Meet Lakay Richardson | Licensed Cosmetologist & Content Creator

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

Hi Lakay, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I think everyone should take risks at least once in their lifetime. I took a risk and decided to leave my job working in the corporate world, to become a full time entrepreneur and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. My fiancé pushed me to take that risk because I was so afraid to leave my job and not knowing what was to come was scary. You don’t want to go on in life saying “i wish I did this,” or “I should’ve did that when I had the chance.” If you can take the risk and you feel it will change your life for the better, do it. You never know until you try. That’s all you can do.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I never thought that I would be a cosmetologist. I worked in healthcare prior to becoming a stylist. One day I decided that I wanted to work for myself and I asked myself what did I like to do and how could I make money from it. I enjoyed doing hair but I was terrible at it lol but I decided to enroll into cosmetology school and go from there. Being a mom, working full time, and going to school part time and doing hair on the weekends was extremely hard. There were days I wanted to quit but I kept pushing. I am proud of myself for not giving up. I’m glad I’ve taken risks like moving to another city and building my clientele where I am. That was scary because you’re in a new area and you have to work twice as hard to get people to want to come to you AND stay. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is to never compare yourself to the next person. Stay in your lane. You are your own competition. I used to compare myself to other braiders who were better and I would feel a way because I wanted to be where they were. But you just have to improve your craft and be consistent and you’ll get there.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would take them to a cute lounge or a rooftop bar to eat, drink, catch up. I like doing activities so maybe hiking, kayaking, or even a spa day. Because of covid, I haven’t really been out as much so I really don’t know alot of things to do but I know there’s tons of food trucks in the area we could check out too. I’m just a simple girl. I like being lowkey and not in the crowds.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to shoutout my fiancé because he has been one of my biggest supporters. Without him, I may have not taken some of the risks that I’ve taken. I also want to shoutout my parents for always supporting me in everything that I do. And a big shoutout to every person who has sat in my chair, referred someone to me, and gave me a chance when I first started as a braider. I wouldn’t be where I am today without y’all because y’all believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself.

Instagram: Www.instagram.com/LakaySlay

Facebook: Www.facebook.com/lakayforyou

Youtube: Www.YouTube.com/lakayforyou