Today we’d like to introduce you to Theresa Cephas.
Hi Theresa, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
As a kid, my mom decided to venture into the cosmetology field. I would take her mannequin heads and play around with them until I was onto something. At the age of 12, I had mastered braiding and began pursuing it as a side hustle. Quickly, I went from my grandmother’s porch to my first barbershop.
While working in the barbershop at 14, I gained a newfound passion for doing locs. Throughout my college career, I attended cosmetology school, and real estate school and graduated with two business degrees(Magnum Cum Laude and Cum Laude.)
While entering the professional world I worked for multiple top companies in different positions but realized that corporate America wasn’t for me. In 2018, I took a leap of faith and began working on my passion for hair full-time. As a licensed natural hair care specialist I worked in two salons in Raleigh before opening my own.
My mother pushed me and was my motivation for everything as she worked beside me as my assistant. During this journey, I’ve won multiple awards as a stylist and salon owner. These awards consist of 2017 Best in Hair Glitz & Glamour, 2019 ACHI Magazine Best Hair Stylist Nominee, 2020 WRAL VCAs 3rd place Hair Salon/Barber Shop, 2021 ACHI Magazine Best Hair Stylist, and 2021 WRAL VCAs Finalist in Top Hair Salon/Barber Shop. Something that started as just a hobby as a child has opened so many doors for me as an adult. I now engulf myself in the industry determined to excel and climb to the top in loving memory of my mother!
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to where I am now has been everything short of easy.
There have been many obstacles such as building clientele in a city I’m not originally from to taking many financial risks by investing in myself. I had to learn in order to make the gain you have to experience losses.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Currently, I am a licensed natural hair specialist in NC.
I specialize in locs, yet offer many more services to my clients. In an industry with so much competition, I set myself apart by providing very personalized one-on-one experiences, competitive pricing, and a great location.
My clients love the atmosphere of being the only ones in the room during their allotted time. Fun fact: I’m known to always have a good series or movie going to cater to each client. I also have my own natural hair care line that consists of hair cream, oil, shampoo, and beard oil currently.
They are all handmade bottle by bottle with all-natural ingredients.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
I feel like without the Covid-19 situation I would not have been as successful as I am at this point.
At the start of the pandemic, I truly was at a loss for how I would provide for my family with no income. I took the time to evolve and invest in my craft. When the world began to open back up I decided to finally work for myself. It has been nothing short of a success since making the decision.
It was a tough start but I have no regrets.
Pricing:
- Sister/Micro Loc installs start at $700
- Traditional and other locs start at $150
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Annette Tillery
