Typical hair salons may be a dime a dozen, great salons, fewer still. But salons that cater to African-American natural hair is hard to find. Meeting that need was the inspiration behind @LockStarz. This salon helps clients realize their hair care goals through specializing in maintenance and styling of natural hair and locs.
Typical hair salons may be a dime a dozen, great salons, fewer still. But salons that cater to African-American natural hair is hard to find. Meeting that need was the inspiration behind @LockStarz. This salon helps clients realize their hair care goals through specializing in maintenance and styling of natural hair and locs.
How long have you been in business?
Since November 2018
Who/what was the inspiration behind your business?
My community is the inspiration behind Lock Starz Salon. I saw the need for a salon specifically designed to support African American hair care needs and African American employees. An increased desire to embrace one’s natural hair has driven the increased demand for salons to help clients realize their hair care goals through specializing in maintenance and styling of natural hair and locs. I continue to be inspired by the opportunity to create jobs, the potential for future community outreach initiatives, and the genuine smiles we get from customers who have a new-found love for their natural hair.
How many employees do you have? How many were hired in the last year?
We have four employees, all of whom were hired in the last year.
What business or community need does your business meet?
We meet the need for employment opportunities, salons to support the growing population in the triangle area, affordable hair care options, and quite possibly the need for self-love through hair beautification.
What is the biggest business challenge your company/business has had to overcome? How did you do it?
One of the biggest business challenges Lock Starz Salon is currently facing is staffing. Most seasoned stylists already have a salon home and are not searching for other opportunities.
Hiring recent graduates has been a challenge because graduations only happen a few times a year. I hope to overcome this challenge by continuing to search for talent and letting people know the benefits of joining our team through social media and any other platform at my disposal.
What is your business’ greatest need?
Almost 6 months since our Grand Opening event, Lock Starz still needs talented licensed hair care professionals and any exposure that lets the community know we are here!
What are you most proud of about your business?
I am most proud of the responses I’ve gotten from customers whenever they walk through the doors. When building the salon, it was very important that customers “Experience Life as a Lock Star” by creating a space that is relaxing, spacious, sophisticated, and compliant with Cosmetic Art requirements. I love to hear customers say how much they enjoy the experience! One of the proudest moments thus far was the day the salon earned a Grade”A” rating with the Board of Cosmetic Arts!
In what ways do you hope your business will grow in the next two years?
In the next two years I hope my business will house 7 full-time professional and enthusiastic stylists who each have regular clientele and to be well-known as a trusted salon for African American natural hair care and loc maintenance.