As a young girl, Angela Nnamezie, Creative Director of Casa Angeles Signature discovered her love for making others beautiful. Today, she uses her talent to achieve different looks that give women not only outer beauty but help them grow their inner confidence as well.
Nnamezie told Effects that staying up to date with new products, services and trendy styles has kept her in business for over nine years.
How did you venture into salon business?
As a young girl, I loved making hair for people. Without a formal training, I would fix hair for my friends and it always come out well. At a time, I begged my parents to allow me go for training in hair making, but they turned me down. When I became independent and was at a loss for what to do to make money, I decided to follow my passion.
Women are ready to go extra miles just look beautiful and be attractive. The hair is one of the major parts of the body that can bring out ones beauty or ruin it; hence lots of women are very particular about what hair style they make and how well it is done. So I said to myself, you have the passion and it’s very lucrative. I made plans and went for training and today, I am one of the most sought stylists around.
What were some of the challenges you faced starting and what are your current challenges?
One of the challenges I encountered was getting a good location and the funds I needed to start. After getting necessary training required for me to startup, I had to work from home. I also did home services for most of the clients I gained while in training, hence I was able to save some funds. I got a place and then set it up.
Competing with big brands was challenging for me. I had to go extra miles to get new clients. I charged lower than the big brands and make sure I give quality service.
Getting new clients and keeping them was a challenge and it is still a challenge. I have learnt to manage the few challenges and situations that I have encountered over the years and gained experience from them.
What do you love most about what you do?
I have been doing hair professionally for nine years. I love the transformation, excitement and satisfaction my clients get from the services I render to them. What I do goes beyond just needle and thread. Being a hairstylist is about nurturing relationships with your clients. You have to listen and cater to their needs and wants as well as be sincere and truly care about them. I love the creativity of my job. I love using art and talent to achieve looks that give women not only outer beauty but help grow their inner confidence to help them achieve their goals, while helping me reach mine.
How did you create awareness for your business?
I create awareness through one –to- one marketing strategy. I also use social media marketing (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat) by posting content that will intrigue my target customers. There is also distribution of flyers.
What are some of the business strategies that have worked for you over the years?
Developing a niche was what worked for me. I already knew the type of clients I wanted, what needs my business would serve as well as the marketing strategy. I planned things my salon will offer clients that other salons in the area don’t offer.
Re-evaluation of the salon’s style and décor attracts more clients for me. Staying up to date with new products, services and trendy styles has worked and is still working for me. We are also planning to introduce new special packages to meet clients needs keep them glued to us.
How do you handle competition?
Over the years, I have been able to handle competitors by creating a referral program where I give my current customers the opportunity to earn rewards for bringing in friends, family and even strangers. I offer discounts on services, free products or consultations –anything to get new people in the door. I also offer new clients discounts in order to eliminate their fear of the unknown.
How lucrative is hair business?
Hair business is very lucrative all over the world as women take extra measure to look good and are willing to spend good money to achieve this. One of the symbols of a woman’s beauty is her hair. To achieve good looks and radiate confidence, ladies must make their hair and men must get their hair cut weekly no matter how hard the economy is.
What tips work for damaged natural hair?
Trim the split ends regularly. Every four to six weeks, the ends need a new beginning. Then give your hair some deep conditioning love, also stay away from harsh chemicals and ingredients, minimize heat usage and try new products. Finally, be gentle on your mane and cleanse your scalp.
How do you handle difficult clients?
One thing that has worked for me over the years is the understanding that my clients are always right and that they are the reason I am still in business. The other thing is being patient with them so as to win their hearts.
What’s new on the hair scene?
Wearing of wigs has become the order of the day in the hair arena. Women are now turning their old weaves into wigs as well as buying new ones. These days, people don’t have to spend hours in salon waiting to get their hair done when wigs can give them their desired look.
What can you tell us about yourself?
I would describe myself as person with versatile skills. I have integrity and willingness to go the extra mile to satisfy my clients. I have over 9 years experience working as a hairstylist. I did my training with MIT beauty salon at the University of Lagos, where I gained over 2years of experience in styling, coloring and treating hair. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from National Open University Nigeria. Presently, I am the Creative Director of Casa Angeles Signature, a beauty salon situated in Gbagada area of Lagos state.