Refugee from Liberia opens Hair Salon in Chicago, get inspired!
Nothing is going to stop you, if you have a clear goal. Even if you enter America empty handed because you had to flee Liberia and open a hair salon in Chicago, you can make it. This post is about First Impression Salon, 4556 N.Broadway Chicago. Or better this post is about, Yatta Sherif, a girl with ambition.
The story of Yatta inspired me so much, I felt I had to share it with you. Because I know you want to launch your own hair store too.
Escape from the Civil war in Liberia
In the last decade of the 20st century a civil war in Liberia took the life of 250 thousand people. Charles Taylor took over control in a bloody war. In 1989 Yatta came to the United States of America while fleeing this unrest in Liberia.
Started putting rollers
Yatta did have some experience back in Liberia doing hair, so she started in a beauty salon. She did not have a license and all she knew was braiding hair. When things got busy in the salon, she the owner asked her to shampoo clients and to put rollers in their hair. Soon it became clear, it was all very natural for her. She enrolled in the Cannella School of Hair Design to learn cosmetology.
In 1992, after she graduated from Cannella,Yatta worked part-time at McDonalds. The manager of the McDonalds introduced her to a friend who needed someone to run his salon. It is good to see in life there are always people willing to help you. Even if, in this case the manager of the McDonald lost a committed staff member.
Her own hair salon in Chicago
For six years Yatta managed the salon until she got the opportunity to take over the salon. This was the start of the First Impression Salon. A salon not only with an international crew of stylists and barbers. From Nigeria, Ghana and other black Americans.
The clientele is international too. They know to appreciate the music, laughter and various languages, that welcome you when you enter the First Impression Salon.
23 years in business
Today, Yatta is already 23 years in business. The extra space available when she launched her salon was soon taken. She knew to expand her business by sharing her passion for hair.
The lesson from Yatta is: “there are always some rainy days in the business and some days of sunshine, but you have to got to appreciate whatever comes to you”. And you also see she showed her passion for the work she was doing as of day one. Even if it was not her own salon or store. But by showing your ambition, others will help you to find your way to your goal, your own hair business.
First Impression Salon offers:
– exotic hair,
– weaving,
– relaxer,
– men & women cuts
– bundles as of usd 65,
– human wigs and
a great variety of hair extensions.
Inspire me like Yatta and tell me what is your goal?
If you want to start selling hair right away. check the hair business packages we have for you, even including hair samples!
