Meet Yvonne Hodges

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yvonne Hodges a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Yvonne, so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

This had been a struggle for me even when those who looked like me ventured the room. I recently learned about 6 months ago the true meaning of closed mouths don’t get fed! Before, I was uncomfortable talking to people first, however, had to realize my business will never thrive waiting for others to approach me. I am not shy or bashful nor do I shy away from a crowd to speak to or in front of, so to be bashful in speaking first was unusual for me. However, put me in any room now, I can and will comfortably converse with any age, gender or nationality.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I, as a Hair Stylist, Loctician and Braider, offering services for locs and braids to male and females of all ages. The best part of my profession is the exude gratification of delivering a service. A service that enhance one’s look or appearance. I continuously seek ways to be a better stylist, rather that be the way I communicate, or service. My goal of taking smalls steps, will anchor me, as I reach my full potential. As an entrepreneur, student, mother, friend and educator, I thrive for excellence in every aspect of my personal and business life. Always being open for change and development, is important to any level of growth. I exemplify this and make this a practice in my daily life. As a stylist, professional driver, coach and business owner, I look forward to the opportunities of surpassing my own expectations, to the best version of myself. My plan for a lucrative mobile hair business, a route box truck business and wine & beer vendor stand as part of my expansion and development.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Qualities: A great sense of understanding, active listening, and consideration.
Skills: Time management and creativity
Knowledge: To have a concise understanding of your craft and being a student with the willingness and capacity to continuously learn.
There are many faucets of qualities, skill set, and knowledge. The important thing, that I had to learn, was Patience. Also, understand your level of growth and success will differ from others. Please don’t fault yourself for short comings or delays as these are part of life lessons for development.

What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?

My biggest obstacle is, myself. It took me nearly 2 years, in business, to understand the proper level patience needed to be in this career field. It has taken me even longer not to beat myself up when I fail to reach goals in a specific timeframe. I have subconsciously set deadlines and get discouraged when they’re not met. We allow others or society, to tell us at what time in our lives or business, when we should reach a milestone. I am realizing my journey is mine alone. My timeline is mine alone. My success is mine alone. Each time I reach my goal, whenever that may be, I’ve reached a milestone. (For me)

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mst.link/vee_vlbs
• Instagram: veeslocandbraidstudio
• Facebook: veeslocandbraidstudio
• Other: TikTok: @vlbsllc

Image Credits

Yvonne Hodges