Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenda Johnson – Castillo.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Brenda. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started my career late in my adult life. Cosmetology license in 2011, and again with my cosmetology educators license in 2013. Started by bartending at night and shampoo in the morning. So, I could build my clientele. Finally, in 2015, I got hired at Huetiful Natural hair salon and that’s when my career really took off. As my clientele got bigger, my pockets didn’t. At this point around January 2018, I decided to make that jump and get out on my own. Now, I am my own business owner at Sola Salons.
Great, 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?
The hardest thing is building your clientele. It takes time, so be patient. Have to be professional and most importantly…. be on time. The way you conduct yourself is the attention you will attract. If you’re late, your clients will be. Once you get the clientele you need to keep them. Client retention and referrals. The best business card is word of mouth!!!
Please tell us about BStyles Chicago.
I am a natural hair care specialist with an added specialty in hair extensions. Extensions have been my passion since I was in elementary school. What I’m most proud of is my ability to listen to my clients and give them what they want, not what I want. But also, let them know if I can’t and meet a happy ground. I love I’m able to educate too. I’d love to go into the schools and teach a little later in my career. What sets me apart is I’m timely, efficient, kind, professional and my clients like early mornings. So, for my professional clientele, I start at 5 am three days out of the week!
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Pinterest is a great one, the best of them all is Instagram! For my business, I’d rather have IG than any other app!
Pricing:
- Silk Press $70
- Closure Sew in $225
- Natural hair oil $13
Contact Info:
- Address: Sola Salons
558 W Roosevelt RD
Studio 27
Chicago, IL 60607 - Website: Bstyleschicago@glossgenius.com
- Phone: 773-383-5066
- Email: bstyleschicago@gmail.com
- Instagram: Bstyles_chicago
Image Credit:
Zinnia Adam, Vanessa, Dominique, Angela, Victoria, Toya. Cecelia, LaTrelle
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
