Today we’d like to introduce you to Ericka Chancellor
Ericka, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My name is Ericka also know as Erickastyles. I am a licensed cosmetologist. I’ve always been interested in hair. As a child I would “grease” my Aunt Rees’s scalp, brushed it and braided it in one braid she enjoyed that. As I grew I began to groom my sister’s and mom’s hair, soon friends and family called on me for styling. I imagined that this would soon be my career. My final year of high school I attended El Camino college as a senior where I earned hour towards my cosmetology license. After graduating I contemplated going to a four year university but my mom couldn’t afford it being a single mom and I didn’t want to burden her. She suggested I go to beauty school. It was the best decision ever. 20 years later, I’m now a salon owner, a former state board examiner, a beauty school accreditor, and the founder of Beyond the Chairs organization and podcast for stylists. I’m always complemented on my timeliness, professionalism, creativity, reasonable prices and most of all my salon suite where clients feel as though it’s a mini retreat when they visit. 2024 Erickastyles plans to collaborate with Rags to Riches fashion line on a new innovative hair & fashion show. Beyond the Chairs also dreams of partnering with the la unified school district to bring the beauty trade to children all over the city. The kick off was working with foster youth in September 2023 that were going back to school.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
With any business my struggle is keeping a consistent clientele. This is one reason why I pursued a career as a state board examiner in 2007. While at the Board I was recruited by NACCAS and I am now a Naccas Beauty school evaluator. I am exploring new marketing social media plans to help assist with the consistency of my clientele. I’m excited for this project since social media has been an effective drive of business in small business communities.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
My specialty has always been a nice California press or silk press. That means textured hair has been prepped and styled making it look straight and silky with lots of body and curls. The name California press came from ladies that lived in California that have always been able to wear a nice press and curl on their hair because of favorable climate conditions. Many other ladies in some southern states weren’t able to wear their hair like this because the humidity in the climate cause the hair to revert back to curly quickly. Erickastyles is able to do a silk press no matter what state you’re in, it will be silky and shiny and last a while if maintained properly. Having consistent hours of availability is very important to having longevity in the beauty industry. You have to always be available when they need you, if not, you should be able to work things around where you can accommodate your clients especially the loyal consistent ones. Clients rely on you to help them keep their appearance and hair grooming intact. Being there when they need you is the most rewarding aspect of your relationship with them.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Giving your client the same respect you would want from your stylist. I have encountered a lot of clients that left their stylist because they would have to wait for hours to get their hair styled in the salon. A client would arrive at 8am and wouldn’t be finished until 1 or 2 in the afternoon. I have learned from that, to schedule clients according to the service they are receiving and be on time for their service.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erickas_styles?igsh=YTQwZjQ0NmI0OA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erickasstyles?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@beyondthechairs7777?si=RZlTRThe8Pi9RejO
