Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxie Bishop.
Hi Maxie, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started my company Diamond Strands in the Spring of 2014. Initially, I wasn’t interested in running my own company. I was a Senior at Cal State Dominguez Hills University studying to become a Forensic Social Worker. My son’s father came to me with the idea of selling human hair extensions. He expressed that I would make a great businesswoman. The first year was the toughest. I was clueless to what it took to run a business (ex. sales, marketing, invoices, promotions, etc.). Once I got aquatinted with what it took to run a business, I gave it a shot and haven’t looked back. Fast forward to today (seven years later) Diamond Stands is a success small business. I’m still enamored by the concept of beauty and the joys that it brings to people of all ethnicities.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
A challenge I faced when I initially started the company was a lack of funds. Since money was tight so was the inventory. I started with only 2-3 pounds of hair (12-15 bundles). Another challenge was learning to market my brand properly. At the time, the only marketing strategy I had was passing out business cards. The first year was rough.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Diamond Strands is a human hair extension company based in Los Angeles, California. I’m the sole proprietor of the company. I facilitate the sales and distribution of human hair extensions (bundles), frontals, closures and limited wigs. Diamond Strands is known for its great quality and affordability. What sets Diamond Strands aside from other human hair extension distributors is our quality. I’m most proud of my company/brand growth from the beginning till now. Diamond Strands offer many services such as personal and third-party delivery. Our company also specializes in excellent customer services.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
When starting my company, I took a huge risk. I decided instead of pursuing my career in sociology to become an entrepreneur. As I stated before money was tight in the beginning, I took the little savings that I had and invested it into my vision. I figured my college degrees would never expire so I just went all in. I would definitely consider myself a risk taker.
Pricing:
- Extensions $60-$120
- Frontals $90-$140
- Closures $75-$100
- Wigs $225 and up
Contact Info:
- Email: diamondstrands@yahoo.com
- Website: www.thediamondstrands.com
- Instagram: @hairbye_maxie
Image Credits:
Sara Lee Saleh
