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

Hi LaTaja, any advice for those thinking about whether to keep going or to give up?
In order for one to know whether to keep going or to give up, I personal believe in signs and wonders. I started hair school in 2007 and was a college dropout by 2008. I got pregnant, my passion for hair slowly died because I was comparing my work and progress to others. Truthful I didn’t see the hair industry as an industry that I can retire from. Looking at the industry now, it’s definitely more than one way to get a bag. I’ve learned to seek God and trust him to provide for me. He’s given me a gift that is always evolving and can bare fruit with the proper foundation. Every time I wanted to give up on my business God would send me customers or client to support my business. If people are seeking you for service or a product no mater the number there’s room for you in that industry. The only way I would give up would be God telling me to pivot and move on. My key to know is whether to give up is the signs and wonders. There would be times I would get an influx of booking or orders out of nowhere. Some months may be slower than others but that’s not a reason to give up. It’s an opportunity to learn, scale and most importantly seek God for proper guidance in all things.

What should our readers know about your business?
What set my business/ brand apart from others in the industry is I’m the hype man for my clients/customers. I love to see them leave with a fresh hairdo and smile. I thrive to encourage my clients/customer with positivity, I don’t rush them in or out when they come to receive service. I make sure they are completely satisfied with their look , if not then I fix it. I take my time when working for my clients. I show them respect and treat them the way I wished I was treated when I was chair hopping. Our therapy session are private and confidential. So whats said in my chair is not repeated to anyone else. My brand is about building confidence, educating and uplifting my queens to be the best version of themselves. As far as how I got to where I am today, I’ve had to rebrand several times, I’ve had to re-visit the pen and pad to come up with new ideas or content. I learned to try new things even if it’s uncomfortable and learn to adapt. It’s never easy stepping outside your comfort zone or having to learn something new. With anything in life you really don’t know what will work for you until you try. You can achieve greatness by being committed and consistent in your niche. Find your target audience and meet them half way by showing up everyday for your brand/business and give them your best!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting the area the weekend itinerary would began with breakfast at Atlanta Breakfast Club, Barneys or Another Broken Egg, followed by a little retail therapy at Perimeter or Lenox, then lunch at South City Kitchen or Busy Bee, after lunch depending on how much we ate I may need a nap before continuing. But let say I don’t need one. I would then head to Atlantic Station to bowl. After bowling we’d come back to my place to get dressed for dinner. I would make reservations for us at the Continent Restaurant & Cigar Lounge.

The next day we would have breakfast at The Original Pancake House, after breakfast I would head to piedmont park, to walk or ride bikes through the park or maybe even just a picnic on the lawn depending on the weather. Once we leave the park I’m sure we’ve worked up an appetite so I would go to Slim & Husky to grab pizza and cinnamon rolls. Followed with a nap for sure because the food will put you to sleep. Once I wake up from the nap I would plan for us to go catch a movie at the Drive In Movie Theatre. and one we leave there It’s time for dinner so we pull up to Atlanta Fish Market.

Sunday Breakfast I probably would cook to send them off with a nice southern home cooking. Attend church in person or virtually. Then massages at Treat your Feet. After our massages we’d probably come back to my house and chill as I prepare dinner at just enjoy some movies or something .Considering the last two day we need a day of rest.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost God for this amazing gift and talent I possess. Secondly I would like to shoutout my friend Lakievia for the idea to start a hair business. In addition to my sister Shaneika who initial invested in my first purchase for inventory. I would also like to shoutout my high school friend Latoyia who’ve supported and turned her friends/co-workers on to my brand. Last but certainly not least Tyrell for this amazing opportunity to share my story and be recognized by such an amazing talent.

Website: www.alwaysclassyextensions.com

Instagram: alwaysclassyextensions

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alwaysclassyextensionsllc

Image Credits
Self, Sister: Shanieka, Daughter: Tyasia

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