Meet naomi hephzibah | Hairstylist

We had the good fortune of connecting with naomi hephzibah and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi naomi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For as long as I can remember, the idea of owning my own business had always intrigued me. The thought of having control over my financial destiny and having the flexibility to create my schedule was very appealing. However, as clear as my aspirations were, the exact path to obtaining them remained uncertain. It was more about the desire for autonomy than having a specific vision of what type of business I wanted to create.

I graduated during the COVID pandemic, which made it challenging to find traditional employment avenues. It was during this period that my best friend suggested that I start my own hair business. I used to do hair during college to make extra money, and she proposed that I explore this skill further as a means of generating an income for myself. At first, the idea of doing hair professionally seemed very different from my original plan. Yet, I still decided to take her advice and make that leap of faith.

Starting my own hair business has undoubtedly been a transformative experience. Not only has it afforded me the liberty and control over my life that I desired. It has also provided a way through which I can express my creativity. The process of learning, creating styles, and forming connections with clients has been very gratifying. Which has validated the decision to listen to my friend’s advice, and it has been one of the best choices I’ve ever made.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Starting my business was a nerve-wracking experience. I was fresh out of college and thrown into the chaotic job market of the COVID era, I felt like all the hard work I had put into my education was at risk of going to waste. It was a difficult period, and It was hard to find employment. I couldn’t shake the worry of how I would be perceived for not using my degree.

However, I am incredibly grateful for the support and encouragement I received from my best friend and family at the time. Their belief in me gave me the push I needed to take that leap of faith. I used to do hair in college for extra income, so my best friend suggested I start a hair business to create an income for myself. Coincidentally, the same week my best friend encouraged me to start my hair business, a family friend reached out for a hair appointment. Little did I know, that single appointment would lead to my first set of clientele, thanks to her sharing my work on social media.

Despite this initial boost, building a consistent clientele was a challenge. I leaned heavily on my faith and focused on honing my craft. During this period I posted my work on social media consistently, even if it meant recycling content at times. It was a period of immense learning and growth, where patience and humility were my greatest allies. I took courses, watched countless tutorials, and dedicated myself to making my business as professional as possible.

Through this journey, I learned the importance of focus. Instead of spreading myself thin, I concentrated on perfecting a particular style—faux locs. This decision proved to be beneficial, as it not only helped me stand out but also drew in a loyal clientele. I’m incredibly proud of how far I’ve come and the professional hair business I’ve built from scratch.

I am proud of, is that my work has been featured on Elsa Majimbo in two magazine covers (Mission Statement Magazine and Glamour Magazine), and my work will also be featured on one of the characters In the upcoming season of Bel Air.

What truly humbles me is the appreciation and support I receive from my clients. Their trust in my professionalism and dedication to great customer service has been the cornerstone of my success. I am endlessly thankful for their loyalty and the journey we’ve embarked on together.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were to visit LA for a week, I would want to show her my favorite spots in the city. To start off her trip, I would take her to Venice Beach. I love the laid-back vibe and eclectic energy of Venice. We’d spend the day soaking up the sun, strolling along the boardwalk, and grabbing quesadillas at a low-key spot I know on the boardwalk. I would also have us visit Marina Del Rey to either go parasailing or take a boat ride to enjoy the scenery. For a taste of LA’s beautiful skyline, I would take her to JG Rooftop for a drink and a small bite.

When it comes to dinner, I would take her to one of my favorite restaurants—LAVO in West Hollywood. I love good food and a good ambiance, and LAVO offers both.

As a lover of Afrobeats myself, I would have to take her to an afrobeats event at some point during her trip. We would either end up at an event in Hollywood or in downtown LA. Since her visit spans a week, I’d suggest we take a short trip down to San Diego for a change of scenery. There, we’d explore the city’s brunch spots, with a visit to Mr. A’s being a must. San Diego has stunning views and great food. Of course, we’d also make time to soak up the sun on the beautiful beaches of San Diego,

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shoutout to God. He has blessed me with a wonderful support system such as; my family, my friends, my fiance, and my clients. He has also blessed me with the gifts that have led to my success, so all the glory belongs to Him.

Website: https://LocdByNaomiappointments.as.me/

Instagram: locdbynaomi

Other: Tiktok: @Locdbynaomi