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Yesterday Carmen shared her hair journey into hair freedom, today her journey into financial independence…
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Lady Kinnks asked me if there is any correlation to going natural and starting your own business?
Yes, indeed, without having being natural there is no way I would have thought about Tomoka’s Twists. I was making and using them before I had Sisterlocks, so I knew they would work for loose natural hair and locks. In order to market a product, I firmly believe you have to understand your customers and they have to trust you. If I had a blond lace-front wig, I’m sure selling natural hair accessories would be very difficult for me.
Another question I’ve been asked about is why/how did I quit my full-time job with nothing lined up. It’s a bold move and I was taught it’s easier to get a job while you have a job. My parents love quotes and another one is a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. I planned for it with all those pennies I saved up for a rainy day. I would bank tax returns, stimulus checks, and the car note once my car was paid off. I went without cable, a land line phone, and a few other luxuries. I still practice that even though I have a full-time job, Sisterlock clients, and Tomoka’s Twists. I am a pauper type of artists wearing jeans and t-shirt. I recently decided to do without getting pedicures because it appears that my toenails are worse off. That will save the health of my nails and about $420 a year.
At the time I quit, I had a great a great resume from experience and education. When the companies offered additional courses I took them. The job market was still strong and I was confident that I would find another job. Even when I interview with half locks and half loose hair during the take-down of my first set, it didn’t bother me nor the companies.
A lot of people will look to their job as a source of success or satisfaction. Some will find it their and others will have to create their own job, like I did. It’s not easy to pursue your dreams because of the uncertainty of the future. One thing that is certain is if you never try, then you’ve already failed. 
People will have a great idea and will put it off until tomorrow and that next day turns into weeks, months, years. During that time, somebody else thought of that great idea and has opened a shop. Stop worry about being accepted, if it’s going to work, and how much time you have to put into it. Those are all negative thoughts. Not everyone is going to like you or your product. Not every products needs to be marketed to everybody. Reach your target audience and work it. Take advantage of the fact that companies start of slow. Take the time to learn. If you launch a product tomorrow and somebody wants 500 items, do you have that in store? 
Companies in the first few years are lucky if they break even with their profits and losses. Other people want to jump out in the market and expect to be an over night success. When that type of response is not given to them, they quit. People want to jump on the band wagon of doing what is already successful and find themselves constantly competing and always being compared to another company. That is stressful and the time spent checking over your shoulder takes away from the time and motivation to be creative.
If you think you or your product is worth the effort then give it all that you’ve got. It’s hard work, but at the
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Thanks for your motivating words! Are you thinking about starting a business? What is your greatest fear? Hard economic times like this, is when entrepreneurs are born! You gotta have Faith!! Thanks Carmen for sharing your words of wisdom!
herStory • Product Junkie • Natural Hair Supporters • Permalink
Thanks Carmen so such a Great Blog! Thanks for reading Gaetana!
Another inspirational post. I’ve been ‘saying’ I was going to start a business for year and this year I decided to stop ‘saying’ and just ‘doing’ :o)
Great blog post!