized I wanted the stability and freedom of owning my own business.
As a salon owner today, one of my biggest challenges is balancing affordability and rising business costs. Rent, supplies, and products continue to increase, but I also understand that my clients work hard for their money. I always try to keep my prices fair while still providing high quality service.
Through every challenge, I stayed committed to treating my clients as people not just appointments. I believe in taking the time to understand their needs and making sure they leave feeling beautiful, confident, and cared for.
Looking back over the last 30 years, it hasn’t always been easy, but I truly believe God has blessed me with this gift and has sustained me through every season. I never imagined becoming a hair stylist when I was younger, but today I can honestly say I love what I do. The greatest reward is seeing a client leave my chair smiling, feeling revitalized, self-assured and with a “New Attitude”. That’s what makes it all worthwhile.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a licensed professional hairstylist with over 30 years of experience and the owner of FolliclesHS. I specialize in healthy hair care first and foremost because I believe beautiful hair begins with healthy hair.
I provide a wide range of services, including precision haircuts, relaxers, color, locs, crochet styles, and other select braiding techniques. I also work with clients of all ethnicities. While I stay current with todays trends and techniques, I’m also classically trained and still enjoy using traditional Marcel curling irons, which reflects my old school foundation and hair styling.
What I’m most grateful for is that after more than three decades in this industry, I’m still able to do what I love every day. I’m thankful to still be standing behind the chair serving my clients and continuing to grow my business.
There is plenty of competition in the beauty industry. What sets me apart is the way I care for my clients. I don’t see people as appointments or dollar signs; I see them as individuals. I take the time to understand their hair care needs and make sure they leave my salon feeling welcomed, valued, and looking they’re very best. For me, building lasting relationships and helping people feel good about themselves is the most rewarding part of my career.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, in a single-parent household, the odds were often stacked against me, but I refused to become just another negative statistic; being blessed to be raised by a hard working mother who firmly believed in morals, integrity, and God. She created a safe space for me to simply be a kid, encouraging me to dive into everything from trying my hand at sports, dancing, singing, and drawing. Her strong foundation and giving me a rich cultural upbringing by introducing me to the Arts and exploring museums is what fueled my creativity and built my character.
One thing that has always stayed with me is my willingness to learn and grow. I mesh well with others, I work well under pressure, think quickly, and enjoy challenges because they bring out my best. Most importantly, my faith in God has been the foundation of my life. I truly believe that without God I wouldn’t be where I am today.
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