Rising Stars: Meet Ranata Cooper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ranata Cooper .

Hi Ranata, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My name is Ranata Cooper. From a small child, I always knew I wanted to do hair. You can say I embedded it in my DNA. I actually went to cosmetology school before grade school, I would go to the Raleigh Institute of Cosmetology with my mother as she attended hair school as well. I was enrolled at Sherrills University, where I obtained my cosmetology license and years later I received my cosmetology instructor license and I became an instructor for the school where I was once a student. Fantastic Sams Hair Salon molded my career, I became a regional educator & manager and hairstylist. I worked for the NC State Board of Cosmetology, where I administered exams for future cosmetologists, nail techs, and aestheticians. When I left Fantastic Sams, I took over a quaint salon in the heart of downtown Raleigh that my aunt owned in 2012, and I have been on my own as an independent cosmetologist ever since. I am humbled and grateful for the journey and still enjoy the ride.

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The road got bumpy while I was in cosmetology school when I became pregnant with my two children. I had to stop and restart the program over twice, but I never gave up on my dream! With the push of a mentor I turned my hours into state board a week before more than half of them were going to expire. I worked two jobs until I gave up my full-time job at the courthouse to pursue my hair career full-time, which wasn’t easy, because I only had part time clientele. I had faith. I worked hard, handing out business cards and having a referral program to obtain clients-way before social media, we had to be social, lol. I enjoyed every minute of it and would do it all again as it made me the stylist I am today. I also had a very great support system! My husband, mother and sister were very hands on with assisting in making my dreams a reality. I always knew I would a be a hairstylist! It is not another career I could foresee a title of. I would tell anyone that has a passion or drive for a particular trade, dream or has a vision that they are ambitious about to never give up ! Allow yourself grace and love to complete the assignment. We all have a gift, you just have to put some action behind the prayers, hopes and dreams. When it does become bumpy remember why you started.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in healthy hair, healthy color, healthy blowouts, and healthy protective styles. I adore creating custom hues for my clients that can’t be duplicated. I take pride in using and retailing professional products. I am known for my professionalism, attention to detail, and knowledge. I am a very informative hairstylist, and share with my clients as much information about their hair as needed. I am proud of being an on-time stylist, and my time management sets me apart from other stylists; I respect my client’s time and give every guest my undivided attention. My clients are my celebrities.
I have some projects that I am currently working on behind the scenes but I don’t want to spread the news to prematurely, but know that I always have some surprises up my sleeves.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Be teachable, and open to corrective criticism when it comes from a place of love and generosity. The hair industry is ever-changing, and obtaining as much knowledge as possible at any given chance is important and lucrative for a successful career. Being surrounded by like-minded hairstylists and honing in on what you love to do will take you far in this industry. Whether it’s braids, colors, or weaves- practice that service and perfect that skill.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.StyleSeat.com/ranatacardin
• Instagram: Divasdenhairsalon_
• Facebook: Ranata Cooper