Meet Charlene Banks | Protective Stylist specializing in Faux-Real Loc installs

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

Hi Charlene, what is the most important factor behind your success?
The most important factor behind my success and growth is my transparency and empathy toward customer care. These factors ultimately guide me into proper decision-making, whether for myself as an entrepreneur, my clientele or my business. It helps me operate from an organic space and representation. Although I may be a business owner, I still have many customer-based experiences and this is where my empathy comes in; ” How would I like to be treated, Would this solution be acceptable for me?” Then it’s my transparency that allows for fairness and truth. These qualities as a business owner have rewarded me.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe my talent uniquely sets me apart because I create healthy hair art for my clients. My installs are done with a Natural esthetic. The less strictness, the more authentic my hair creations are. I don’t do my installs tight or heavy which was a great surprise to my clients. My goal with my work is not only creativity based but also to advocate hair health. I’ve learned along the way that hair health often takes a back seat when rocking a hairstyle. I wanted to make it the foundation for my clients. In a short time, my protective styles became known for this and it played key to the growth of my business. Although I’m grateful for my hard worked success, I learned that being an entrepreneur isn’t easy and can put a strain to ones mental health. Self Care is something to always consider in your business schedule. This allows the best version of you will show up & get the job done

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
During the summer, LA has so many free exhibits and museums to check out, as well as street fairs and concerts

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would love to shout out a Boss lady that I view as a mentor and friend Jody Sterling. She is seasoned in the Hair Industry and wears so many hats. She is an amazing Hair Stylist, owns Salon 36 a long-standing Black business in Bixby Knolls section of the LBC, and most recently she became an Inventor, creating the first patented commercial hair extension dryer. She has guided me with so much love and support and allowed me a comfortable and creative space to express my talents.

I also want to shout out to my sisters Jill Tscoghl, Courtney Mathias and DeJean Brown for their encouragement and faith in all I pursue! Entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster of all emotions so I thank them both for being positive forces!

Instagram: @beyoutybychar