Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alisha Cobb. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alisha , we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
I found my purpose very early on in life. I have always braided my baby dolls’ hair since around 8 years of age. I would go to school and braid my teachers and friends’ hair. My mother was a very dedicated woman growing up, she still is! She was always working to provide for her 5 children or going to school to further her education. Due to her being very busy, I decided to start braiding my sisters and I’s hair. I would go to school with a new set of braids that I did on myself and everyone adored them! I shortly realized that I could make an income from braiding others’ hair. At 12 years old, I took my first paying client.I would see the smile on my clients face and I then realized that I had a passion for braiding. I was so in love with making other people feel beautiful. My mother, step mom and dad even created a small salon in my mothers basement to help me accomplish my dreams. As a black woman, our hair is very important. I wanted to give back to our community. That is exactly what I did and what I am still doing!
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am a Hair Braider located in Missouri. The special part about providing braiding services is being able to meet many new people on a daily basis. I learn so much from each and every one of my clients and it is honestly the most beautiful thing. The most interesting part is not knowing who is sitting in your chair. You could be servicing a lawyer, doctor, news anchor and so forth! I’ve been blessed to expand my braiding services to NFL Chief players. I am also glad to say that I have recently expanded my business and opened my own salon! In the near future, I plan on creating a braiding course to help mothers with mixed race children, mothers with adopted children, or even mothers that just struggle with braiding. The course will consist of 1 on 1 sessions focused solely on braiding skills. It is in progress, so stay tuned!
What’s the most exciting part of your journey
The most effective characteristics for me to have during this journey is patience, determination and the ability to take advice. Patience was something that I have never had but gained over time. In my earlier years, I would compare my progress to other people and I slowly realized that isn’t the way. I needed to truly zero in on what was before me and take it step by step. I had to be patient for 4 years to get my business off the ground. Success doesn’t happen overnight! You have to keep going no matter what. If you have a goal in mind, keep pushing until you reach that goal. Always remain driven and determined. I used to be so stubborn and wouldn’t take advice from anyone. Truth be told, a lot of my rookie mistakes could’ve been prevented if I just listened. My advice to beginner entrepreneurs is to create a healthy and positive circle around you and your business. A healthy circle will always build you up and keep you leveled, especially during hard times.
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
My parents are truly the best, I have been blessed with a bonus parent, my step mother. I wouldn’t change my parents for the world. At the age of 15, I stated that I wanted to take hair more serious and get into a shop. My parents were listening and I had no idea. One day, my step mom came to my mothers house with paint brushs and we got started painting. We started to add furniture in slowly till eventually my dream shop was finished! That is genuinely the most impactful thing my parents did for me. After my shop was up and running, I made sure to pay them back with my success!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://hairbylisha.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hair.bylisha/?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
