Today we’d like to introduce you to Sonsearai Hackett.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Sonsearai. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
For as long as I can remember, I’ve always seen myself in a career that allows me to cater to others. For me that career is in the beauty industry specifically cosmetology. In my 12th grade year of high school, I had become a mother for the first time. Very scary moment for me. Seven days before my high school graduation, I gave birth to my first and only son. Walking across the stage after receiving my diploma was a very joyous moment, then the unthinkable happened. Three months before starting cosmetology school, God called my son to be home with the Lord. A level of devastation I could never imagine. Losing my greatest motivation was now the driving force behind finishing what I sought out to accomplish. Knowing that every decision I would make, he would see. I wanted nothing more than to make my son proud of me.
At 18, I started school in the fall only to drop out a year later, feeling the need to get a job and live on my own. Big mistake. At the age of 21, I had become a mother for the 2nd time. This time a beautiful baby girl. Now the need to provide for my daughter is at an all-time high and cosmetology school would just have to wait. For seven years, I worked in the medical field after going to school for Medical Billing and Coding. In those seven years, my desire to become a licensed hairstylist grew more and more with each passing year yet fear would defeat me. As I approached my seven-year mark with the company I worked for, we received unfortunate news that the practice was closing for good. I had three months to find another job. After five months, a two-month post being laid off, I had taken a lot of time to meditate and decide which direction my life was going in. In 2014, I decided to make the leap into starting cosmetology school again but this time completing it. Four years later, here I am, not only a licensed cosmetologist but a small business owner. I’d say that my son and my daughter are pretty proud of me thus far. As I take stock of everything, I am proud of myself as well.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road has definitely felt all terrain. One main struggle that I had to face was lack of self-confidence and fear. Going into foreign territory felt uncomfortable yet familiar at the same time. Although I felt I had a gift of styling hair I wasn’t sure if others felt the same. I didn’t know whether or not I could acquire the income to provide for my daughter and myself. One thing that I’ve learned since starting my journey is to never get in the way of yourself. Focus on the goals that you have set and done all that it takes to accomplish those goals no matter what may come your way. Allow the time that it takes to manifest. Success will not come overnight.
What should we know about Sonsearai Dominique Salon? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My specialty has always been and is still hair care. That’s what I’m known for. My entire brand is built around passion, peace, and growth so when I created my brand I wanted that type of energy to radiate in my work and based on feedback my goals were accomplished. I’m proud of that. I feel the thing that sets me apart from others is my spirit. I’ve been told that I have a calming yet energetic oar about myself which is pleasant energy to have especially working so closely with the public.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Be intentional in everything you do and every choice you make. Never set out to do something with no intentions of doing what’s best for you! Starting a career especially a new career may be daunting but it doesn’t have to be as long as you understand that your story will be writing for you!
Contact Info:
- Address: 2365 Spring Rd Smyrna, GA 30080
- Website: www.sonsearaidominique.com
- Phone: 678-926-8205
- Email: sonsearai.dominique@gmail.com
- Instagram: @sonsearai.dhair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sonsearaidominique/
Image Credit:
Leah Eversley, Leneille Moon, Kalita Conley, Me’Chele Daves, Ty Myrick, Kelvin Rashaad, Tifarah Naava, Ariel Turner
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