Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Harris.
Courtney, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Courtney Harris, a twenty-five-year-old, African American woman and entrepreneur from Houston, Texas. Same as many of the extremely empowered and motivated women around myself, I come from poverty; nothing was ever handed to me, which gave me this passion and drive to succeed and overcome any and every obstacle. I’ve always had an interest in beauty and fashion. Growing up, I was the friend who played in everyone’s hair. But I wasn’t just playing, I had real skills and talent. Going through the many struggles I’ve experienced a fire began to burn inside and I wanted to put that fire into something amazing. Not only was I talented enough to do hair in all aspects, I began to perfect my craft as a braider, who would have ever known there were so many different techniques, styles, and qualities within braiding. I’ve made it fashion! I always want better, want more. I’m always looking for what’s next? A better way to perfect my craft. I love criticism and learning new ways to be better than I was today. I am beyond anxious to see where my business will be five years from now, or even a year from now.
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?
It has most definitely not been a smooth road. Everything has been trial and error, and I most thankful for that. I have really enjoyed learning from my mistakes and watching myself grow. Just like any other passionate person, there have been times where I felt unmotivated, gotten frustrated, and felt like I wanted to give up, but I didn’t. I always think about how hard I’ve worked and how far I’ve gotten from when I first started this business. You only completely fail, if you stop applying yourself. Some days you may not get as many clients as you’d like, you may meet someone with more business than you are getting. But you don’t use that as discouragement, you use it to light that fire inside of you and work harder!
Braidsbyceemichelle – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
Braidsbyceemichelle is my brand, my business. It is the thing that makes me, me. I am a Houston-based braider. I specialize in many different styles and techniques. I am known for hosting different events and bringing my clients together, empowering them and letting them be their true selves. Of course, making money at the same time is a plus, but being able to empower myself and others is the best part. I am most proud for the power and positivity my company holds. When people hear my brands name, they automatically connect it to how positive and motivated I am and have always been, and ironically my clients show those same characteristics. They are really the people who make my company what it is. None of this would be possible without them. They motivate me and keep me going. They are a big factor behind my passion and perseverance.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
In all honesty, I have had several proud moments in my career, especially now more than ever. I can admit though, I am happiest when I put together the photo shoots for my clients, and they all come together with the different braid styles and patterns I’ve done on them, and they dress in their own unique ways and we really get into it and make it fashion. I sit back for a second and I just take in all the good energy. My clients are all laughing, bonding, taking these photos really getting into their true selves and knowing that I played any part in that feeling really ignites the passion in my heart. You can see it on their faces, they are truly satisfied with themselves and I’d like to think my talent played a part in that, a part in their happiness and satisfaction.
Pricing:
- Small Knotless braids $180
Contact Info:
- Phone: 8324529337
- Email: courtneyyh@yahoo.com
- Instagram: Braidsbyceemichelle
- Facebook: Courtney Michelle
Suggest a story: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
