Meet Business Owner, Alkiah Harris Founder of Classic Beauty LLC
Tell us how you got into entrepreneurship.
So after my first failed marriage I decided I needed to start over and do something different my sister was living in Orlando at the time and I said you know what I’m gonna go down there go to Hair School and my original plan was to work for corporate like JC pennies or any chain salon to get a little bit more experience from a corporate level however that was not God’s plan so I end up finishing Hair School I did actually apply for JC pennies however they did not hire me because I am a convicted felon that’s a whole Nother story but definitely one can fill you guys on the details about that was in my younger days lol so with not being hired by JC pennies I end up getting a job at a barbershop in Eatonville and I worked in the back part of the barbershop, building my clientele bartending part-time. I did eventually want to open a Salon I just wanted to get a little bit more corporate experience to learn on that level however again like I said that was not God’s plan I worked at the barbershop for about a year and met a great friend also investor at the bar that I was working for. He encouraged me to just start looking for salons and I’m like sir I am totally not ready for that but he seen something in me that I didn’t see in myself at that moment anyway so he kept encouraging me and I started looking for a building started looking at equipment getting a ideal reference of how much this was gonna cost and put together a business plan that was all new for me I’ve had experience as being a assistant manager at Charlotte Russe and lady footlocker and serving tables but not putting together a business plan however with help from the good Lord and the right relationships I was able to get it accomplished. So about three months into completing my business plan and looking for buildings I told my business coach at the time I guess that is what I can call him that investor what I came up with and he said you should schedule to go look at the building that you’ve researched and see if it’s still available and if you can tour it. I was like OK why not still still oblivious to the fact that I could even get this building and also wasn’t even thinking about him investing in me like that because again we were just friends and what a risk right at least I thought that at the time. So I can go look at the building it was a great space right in Eatonville Florida and I really like the space so the landlord gave me the pricing and what it would take to get in the space and that was that. I updated my friend and gave him the news and he was like great let them know that will take it 😳😭 what wait… he said you are fully ready for this I said OK well I’ll let him know! And wow right the favor of God for sure. So I can actually say I was Thrown into entrepreneurship because I’ve been doing hair since middle school clogging up my father and mother bathroom sinks and getting yelled at doing everybody and their mama's hair so it was truly a gift God gave me and I was making a little something then but I looked at it like a hobby rather than entrepreneurship and there that’s how my journey started in entrepreneurship.
What’s one of the greatest accomplishments you have achieved in your business?
I would truly say my greatest accomplishment wasn’t mentoring other Stylist teaching them everything that I learned from styling techniques to helping them form their companies teaching them customer service skills on what will set them apart and keep client retention and now I have nine amazing stylist that have their own salons now so I would definitely say that is my greatest Accomplishment!
Where do you see yourself in the next 3-5 years?
Retired from doing hair however I would be still be in Beauty Industry promoting invention that is going to catapult the coloring game for hair stylist and become a Kingdom Funder
What do you love most about being a CEO Chick?
I love being connected to a vision that serves to empower Women to walk in dominion to be around women that are just making some major moves and some shakers and trailblazers I just love it it’s so inspiring and encouraging it keeps your fire burning as a CEO.
Who inspires you?
Sarah Jakes Roberts, Coleen Otero (CEO Chick Founder), and Monique Rodriguez!
What is your favorite book/podcast you recommend to our CEO Chicks?
"The Monday Morning Christian" How living out your faith in business leads to the phenomenon. "Success" by Howard Partridge. "Women Evolve" with Sarah Jakes Roberts.
What advice would you give other aspiring entrepreneurs?
Don’t give up even if the odds are against you believe in yourself and trust God cause what he starts he will complete.
How has the CEO Chick Network inspired your business?
CEO Chicks net work has impacted my business on so many levels it has helped expand my thought processes when strategizing it has help my business by providing valuable support and resources that has enhance my systems, grow, and organize my business ultimately helping me achieve better results.
How can people connect with you and your products/services?
Book Me Here