Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Garrett.
Hi Ariel, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start, maybe you can share some of your backstories with our readers.
It all started when I was working at Pace Opportunity, which is a Home and Health Care Facility. I was working there for about 3 and a half months. Then, the day of March 29th I got into a bad car accident, and it was a time where I needed to make changes in my life. I feel like God gave me a chance to change things around in my life to better myself by allowing me to make it out that accident with minor pains. It was a long healing process, but it could’ve been worse. A few months after me not being able to work and not having a car, I tried to start back working again at the Home and Health Care Facility again, but the HR lady told me they kicked me out the system and I would have to apply all over again. So, me being the person I am I was like, “I’m not about to go through that process all over again.” Since I knew how to braid hair, I had a business page already, but I would barely post on there, but I posted a special and I started getting clients from that point on. I also like to bake as well, and I started selling treats on the side too. I was trying the best way to find the best way to make money that wouldn’t cause too much stress on myself. I then started to save my money because I’m not the type of person to sit in the house all day, so I went looking for a car and found one. I was braiding hair from home for about 8-9 months before I got me a suit. I then got my first suite at my cousin Salon Suites (Suites of Houston). I stayed there for 6 months. Now I’m currently located in the 2646 office building, and I been there ever since. I enjoy working for myself and in the new space that I’m in.
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?
No, it hasn’t been smooth at all. I have had many obstacles along the way. It’s been times where I felt lonely and was very vulnerable and let anybody treat me certain ways, but I didn’t realize it because of what I was going through mentally after my accident. Then it was times where I wanted to give up, but I got me a therapist and was talking to her, and she helped me and pushed me also my real friends that are more like sister pushed me to not give up. It was times when I was depressed, and I felt like I didn’t know what was next for my life, times when I felt like people were doing better than me, times when I would just cry because it was hard for me to express how I felt about certain things in my life. I was unhappy at one point, but once I started getting closer to God and praying more, I felt like things started changing for me.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about The Mermaid Experience?
So, my brand represents me of course, my name is Ariel, and everyone always would say like the little mermaid. So, I took that and ran with it, so that’s where the mermaid part comes in. Then I chose “experience” because I want everyone to remember their time being with me as far as conversations wise, how they felt getting their hair done. I want to make sure everyone is comfortable. So, I’m a braider I want to get into lace which is like sew-ins and bonding methods as well, but right now, I’m a braider. I specialize in knotless braids the most. What sets me apart from others is I’m very interactive and engaging with my clients, and I always ask questions to make sure they walk out satisfied. I’m very considerate of their time, especially if something comes up, and trying to work around their schedule. What I’m most proud of brand-wise is the variety of hairstyles I’m able to do and still perfecting my skills in those styles as well. I’m also proud of the connections I make with my clients because they play a big role in helping my business expand. I want them to know that my brand is always welcoming new clients, I will be offering summer specials and new services this coming June.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson that I learned throughout my journey is to be patient and being organized. Being patient is so important because things are not going to happen when you want them to things will happen when it’s the right timing. Also, being organized because by me not being organized I was having problems with knowing who booked for certain days and times, I had to write everything down so I wouldn’t overbook myself. It also helped me in my day-to-day life too with writing a to-do list of things I needed done or to get.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://my-business-108265-103912.square.site/?fbclid=PAAaalx-Yp4O_d0nCPiWBp2Jw8Ao3eAzcnsBZOXJhF1J7sYL3UuRYrGFq64Qw
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/themermaidexp_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
