Today we’d like to introduce you to Zhane Washington.
Hi Zhane, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My name is Zhané Washington. I am 28 years old, born and raised here in Florida. I’ve been a Licensed Cosmetologist since 2018. I specialize in Natural Hair, Extensions, Color, and Treatments. I specifically sought out the kinkiest, most natural clients that no one wanted or even knew how to deal with.
Being mixed myself, with a Dominican, Puerto Rican mother and an African American father, I’ve always had up to four different textures in my hair, so I was never able to wear my hair naturally. I always sought out ways to tame and make my hair more manageable without all the trauma of being turned around or being asked to chemically change my hair, which was never a great experience for me.
I wanted to create a space for women of all hair types. Whether you’re African American or Asian, I wanted to ensure my clients that I am that safe space, which is hard to find in a salon these days! Someone who actually has care, patience, hospitality, and charisma is something I always want to maintain in my business, and this attitude has really helped me in the beauty industry.
Since I was 7 years old, I knew how to braid hair. My sister and I would spend hours in a salon growing up, and as we grew, we noticed the energy and frustration geared towards our hair was causing it to fall out. So eventually, we began doing our own hair.
My family is actually pretty gifted still to this day. We bond over hair and try to get our hands on the BEST hair products. My grandmother was also licensed in cosmetology as a young adult; she worked in a salon. My stepmother, who did the majority of our hair growing up, was also a hairdresser.
I actually never thought about doing hair as a career or that it was even an option for me. When I began hair school, I still didn’t really think I would make a life doing hair. Believe it or not, I was surprised by all the support I was getting from my family, my mentors, and even strangers!
I eventually couldn’t see myself doing anything else and became a full-time hair professional shortly after I lost my waitressing job of 5 years to COVID. I began my business and LLC in May of 2020.
I can honestly say I enjoy what I do. Making women feel beautiful and confident in their natural hair, however that looks for them, is something I can spend a lifetime doing, and it is what I truly love to do.
I plan to take ZK Hairology all the way up, God willing. I am truly blessed and proud of what I do!
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?
In business, there are many obstacles and challenges, especially in the beginning. Some of the most important for me would be marketing, which is still sometimes a challenge, but I can honestly say that consistency, faith, and patience are the keys to entrepreneurship.
Investing even when you don’t have sometimes feels like you’re going in blind, but having that confidence in yourself and what you have to offer is the mindset that has gotten me this far, and of course, the support from the people around me and always putting my best foot forward, no matter how that looked.
Seeing the goal and actually going after it. Seeing everything through and focusing on what is in front of you.
I wouldn’t change the obstacles I’ve faced because they grow you and your business. Challenges are what make it all worth it in the end, and ZK Hairology is something I am most proud of!
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
My work and my attitude are one of a kind. I Connect with clients and have even had a couple get on planes just so that i can do their hair. A-lot of people say that my work and my technique is one of a kind but i honestly think that a million people can do what i do with the right attitude. I was always told that A million people can sell what you sell but there has to be something about YOU that differentiates and makes people want to go back. So with that knowledge i just try my Best to make every single one of my clients feel seen, safe, and heard.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
Lesson I have learned in Building my Business would be don’t expect people to come running and trust you with their hard earned money. Sometimes people want to know that they can trust you, you are consistent and that you are Professional at what you do. People are watching even if you think they are not. you’ll have people maybe follow you for years and come on the 3rd year. Just building that Reputation with the community and being Consistent and Active with your business i think is the most important! people tend to forget and its your job to remind them that maybe you are what they are looking for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zkhairology.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zkhairology?stkn=ZHhzb3Fnem84eWN6
