Meet Terrence Antoine | Natural hair Specialist.

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

Hi Terrence, how do you think about risk?
Honestly, I never really saw myself as a risk-taker. It wasn’t until I met a young lady named Shae that I began living my life for real. She dared me to do some crazy things, but I always saw it through. She permitted me to take risks without potentially being judged for them. At one point, she tested me and dared me to get my tongue pierced. I was terrified but I did it and it made me happy. See, she was born with sickle cell, and every day to her was a battle. She never knew whether or not her next day was promised, so she chose to live her life to the fullest. She’s now since passed and my promise to her was that when the time came to take a risk, that would change my life dramatically, I had to take it. Sure enough, that’s what happened after working in healthcare. I worked that 9 to 5 for 8 years before I decided to go for it and allow my talents to take me further. I finally decided to bet on myself and use my creativity and expertise in the hair world. Taking this risk was huge, but I have an amazing support system that has encouraged me the whole way. To this day, the people around me love, motivate and uplift me every chance they get. Making this move and risk has helped me build my self-esteem. I knew that I was good and I knew that I could be great. However, what I didn’t know was the response that I would get from people that appreciate my craft. Sometimes I doubt myself and want to go the safe route, but I know that I provide a service that helps build others. I don’t regret taking this risk, but being a business owner is tough. I stay busy and exhausted, but I am rewarded daily by seeing my clients’ faces after I finish. There is something special about watching the confidence level of someone you adore, elevate once you have finished your service for them. These exact experiences are what make me feel complete and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I feel like what sets me apart is that when I’m styling locs I see my client’s hair as a blank canvas and it’s time for me to create. I gave myself a 5-year plan, yet I’m only in year 2 I feel like I’ve made good progress. Although it’s still hard at times I wouldn’t change it for the world. when I was faced with challenges I went to my support to help me figure things out and how I can overcome the current situation. My support system always reminds me that you can control what comes your way but you can control how you handle and make it out of it.
I learned to not expect you from other people.
What ni would like for the world to know is that I am truly grateful for the opportunities that I have been afforded

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 kabob land for the best lamb kabobs. Then a little retail therapy at the nearest outlet or mall. followed up with ud ending up at the All Inclusive bar called Friends in midtown for some drinks and dancing.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
So previously I mentioned my support system, well they are my best friends and a few family members. Of course, I have to give a big one to my Godparents that I picked Valerie and Rashae these two are the real goat as people would say. Nakia I know you thought I wasn’t going to say your name but you taught me business and Tika Weems gave me the first booth. Yet in all, I wouldn’t be the person I am if it wasn’t for my mother who is the epitome of a strong, and never gives up when times get hard or you feel like you can win, fight a little harder, and a little longer. Truly this list could go on and on with countless people that has helped me get to this point and to this person of who I am and who I’m becoming.

Website: https://terrencantoine.glossgenius.com/about

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ir3nz0_locs/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/959409991425837