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

Hi Chari, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was working two jobs, going to school and doing my family and friends’ hair. I never had a social life because I was too caught up in trying to survive. Then it clicked, I need control over MY LIFE. I come from a family of entrepreneurs, some successful and some unsuccessful. Although it was scary because I didn’t want to be unsuccessful. I began my research into the niche of my community. Took what I learned in Beauty School and began doing Braids, Weaves, Custom Wigs and made it my Specialty.

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?
Labellacharslayz is a Hair Design Business located in Ellenwood, Ga.. Labella means “Beautiful”. Char is short for Chari (my name) which is an African river that flows northwest into Lake Chad. Slayz is to be exceptionally impressive. With Labellacharslayz, I wanted to cultivate a brand in which the beautiful women in my community could have the options for long flowing hair and look exceptionally impressive at the same time. From Braids, Weaves, or Custom Wigs Labellacharslayz makes the statement. I would assist my mother in her Salon when I was younger and I literally hated it. My Mother and Father insisted that I enroll in Beauty School and resume the business when my mother retired. Prematurely, I felt that the hair industry was not for me, I’m suppose to work for a Business but, the Businesses never paid me. “BLINK, BLINK, It’s time to ride Sally ride” (my aunts favorite sayings). I started with my family and friends by asking them to let me attempt a services on their hair. With the encouragement and support they gave, I took advantage of Social Media, used hashtags of before and after photos and began to connect with my community. My journey has truly been a teachable moment, my, Father would always say to me “if you have a trade, you’ll always make money”.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
When my best friend comes to Atlanta it will definitely go something like this:

Monday – Georgia Aquarium
Tuesday – Brunch or Dinner Outing
Wednesday – Black Wall Street
Thursday – Atlanta Belt Line
Friday – Skyview Atlanta
Saturday – Ponce City Market
Sunday – Little Five Points

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As the saying goes, ‘It takes a Village”. To all my supporters who trusted and believed in me, I’m forever thankful and grateful. However, I wouldn’t be where I am without the Love and Support of my Parents. To my Mother, a Hair Salon Owner/Stylist for 20 years ,thank you for showing me how I can have control over MY OWN LIFE. To my Father, a OTR Truck Driver, Thank you for teaching me the importance of having a skill and pushing me to be the best I can. You both have instilled in me the power of control.

Website: https://bookingwithlabellachar.as.me/

Instagram: labellacharslayz

Facebook: Labella_slayz

Other: https://www.etsy.com/shop/LaBellaCharColl?ref=search_shop_redirect

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