Today we’d like to introduce you to Ashante Black.
Hi Ashante, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
At the age of six, my mother purchased me five mannequin heads with different textures to play in. Shortly after I began to teach myself how to braid on them, in addition to my four siblings which all had long hair and different textures as well. I instantly fell in love with the craft, I was addicted. It then became something my family, friends, coaches and teammates would pay for. I began making a profit at a very young age, not only braiding hair but sewing in hair as well and various of styles that were in style at the time. However, it was only something I loved to do in my spare time considering I was a student-athlete year around playing numerous different sports. As I got older I worked a 9-5 Job and on my off days and in between the time I would do hair and that became a 2nd source of income for me in my 20s. Still in love with the craft, I would try different techniques and practice to see which works better for me. I would google hairstyles and study them visually and instantly find a friend or sibling to try it on without knowing exactly how to do it but mentally sought it out based off my visual study. In late 2016 I enrolled at empire beauty school in Paramus Nj, where I further studied cosmetology and finished in 2017. Hair has always been a love in my life and is my passion. Doing hair is not just a Job for me, it’s become my life partner. This craft has helped me enhance my creativity, it’s my mental stabilizer, It has taught me patience, and more importantly, it has enabled me to be a blessing to men, women, and children of all ages to look and feel like their best selves when leaving my chair.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s not always a smooth road kickstarting a business. Business is business. There’s people who will love your work however Some people may say your work is great but the price is too high, some don’t mind the price and to each his own. I’ve learned you will never be for everybody but always for somebody. Some weeks I have several clients, some weeks I may only have two and some I may not have any. Right now, I’m just settling into Texas as I recently relocated from Paterson, NJ just a year ago. Starting over Trying to rebuild clientele and gain the trust of strangers who will allow you to do what you love and service them is one of the biggest hurdles I’ve come across.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I specialize in various braiding styles. I’m most proud of my ability to be able to work with various hair textures without a problem that most people have. I am also proud of my ability To mentally create & mentally lay out any hairstyle as I go. I think what sets me aside from others is that I take my time to perfect my work.
How do you think about luck?
I don’t believe I’ve had good or bad luck in my life and my business. I believe god gave me a gift and I’ve been blessed with the ability to use and execute it. I believe that certain things in my life took or takes place the way that they do so that I can focus on my calling and what it is that I love to do.
Pricing:
- Adult knotless start at $140.00
- Kids knotless start at $115.00
- Adult stitch braids start at $75.00
- Kids stitch braids start at $50.00
- Adult soft IOCs start at $260.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://blessedbytay.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blessedbytay_LLC
