Tuesday, May 01, 2007

I've Made My Decision

Thanks to all of you who offered your input to my questions in order to help me in my decision making process. I've been prayerful and I've done my homework, this has been an interesting process and I won't bore you with the details! My decision is based solely on my desire to help others accept and understand how to care for our beautiful God given hair via braids and/or locks. And make a little $$$ in the process.

Can you believe there are only five cosmetology schools in the DFW area that offer a Braiders License? Regardless, I've found and connected with one that will work with my schedule I can't wait to get started.

So, if you have not already guessed, I'm going with Option 2 and starting with the braiders license. After the class I'll entertain other options and see where the road leads me.

Much of my decision to start with the braiders license and hold off on the other locking Certifications were the facts and outcome of tdiscussions with other Consultants, Sisterlocks vs Nappylocks court case and the signing of the SL contract. I was mortified after fully reading the court case document. I dare not want to position myself to be in the situation of either party. At this point in my life I'm just not ready for those types of battles with contracts and all. You can read about the court case it here .

I really liked what TRA said..."I think it depends on what you are going for. For the type of money that people spend on SL's or locks that are "like" SL's a consultant is more idea because at least one feels that the consultant/trainee will be held accountable for doing a good job and meeting the SL standard. With that said what does being held accountable really look like? The home office cannot make a consultant or a trainee return a clients payment if they are dissatisfied with the service."

A good example, is my "parting" issue here....Home Office offered suggestions to correct but that was the extent of it. I still had to spend dollars to correct the issue myself. In fact, to date, the Trainee Consultant that gave me organic parts is still listed on the Sisterlock website. No love loss, just lesson learned. I accept some fault for not doing my own homework on selecting a well trained consultant.

And, Brunsli..so analytical and helpful says " No matter what, you'll have to be a certified hair braider, so why not start there? If you charge $20 an hour, you can recoup the $600 after 30 hours of work (say 40 assuming you'll pay taxes). That's not a huge investment for the education, to be legal in your state, and have something of value to market to your clients.After you have a chance to see how your business goes as a certified braider, you will probably be in a position to evaluate if you want to make the additional $2400 investment, which would take approximately 120 hours to recoup (or ~150 with taxes).I would lean towards the two-step approach since many women who take the course to become certified Sisterlocks consultants end up deciding that it's not a cost-effective career compared to other things they could be doing with their working time. With a two-step approach, you will be able to evaluate that for yourself before making the second investment.Of course, not everything can be dictated by dollars and sense. If being a SL consultant is something you really want to do and enjoy, just go for it!"

GoodNapps - I love your passion for SL, I'd want you on my team!
Naadii - Ringworms, eeks~We'll soon find out about TX profits!
Renee- Yep, I checked it out, Braiders License needed!
Vee - Get Mass going on the bandwagon!
BlaqKofi - I know, I just need more solid details before signing up!
Muslimahlocs - Don't have that kind of energy right now...maybe later we can do it???
Cluziel - Yes, and I'm ready!
Sunsail- The tax man has already been contacted! (lol)
Dregagirl- What's a license without shampooing right? Ugh!
ChosenVessel - Thanks I'm loving these think locks!

Maybe one day in the future I'll consider taking the Sisterlock class after thoroughly discussing pros/cons with Dr. Cornwell or Dennard. For now, I'll settle for the license and see what the school has to offer first. I'm taking baby steps so that I don't get myself in any trouble.

Hey....I'm very much in love with my medium size Sisterlocks and they are looking better than ever.
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13 comments:

Unknown said...

Excellent!!! Yaaaay!!! I'm very happy you listened to yourself and worked out a gameplan. I think the braider's license is an EXCELLENT way to strart. Get your hands in different types of hair, different people, people as CUSTOMERS--oy vey! But you KNOW that your future clients are going to look at your hair and say, "what is that?? It's beautiful! I want it!!" You're going to have to do locks, esp. sisterlocks, eventually.... :)

dregagurl said...

I'm happy you made a decision that will work for you. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Yes, I have a picture there now...just bought a camera. I know, I know... And I made a decision to go traditional. Good luck to you on your training and keep us all updated with your progress. ~ Dre

Anonymous said...

I just emailed you some cases against the great state of California pushing to eliminate the cosmetology license required for hair braiders and locticians. I hope you find it helpful!

Sis. RJQueen10 said...

I am working on a response to your question you asked me yesterday after our workout. Before I post my response on my blogspot I will either call you and read it to you over the phone or e-mail it to you.

I was working on my take home Final Exam (I just finished, it is 22 pages long, whew I am overjoyed that is over) and I could not stopping thinking about your question to me. So I started a rough draft in a word document last night and soon as my head clears I will get it to you.

I knew your decision would be an excellent, Excellent, EXCELLENT well researched and compassionately thought out choice.

Sis. RJQueen10

Cluizel said...

Congratulations on your decision! Honestly, the information you learn braiders license sounds like good info for anyone...

Hmmm...do I have a new project to reserach? :)

Anonymous said...

You should be loving them! They are looking good and you have been taking care of them yourself so KUDO's to you!

Abena Abena said...

Good choice Sis....I think baby steps are often the best way to start anything :)

Blessings upon you!

BlaqKofi said...

Gorgeous pic. Your locs are just beautiful. You know I support you - whatever decision you make.

Anonymous said...

I'm glad that you have made your decision while doing your homework and getting comments from the natural hair community, ie lockitup and on your blog. Let us know how it turns out.

Chi-chi said...

I can support your decision, it seems like you'll be able to cover all your bases. Good luck, its nice to see that you'll be able to cultivate a career out of something that is close to your heart.

Anonymous said...

I MUST SAY ALL OF THIS IS VERY INTERESTING. I HAD A MAJOR CHALLENGE WITH A SLC AND IT WAS MOST UNPLEASANT IN THE END, AND WHAT WAS SO BAD ABOUT IT, IS THAT IT HAPPENED TWICE. FINALLY, SHE SAID TO ME " I AM NOT GOING TO PUT LOCKS AS SMALL AS MINE ON ANYONES HEAD". I FELT THAT THIS WAS SOMETHING SHE SHOULD HAVE STATED LONG BEFORE SHE DID MY HAIR. THE BOTTOM LINE, THE TOP LINE AND EVERY LINE IN BETWEEN IS THIS AND VERY SIMPLE, JUST BECAUSE SOMEONE IS CERTIFIED DOES NOT MEAN THEY ARE GOING TO DO WHAT YOU REQUEST WHEN IT COMES TO THE SIZE OF LOCKS YOU DESIRE TO RECEIVE / WEAR. CERTIFICATIONS ARE ILLUSIONS DESIGNED TO MAKE SOMEONE FEEL SAFE OR THAT THEY ARE GOING TO RECEIVE A SERVICE BY SOMEONE WHO WILL DO A GREAT / SATISFACTORY JOB ACCORDING TO THE COMPANIES STANDARDS. IF A PERSON IS ONLY IN SOMETHING FOR THE "BUCK" AND OF COURSE MANY TIMES WE DO NOT KNOW THIS UNTIL IT IS TO LATE, THEN REST ASSURED YOU WILL NOT BE HAPPY NO MATTER HOW MANY CERTIFICATIONS THEY MAY HAVE. I WOULD RATHER GO TO SOMEONE WHO HAS A LOVE FOR HAIR AS ART WITH NO CERTIFICATION, THAN GO TO SOMEONE WHO IS CERTIFIED AND JUST WANTS TO GET THEM IN AND OUT AS FAST AS POSSIBLE. I WAS UNHAPPY WITH THE CONSULTANT TWICE NOT ONCE BUT TWICE, BEFORE THIS CONSULTANT FINALLY REVEALED HER TRUE COLORS/ NATURE. A VERY BIG WASTE OF MY TIME.

P. Rocerin said...

Past 1 month iam loseing my hair very badly and i just do know the reason for the sudden hair loss weather i have to control the shampoo and hence give me imediate suggestion to and this is my kindly request from u and very urgent.

P. Rocerin said...

Past 1 month iam loseing my hair very badly and i just do know the reason for the sudden hair loss weather i have to control the shampoo and hence give me imediate suggestion to and this is my kindly request from u and very urgent.