Riley celebrates fourth anniversary as a business owner

Twenty-five-year-old Alicia Riley is celebrating four years as an entrepreneur having started her business AJR Xquisite Hair Designz in 2018.

The former student of Springer Memorial Secondary School said she has always had a passion for hair braiding and made her dream a reality in 2018 when she started AJR Xquisite Hair Designz.

Reflecting on her entrepreneurial journey she said that it has been overwhelming as she moved from working at her home studio to working in a salon.

“I was not sure about working in a salon, but I took the risk, and I am glad I did as I have no regrets. One outcome that I have prayed for in making this step was to build more clientele and I am pleased to say that my company’s clientele has been growing day by day.

“If I had to state one of the highlights of my business, it would be that my company now gives back to our clients by giving them tokens of appreciation on special occasions.

“When a client leaves our salon a few hours later I receive calls or messages saying they were stopped and asked who did their hair.

“Listening to reviews from clients telling me their story about how others felt about their hairstyle is a joy,” she said.

Being a business owner over the past four years was challenging but through it all she persevered.

“One of the challenges I faced as a hairstylist was letting my clients know the importance of being on time as when one of them is late it affects the entire system as well as providing the correct products for my client’s hair.

“Every individual is different. Some persons have allergic reactions towards certain products so what I do during the appointment set up, I let the client know what is needed for the service.

“I allow the clients who may have allergies to bring their own products so that they are most comfortable getting their hair done,” Riley said.

The businesswoman whose business can be found on Instagram @ajrxhdesignz_  said that she has also learnt patience as a business owner because she realised that sometimes clients have a preferred hairstyle in mind but sometimes it does not suit their facial structure.

Thus, she discusses the style with the client and explains why she thinks another style would be more advisable as she ensures that every client leaving her salon is satisfied as they are advertising her work.

Riley who has been passionate about being a professional hair braider from the time she was eleven-years-old said that she is proud of how far she has come as a business owner and knows the best is yet to come.

“Looking back, I remember how many things I wanted to achieve. I strongly believe in planning and setting goals and working hard towards them.

“So, I chose my subjects at school accordingly with the assistance of my mom and teachers.

“I worked a few jobs before, and I used those jobs to start off my career. I knew I needed tools, products etc so I worked hard, saved and got what I wanted. I took my time and bought stuff piece by piece until I reached where I am today.

“I still have more to do. Since starting four years ago I have been able to add in shampooing, treatments and chemical services to the list of services my company offers,” she said.

The owner of AJR Xquisite Hair Designz said the next step for her business is to hire others to work with her as her company continues to expand, and hopefully one day in the not-too-distant future to own wher own salon.

“I want to be able to share the skills I have learnt over the years with other up and coming hairdressers.

“I also want to have my own salon as it would assist me with being able to increase the number of services I currently offer here at AJR Xquisite Hair Designz,” she said.

Riley wished to thank her clients who have supported her over the past years as well as her mother Nessema Riley, father Curtis Riley, Graphic Artist Aliyah Sargeant, Akeisha Lynch, Aaliyah John and Deon Reid for their continuous support and encouragement through the years. (Write Right PR Services)