We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Autumn Todd. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Autumn below.
Hi Autumn, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I give most credit to my mother, she was a bada** hairstylist. She was bold and knew how to stand out without having to say a word. I’m honestly blessed to have inherited such an amazing gift from my mom. I’ve been intrigued by hair since a kid. During my teen years, at 15 I created my first hair business 6 years ago in 2019. I started out servicing clients in my grandmothers kitchen. Once i made a great chunk of cash. I automatically knew anything was possible. During my senior year of high school, i decided enrolled myself into hair school. Since then, I’ve been working my butt off just to prove you can do whatever you set your mind too. i was destined to make a career in the beauty industry. Making other people feel beautiful, makes me feel proficient and content.
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?
Honestly i’m a jack of all trades. I learned to crochet roughly 3 years ago and once i perfected my craft i created a crochet business called ‘Touch of Arrogance’ selling crocheted hats, bathing suits, outfits and purses. I also use to make custom press-on nails in 2021-2022 and sell them out of my home. I recently just started another business called “The cooking lady”. It’s a solo cookie business were i make different variety’s of cookies, such as strawberry lemonade, apple crumble and my best seller right now is the red velvet oreo cookie. I would vendor at pop up shops to promote my brands or collaborate with other entrepreneurs to get exposure. I’ve sold so many things and created so many brands a long the way, but one thing i will always truly love is hair. That will always be my specialty. I can do any hairstyle with my eyes closed. Being an entrepreneur isn’t always peaches and cream though. Sometimes there’s more bad days than good. I’ve stayed consistent for the most part. Coming up, some time in August i will come by and speak about hair health at one of the local colleges located in Roanoke, Virginia. Be sure to check my socials to stay updated!
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Learning about networking, meeting new people will get you so far! You know that saying “it’s not about what you know, it’s about who you know”. I’ve learned that early on, you have to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. You may have the talent but if you know the right person/ people or have the right resources it will take you so much further and you can learn from others who’ve been in your same position.. You got to work hard, practice is key and being patient with yourself. Growth takes time, i promise it’s going to pay off more than you know. You have to believe in yourself. And lastly finance. Investing into yourself is just as important. If you want it, go get it. Keep in mind, to never play the victim because nobody is going to save you. Put money away and get the supplies you need to become the best version of you. Take classes, learn as you go. Make a couple of sacrifices, because i promise it will be so worth later on. Not only for you, but your brand as well.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
God. My faith has grown so much over the years. Despite challenges with friendships, family and just life in general, i never lost my faith. You have to loose every thing and gain it back just to know what it feels like to never want to return to that moment of your life. You have to be grateful for what you have now and actually cherish it. God has been there every step of the way for me. Also i learned so much from strangers. You have to take somethings with a grain of salt majority of the time, but you’re never too old to learn new things. And always keep people who want to genuinely see you succeed close to you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bookwithautumn.square.site
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itss_autumnn0?igsh=MTUzZG9naTRqZWF0NQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Other: Tiktok : https://www.tiktok.com/@bodiedbyauty_?_t=ZT-8ueVPIGW52R&_r=1
Image Credits
Photography by Jump Images
Instagram: @jump_images
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