Today we’d like to introduce you to Raven Stewart.
Raven, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I’m 25 years old. I was born and raised in Miami, FL and I currently reside in Ft Lauderdale. My partner and I have two beautiful daughters. I started doing hair since I was 13. At this age, I honestly did hair just for fun. From doing my very own hair to family and close friends. Mostly everything I learned is self-taught. I noticed I enjoyed it and started to receive positive feedback over time. Years later after graduating high school, I began to focus more on being a hairstylist. At this time I was working a regular job, a full-time college student, and a Hairstylist. This was extremely overwhelming and stressful balancing all three. I knew something would eventually have to give. I ended up taking a risk and quitting my job. This turned into the best decision to this day I ever made. This gave me more time to focus on my hair business and school. I created an IG page to promote myself each and every day which helped tremendously. I’m now an Entrepreneur a full-time hairstylist and I make my own schedule. I’m my own boss which is the best part and I absolutely love it!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
This road definitely hasn’t always been the easiest. Anyone who’s an entrepreneur can let you know it isn’t always as easy as it looks. We all have had our days but in the end you get through. Its only one of me meaning I do everything myself when it comes to my business. From scheduling appointments, purchasing hair, and still being a full-time Mother. If I’m sick, there’s no sick days request. If I don’t feel like working, there’s no option for PTO. If I lose a day, I have to work to make back the money lost. There has been days where I have no clients, then there’s days where I’m overbooked and busy. These are just a few things that come with having your own business. It’s truly a blessing and I still thank god at the end of day because he always makes a way! I also have my family and friends who’ve supported me physically and emotionally since day one which I truly love.
Please tell us about ___HairByRAE.
My business name is HairByRAE. I’m a hairstylist that specializes in protective styles. Mainly plaits, twist, dreads, crochet, and braids. Right now since summer is approaching, I’ve noticed a lot of people booking for dreads aka Faux Locs. This style has been popular for the past 4/5 and I honestly don’t see it going out of style anytime soon. This is perfectly fine for me because I enjoy doing it and making my clients even more beautiful, satisfied, and happy. To see the look on each and everyone one of my clients face once I’m finished is what keeps me going. What sets me apart is the way I take pride in work. I’m a perfectionist and if it isn’t the way I want it to be I’ll stop until I get it right. A lot of stylists are doing the same exact styles but no one does it like HairByRAE! My clients could’ve chosen anyone else to be there stylist but they chose me. I’m thankful for every single one of them and I pray my business continues to grow and stay this strong for many years to come.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start over, I honestly don’t think I would’ve done anything differently. In life, I feel like everything happens for a reason. This path I took has taught me lessons which was needed. I think If I had taken a different path, things wouldn’t have played out the way they did. I can’t tell the future so I really don’t know if things would’ve been better or even worse. I just love the way they all ended up and I’m happy with where I am in life. I know God has so much more in store for myself and my family. I’ll continue being patient, not rushing the process, and enjoying life as is.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/___hairbyrae?igshid=v8lr121m5z2f
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