Today we’d like to introduce you to Sophia Thompson-Marston.
Sophia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’m Sophia Thompson-Marston owner/operator of Norkobe’s Beauty. I was born and raised in Jamaica where I developed my passion for the beauty business. After working in Sales & Marketing for several years, I decided to go to beauty school to develop my skills and gain more knowledge of how to get into the beauty industry where my passion really was. I opened my first salon in 1998 and continued to develop my skills by doing workshops and training courses.
As the business grew I realized I wanted more from the industry so in 2009 I published the first Jamaican hair magazine (Norkobe’s Hair), named after my two boys Nordan and Kobe. I migrated to the United States in 2010 (one year after publishing the magazine) so I had to put that on hold.. 2 months after landing in Florida I was in beauty school working on becoming a licensed Cosmetologist here. I went straight to opening Norkobe’s Beauty Salon after finishing and acquiring my license. I didn’t have much money, knew no one, so it was really hard for me to start.
I couldn’t get a loan because I had no credit history. My husband and I made a tough decision to use our mortgage to pay a deposit on the space which meant I didn’t have my next month rent, but with prayer and determination, I manage to pull through. I got a part-time job teaching at the American Institute School of Beauty and Wellness in order to raise some extra capital… Now with 22 years of experience under my belt and the love of making people look and feel good about themselves, I’ve ventured into product development.
The salon now carries its own line of Hair, Makeup and Skincare products. My passion for the beauty industry keeps growing because I’m always learning something new. Sharing the knowledge and experience I’ve gained over the years have become my hobby and I will always be making people look and feel good about themselves with each makeover or lecture I give. Norkobe’s Beauty in now an established salon serving South Florida for 6 years.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Wasn’t a smooth road. I couldn’t get a loan to spearhead the business because of my recent residency at the time. I couldn’t even get a credit card. I didn’t know a lot of people (my husband filed for me) so I had to really put in the work. It was a bit hard because I didn’t have a car so when I did my researches and wanted to go places it was hard. I had two young kids, I was in school full time which made it even harder.
Please tell us about Norkobe’s Beauty.
My business is not just a money-making business. We actually care about our clients, their needs and what their overall goal is when they visit. We provide them with the best hair care services that will suit their needs. We listen to what they want to accomplish and we ensure that we surpass their expectations. I am a Trichologist/Cosmetologist. I specialize in hair care. I studied scalp diseases, different types of hair loss and how to treat these problems.
I’m an all-rounder which means I’m able to do whatever style you throw my way. My clients call me the hair doctor lol. We do most styles that other salons don’t offer (weaving, braiding, wig making, relaxers, locs, etc). We offer hair loss treatments and laser treatments for alopecia clients, we make wigs for cancer patients. Extensive product knowledge and keeping up with the ever-changing hair trends through continuing education sets us apart from other business.
You can ask us anything about hair (fake or real) and we are able to tell you. I’m really proud of how quickly and efficiently I was able to set up this business even with all the setbacks I had. I’m even more proud of how much knowledge I gained since migrating here from Jamaica. So much opportunities are here for everyone and one can accomplish almost anything through hard work and dedication.
Who else deserves credit – have you had mentors, supporters, cheerleaders, advocates, clients or teammates that have played a big role in your success or the success of the business? If so – who are they and what role did they plan / how did they help.
First my husband Norman Marston. He himself told me how proud he was that I could do so much in so little time. He played a huge role. Marie Brown Reid. Met her when I enrolled in the American Institute as a student. She have been a great mentor and supporter since that day even though she may not know it. She also encouraged me to get a job teaching at the school.
Yanick Lawrence (client) who I think is my greatest supporter. (She labeled herself Ms. Norkobe’s Beauty. Takes part in every single event we ever had. Claudette Chung who is my main assistant. Supportive in every way. Kobe and Nordan (my Kids). My biggest cheerleaders. Especially Nordan my youngest who knows almost everything about the business.
Pricing:
- prices range from $40 – $750 depending on the services
Contact Info:
- Address: 3189 N State Road 7 Margate Fl 33063
- Website: www.norkobesbeauty.com
- Phone: 954-247-9389
- Email: [email protected]
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.
