We recently connected with Antonia Bain-pride and have shared our conversation below.
Antonia, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I got my resiliency at a very young age when I realized that I had to make sure that I took care of myself and my siblings when my mom worked and went to school.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a Master Loctician, and what excites me most about my work is the opportunity to be a part of someone’s personal transformation. Each set of locs tells a unique story, and I’m honored to help people express themselves authentically through their hair. I specialize in creating and maintaining locs, but it’s not just about the hair – it’s about building a connection with my clients and empowering them to embrace their natural beauty.
What I find truly special about working with locs is how they symbolize growth and resilience. The process of locing hair can take time, patience, and care – much like personal growth – and it’s incredible to witness this transformation..Whether it’s someone choosing to loc their hair for the first time or someone returning for maintenance, every session is a chance to connect on a deeper level. I love what I do, I wake up each day excited to serve!!!!!
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?
Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey as a loc stylist are patience, technical skill, and customer care.
Focus on communication. Always listen to your clients’ concerns, ask the right questions, and make them feel comfortable. Creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere goes a long way. Remember that customer care doesn’t just apply to the session itself but also extends to follow-ups and providing tips for maintenance between visits.
For those early in their journey, my best advice is to be patient with yourself, Mastery takes time. Focus on improving your skills consistently, stay humble, and always be open to learning. As you continue to grow, so will your reputation—and your clients will appreciate the dedication you bring to both your craft and their experience.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
Knowing the ins and outs of locs, from the different methods of starting locs (like palm rolling, interlocking, or two-strand twists) to how to maintain them properly, is crucial. The ability to understand hair textures, recognize patterns in loc formation, and troubleshoot any issues is what makes a stylist stand out. It’s a craft that takes time and dedication to master.
Invest in continuous learning. Attend workshops, watch tutorials, or even find mentors in the field who can teach you tips and tricks. As you start working with clients, pay attention to the different hair types and how they respond to different techniques. Real-world experience will help you fine-tune your skills.
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so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
