Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in personal care but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Kachelle Roark, Founder of Chelle's Haute Seat, located in Hampton, VA, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Our company Chelle's Haute Seat focuses on wellness through hair care by bringing awareness, education, empowerment, and holistic solutions to hair loss/scalp conditions and healthy hair care. We make it a point to get to the root of the issue to provide the best solution. We offer custom holistic hair care plans, stem cell therapy, hair restoration tools and hair restoration hair care products, and more. We love to reveal the true beauty from within that comes out during the journey of restoration. We believe that everyone should know that they are beautiful inside and out. Hair is a beautiful accessory that can be dressed up or dressed down, but learning to know that with or without hair, "I AM" still gorgeous.
Tell us about yourself
What's really interesting is that if anyone had told me that I would be in the beauty industry, I would have probably laughed it off! I just knew that I was going to be a counselor/therapist! Well, fast forward to 2013/2014, which was my first and only year in college, I thought I had an idea of what I wanted to do, but truthfully I didn't. One thing I did know is that I knew that I wasn't supposed to be there! After weeks and days of feeling displaced, so many shedded tears, and being uncomfortable, I prayed and asked God to reveal what I'm supposed to do. Shortly after that day, I began having a burning desire and interest to do hair that wouldn't let me settle! Therefore, I decided to lean into it and go to cosmetology school. The amazing part about it is that "Chelle's Haute Seat" was birthed in cosmetology school!
In the year 2017, after spending a few years behind the chair servicing wonder women across America and being able to express the different parts of me, such as the creative, the problem solver, and the encourager, I noticed a growing problem appearing in my chair which was "Hair Loss.". Now, I was stumped on how to fix it. So I knew the next step was to become a trichologist. I had to become the solution. I eagerly enrolled in a program; however, I didn't complete it due to transitions happening in life. It was the right thing but at the wrong time.
Time would have it that, in 2020, that desire for being a solution to hair loss would come back up to me again, so I knew I had to lean into it! In March 2021, I enrolled in a different program, and it was now "the right thing at the right time!" While going through this program, doors were opening up effortlessly. One door that opened up was connecting with a herbalist who happened to be my client, which helped me learn more about herbs. I then created my own Topical Herbal Hair Growth tea that yielded quick results in the salon and out of the salon! I gained knowledge, created a product( one of many), and helped many people holistically! Truly this was next level for me for sure!
Although a great population experience hair loss, not too many people know who to go to or what to do when they experience it. I'm just very thankful to be that gap that bridges cosmetology and dermatology together. The wonderful thing that keeps me motivated is knowing that, one, I'm walking on purpose, and two, I am adding value to other people's lives by bringing awareness, education, and solutions to hair loss. Three, I'm empowering others by helping to restore confidence and self-love!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is discovering my niche in Hair Restoration! Especially transitioning my business from being hair styling services to full-time hair restoration and wellness that helps many more people from near and far with products, education, and in-person and virtual services.
What's one of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner?
One of the hardest things that comes with being a business owner, in my opinion, is knowing that if you don't make moves, nothing is going to happen! Everything is on you. You have to create the systems, develop the manuals, and create the products and labels. You have to be every part of your business, even when you have days when you just want to give up, but giving up isn't an option! To turn that dream into a reality, it requires faith, hope, drive, walking it, and believing in yourself even when there is no money in the bank!
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Establish "WHY" you want to create your business. If you have a strong "WHY," no matter how many times you want to quit, your "why" will always bring you back because it's so much greater than you.
- Get all of your paperwork in order. Make sure you legalize your business. If you want to take over territory, trademark your business name! Have everything in order in binders and folders for easy access. When you stay ready, you don't have to get ready!
- Always be willing to learn more and work on building a great character, such as integrity. Your gift will get you in a room, but your character will keep you. When your character is in tack, no matter what comes your way, in business and in your personal life, you won't be easily moved.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.chelleshauteseat.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chelleshauteseat
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelleshauteseat/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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