We were lucky to catch up with Ovie Panthier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, so we’re so thrilled to have Ovie with us today – welcome and maybe we can jump right into it with a question about one of your qualities that we most admire. How did you develop your work ethic? Where do you think you get it from?
I got my work ethic from my parents. Both my mom and dad are very hard working people. I’ve watched them work and build a life for my siblings and I so I guess it rubbed off on me. I’m the oldest and I had to grow up pretty fast. My whole family immigrated to the US at the age of 14. It wasn’t easy by any means but we persevered.
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 am a local hair stylist in Kansas City specializing in protective styles or braids. I started my business in 2010 and now I have my own black owned braiding salon in midtown Kansas City. I am married to the most supportive husband who also has a small business of photography. My business mainly caters to African American woman. I specialize in styles such as knotless box braids, faux locs, twists, etc. I practice methods that allow my clients to take a break for daily hair management. I’m all about protecting black hair. As for new services I will be laughing a new style of faux locs which Is a synthetic human hair mix. My salon also offers make up services.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I had the skills when it came to the actual act of styling hair. I did educate myself and went to cosmetology school but that was strictly for the license the skills was already there. Business side if things I learned as I went along. Advice i would to folks who are early in their journey. Seek help! I tried to do everything myself and didn’t know how to ask for help. Ask questions, take classes, get a CPA, educate yourself on business taxes, do research and again ask questions on what proper documentation is needed to run a successful business in which ever state you’re in. Find someone who’s doing what you’d like to do successfully and learn from them.
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?
The person who has been the most helpful to me is my husband. He wasn’t necessarily there in the beginning. I was single and a managed on my own until him, but when we did get married help had relentlessly supported me. He was educated in alto of areas that I wasn’t and has helped me elevate my business tremendously. Not to mention he is always a listening ear and a sound mind in my doubtful moments.
Contact Info:
- Website: Hairbyovie.com
- Instagram: Hairbyovie 2.0
