Meet Merica Lilly | Travel Braider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Merica Lilly and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Merica, how has your background shaped the person you are today?
I was born and raised in the heart of Georgia, ATLANTA! Growing up for me wasn’t easy, I lost my mom while I was a young child and I was raised by my father. I did have a mother figure while I was growing up but for a good minute she was not around. It was only a few people I would let touch my head, my mom, sister, and aunt. That stopped once I got to middle school though. For as long as I could remember, I haven’t liked or let just anyone do my hair. So what did that mean? Do my own hair. Now I started rough, like it was really bad, but as time progressed, so did the talent I had yet to recognize.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m most proud of how much my business have grown. I’ve been braiding hair since I was 14 or 15 years old and from the start of my journey it wasn’t easy, I didn’t enjoy it nor did I have a steady clientele. Back then I didn’t understand my gifted talent or understood what I was blessed with, but now I know and I wouldn’t be where I am today business wise if it wasn’t for life itself. Everyday I look forward to braiding someone’s hair or just simply meeting someone new. I love that I can learn something from every last one of my clients, young, old, male, and female. It wasn’t easy at all. I went through so many things and dead end jobs until one day I said forget it, I’ll just focus on my business. Starting off it was a little slow, I had a few loyal clients that was getting me by, along with Uber, but I felt it could be better. I started to get my Instagram page and followers up, I got business cards and started to pass them out, and recently I started a Tik Tok. Along the way I have learned to simply trust the process and have faith. When all odds seems to be against you nine times out of ten, they are, but that does not mean give up. It’s the man above testing your strength and he wants to see if you’re going to fold under pressure. You don’t fold though, you keep going because soon enough you’ll have a break through and you’ll be the next big thing. My favorite thing about my brand is the fact that I travel. I love going to a new part of the state, seeing different cities and towns, and meeting different people. I’m just another city girl with big dreams and I will succeed at everything I put my mind too. I enjoy trying new styles and learning different techniques, so please teach, show, and guide me because even though I’ve been doing my thing for a while it’s still so much I can learn. My brand Loved By Lilly is simple, you’re being loved by me, Lilly and my love is shown in numerous of ways by supporting my clients the way they support me. I offer a wide rage of braided styles for all ages and genders, I’m always open to try new things so feel free to challenge me, and best of all I come to you! What’s better than having your stylist come to you?

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m usually a home body but who doesn’t love to have a good time every now and again. We could stop and get breakfast or brunch at Breakfast at Barneys, Milk and Honey, or Snooze. For fun, of course depending on the season, we could hit Main Event, Andretti’s, or if we’re feeling like adrenaline junkies Six Flags, iFly, or take a day trip to Banning Mills and zipline. I’m a nature freak so I love to walk around Piedmont Park or a nature reserve, anything with nice plants and a beautiful waterfall; we could even hike a mountain. For dinner we could grab some Phsychedelic Tacos, some pasta from Chef Kodak, or spice it up and get cute with Fin and Feathers. We could also wine down and have a cute chill time at the Botanicals Gardens or the Bonfire. I’m always looking for new and exciting things to do, so whenever my people come in town NOTHING is off limits.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My family and friends. They are the ones that pushed me and encouraged me. Honestly, my friends, my circle. they pushed me and supported me the hardest. I would say its because we’re young and spend more time together so they knew and understood my struggle better than anyone. They’ll send me different braid styles and different products they see for me to try. My family circle is full of small business owners, my mentors, so their support is way different. Their support pushes my business in a completely different direction. My sister helped me legitimize my business and helps me understand the government aspect. My cousins helps me with my budgeting, how to maximize literally everything, and networking. Both groups challenges me and my business at any giving moment and for that I am grateful. I CAN NOT forget my clients. Without them I am nothing, literally. They’re like my extended family. We laugh together, cry together, and we push and motivate each other. Thank you to all of you.

Website: https://lovedbylilly.as.me/

Instagram: @__lovedbylilly

Other: Tik Tok: @lilly_2x

Image Credits
Image credits goes to my clients and my bestfriend.