Meet Toccara Breland | Salon owner & Master Cosmetologist

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

Hi Toccara, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
In my opinion work life balance is something that one would need to keep in mind on a daily basis. Before I became an entrepreneur, I was a full-time restaurant district manager, and I was always busy, the restaurant was a 24 hour facility and I was always called upon any given time of the day. The money was amazing. I was a few dollars off from a six-figure annual income, but I was extremely stressed and unhappy . I was driven by the money at the end of the year, the dollar amount I was making, but I wasn’t happy. Since I left that establishment and became my own boss, I learned so much about myself. One thing for sure is that its not all about the money.. Therefore, since I’ve changed my mindset about what drives me,what keeps me going every day I’m able to balance myself better. If I’m tired, I arrange my schedule so that I could have more time off, if I have a family event I arrange my schedule so that I can show up, if it’s grind time I arrange my schedule so that I could work longer days or additional days to meet the need. Being my own boss has allotted me the power create the balance I need and desire, where before I was completely dependent on what my job told me to do,when to come and how long to do it.. Now I listen to my mind & body if I’m feeling off, I make necessary adjustments.

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 grew up on the southside of Atlanta in Clayton County. I am originally from New Orleans Louisiana. I went to school in Jonesboro shout out two point South middle school and Lovejoy high school growing up in the early 2000s I got into a lot of trouble and made lots of poor decisions, one day I was confronted by my way of life and I realized better, and that I was better than the way I was behaving. From that day, I’ll begin to make better decisions, and my future began to look brighter. I completed my associates degree then I follow with my bachelors degree and later I return to get my cosmetology license. I have been extremely driven over the past few years to achieve financial freedom and I’m still working for that. I’ve always prayed to be an example of God‘s grace and mercy and right now I’m noticing that what I prayed for is coming to fruition.. the fact that I’m telling my story right now hopefully will encourage any young girl or boy, who feels hopeless and lost about their future. I want them to know that no matter how the current situation looks it’s only temporary and you are capable of way more than you think. excited about the continual growth of my business, and reaching financial goals that I have set for myself.. one of the main lessons that I’ve learned on the journey of entrepreneurship and business ownership is that you have to trust yourself to get the work done and to handle business the way you know it needs to be done, and if you don’t know you have to seek help. In order to grow..

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend was in town on the weeklong trip, I will take them to Ponce city market. I love, hops chicken I will take them to chow baby I love their Asian fusion kitchen. We would definitely have to hang out at Piedmont Park on a Saturday or Sunday as long as the weather permits just to get the feel of Atlanta and to be outside and get fresh air. The beltline is super cute, fun and fresh and if it’s a summertime, I would take her around Centennial Park, and or the battery. I love concerts so we would have to check out State Farm Arena, or city winery to see who’s in town that week.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I was heavily influence by my professors at Atlanta technical College. The support and encouragement that I felt from my instructors really helped me believe I was capable of being great in this industry. Also, I listen to my inner self and trusted God. The comfort and security that he gave me when I was making moves to start. My business was all the assurance I needed my fiancé, and my family also encourage me along the way.

Website: Reddibytika.com

Instagram: @hairtamedbytika

Youtube: @toccaramonique