Meet ChiChi McDonald | Licensed Cosmetologist, Instructor, & Salon owner

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

Hi ChiChi, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I have never particularly liked anyone telling me what to do or having to deal with someone who had my livelihood in their hands and they weren’t the easiest to deal with. After seeing people I know, and love get laid off numerous times, I knew how disposable we were. I thought to myself, “Why go to a job every day to fulfill someone else’s dream under stress? Why not nurture your dreams and create a legacy?” I also thought about the freedom being an entrepreneur could bring.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think what set me a part initially was my early love of natural hair. I literally chopped my relaxed hair off in 1999 and started locs (wasn’t popular at the time). It has been a lifestyle for me; not a trend. So the the genuine passion and love I have literally inspired others very quickly. The fact that I am unapologetic about natural hair and encourage others by creating a no judgement zone sets me a part. Often times I will new clients tell me that every time they go to a salon people complain about how much hair they have or their curl pattern. With me all hair is good hair. I push people to step out of their box. For me, it was kind of easy, only because I did not care what others thought. I wore my styles very proudly and people just gravitated. Over time I grew in popularity, which made my business grow. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve made some serious business mistakes. The main thing I’ve learned is staying true to myself. With that, you will find your rightful tribe and your business will flourish. I’d like the world to know that my brand represents the rawest form of self love.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Definitely my mom. She used to style hair and braid growing up. Although she was against me becoming a cosmetologist, and made me go to a university first, she still allowed me to do hair at home when I was in high school. Part of my rebellious nature was to go against what she wanted anyways. 😂. Throughout college, I did hair in my dorm. I graduated and worked in my field of study, but I still wanted to be a professional cosmetologist & celebrity hairstylist. I also would like to thank each and every person who allowed me to practice my craft back in the day.. I also know that without the support of my clients and my social media supporters, I would not be where I am today.

Website: https://erthtonez.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erthtonez/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chichi-mcdonald-607b7a1bb

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/erthtonez

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=xdOTgGGoUzh1FYFnoWMhJQ&utm_source=ishare

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/erthtonez