Today we’d like to introduce you to Locstress Drea.
Locstress, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began my loc journey in April 2004 while transitioning and submitting to the will and teachings of Rastafari. I decided to change my lifestyle and this is the path I chose at the time.
I decided I needed a change of scenery, and moved to small city in Canada, just outside of Detriot Michigan, where I met a few people with locs. One person in particular, whom I refer to as my brother needed his locs groomed, and I had a warm time doing them because they were thinner at the time.
I think I stopped doing them midway because I became impatient. As time went on, I would always have random folk ask me which hair salon I went to, and I would tell them I maintained my locs on my own.
In 2012, while still working for a marketing company, I became a mobile stylist, offering services such as braids, Senegalese twists, and locs retwist. Eventually I narrowed down my services to only doing locs, and the rest is history!
I began working in different salons to find my footing as a Loc Specialist. As time went on and my clientele grew, I decided to branch out on my own in a private studio in Tamarac, Florida.
Has it been a smooth road?
To get lost is to learn the way – African Proverb.
According to Frederick Douglas, if there is no struggle, there is no progress. This quote comes with many truths, as my journey definitely had a lot of potholes. Many stylists will not admit a lot of their struggles for fear of judgement from outsiders. We all feel this way however, the end goal is to become successful in the hair industry, and with that being said, we have to expect pitfalls along the way.
When I first began grooming my clients’ locs, I did not offer styling. This was something I was nervous about because in Westernized culture, loc styling is an essential part of the business that keeps it revolving. When I did learn to style my clients on my own, I wasn’t particularly fond of the outcome, but I kept persisting until I perfected my craft.
I am still learning as time progresses, and seek a lot of inspiration from loc pages and Pinterest! As for the business side of things, I learned that having a platform for clients to book their appointments and be able to leave reviews is important.
In my past experience, (2013) I had booked a client via text for a Monday afternoon hair appointment. I didn’t follow up, nor confirm the appointment. To make a long story short, the client showed up to the salon I used to work at and phoned me. She said “Hey Drea I’m here for my appointment, where are you”? I immediately thought – “Oh Shh–“, how could I forget?
This client in particular had to arrange babysitting for her son just to get her hair done, and I wasn’t there, nor could I travel there as I was preoccupied! She was obviously upset, mentioned what she had to go through to get a sitter and hung up!
So I began researching websites – apps where people can book their appointments and found styleseat! That thing is my appointment bible. It tells me who books, cancels, times, dates, appointment policies etc.. I am currently working on my own website so my clients can see a variety of services I provide for their locs.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Imperial Locs Lounge – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
First, I am a Loc Specialist! I take an organic approach to the maintenance, health, and grooming of locs, through the use of natural shampoos and oils to maintain locs. I also start a lot of loc journeys for my clientele, who eventually become my regulars through grooming their roots which is recommended every six-eight weeks.
I am known mainly for repairing, crocheting, instant locking, adding length with extensions. And restoring the health of your locs through deep treatments and detoxes. I actually plan to take a Trichotomy course for hair loss as a way to expand my business and cater to those who are experiencing thinning in their roots.
My style of locs grooming is unorthodox because I don’t just offer wash, retwist and styling. That is the job of a loc stylist and more so now, a Loctician. There are a handful of us in the industry that offers crocheting of the locs and believe it or not, I stay connected with them through text and social media.
Crocheting of the roots is a way to place the loose hairs back into the loc with a fine crochet needle. I was taught this technique by another sistren of mine who is well known in the industry. It took me a few years to perfect this technique and a lot of people book this service because they don’t have to return for an appointment for at least two months.
I am most proud of the ability to provide an intimate, living room style environment for my clients to get their hair groomed while they enjoy Netflix and a few laughs. I am also very personable, which is also very important as a professional. I allow my work to speak through visuals and testimony!
Is there a quality or characteristic that has played an outsized role in your success?
I treat every client as a guest in my home! We engage in good conversation, we joke and at times have in-depth conversations.
Building a rapport with my clients is why I remain busy. I am constantly providing advice and tips as to what products to use, and how they should maintain their locs. They’re very appreciative of that.
Contact Info:
- Website: Styleseat.com/locstressdrea
- Phone: 5612210476
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @thelionesslocstress
- Facebook: Facebook.com/locstressdrea
Image Credit:
Kamoche Photography & Imperial Rootz Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA 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.
