Today we’d like to introduce you to Michala Bailey
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve always had a passion for hair—honestly, I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist at just 2 years old! My love for styling and working with hair started early, but it wasn’t until 2020 that I finally took the leap and enrolled in cosmetology school. The journey wasn’t easy, and it definitely didn’t go as planned, but looking back, every obstacle helped shape who I am today.
I started my journey in Texas, where the state requires 1,000 hours to qualify for the cosmetology exam. I initially enrolled at a school, but midway through, they closed down when I was only at 715 hours. It was a tough blow, and I had to figure out what to do next. I then moved to Paul Mitchell, excited to continue, only to find out that I couldn’t transfer any of my previous hours. I had to start from scratch all over again.
That’s when I ended up at my third school, and even though it felt like an uphill battle, I kept going. The road was long, with a lot of setbacks, but I stayed determined to finish. I had to push through the frustration of starting over and staying motivated when things seemed to be going wrong. But through all of the challenges, I was learning, growing, and gaining the skills I needed to succeed.
I finally graduated, and that’s when everything started to fall into place. I began working from home, building my client base, and eventually moved into a bigger suite where I could provide a more professional and elevated experience for my clients. My suite allowed me to give my clients the care they deserve, from the quality of the service to the comfortable atmosphere.
What I’m most proud of is the journey itself—never giving up, staying focused, and always striving for perfection, even if it’s through perfect imperfections. My brand is all about empowerment, especially for women. I want every client who sits in my chair to leave feeling not only beautiful but also confident and empowered. I’ve built my business on the idea that every woman deserves a space where they can feel their best, and that’s what I work to create every day.
It’s been a tough road, but I’m grateful for every step that’s led me to where I am today. The challenges shaped my drive, and now I’m fully dedicated to executing flawless service and offering my clients an unforgettable experience.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The journey has definitely not been a smooth road, but it’s been one of growth and learning. Like many people starting their own business, I faced challenges in the beginning. There were moments when I had to start over, reevaluate my approach, and push through some tough lessons.
One of the biggest struggles was learning the business side of things. As a cosmetologist, I was already skilled in the technical aspects of hair care and styling, but I had to quickly learn about business etiquette—things like managing finances, marketing, and building a brand. I quickly realized that being great at my craft wasn’t enough; I needed to develop a strong business mindset and learn how to market myself effectively. There were many late nights spent reading about business practices and attending seminars to gain a better understanding of how to make my brand stand out.
Starting over was a pivotal moment for me. There was a time when I felt like I had to revamp my entire approach—whether it was fine-tuning my service offerings, redesigning my brand identity, or reassessing my goals. Rebuilding from the ground up helped me gain clarity on what truly mattered, and it allowed me to focus on creating a more personalized experience for my clients. This also led to a major rebranding process, which has been one of the most exciting (and challenging) parts of my journey.
Rebranding is never easy, but it’s been essential for my growth. I’ve learned that it’s important to stay true to my values, such as delivering excellent customer service and offering top-tier services, while also refreshing my image to connect with my target audience more effectively. This has meant redefining my brand’s voice, aesthetic, and messaging. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to client feedback and assessing how I can better serve them, all while ensuring my business evolves in line with current trends and needs.
Overall, the road hasn’t been without its bumps, but I’m grateful for the experiences and lessons along the way. I’ve come out stronger, wiser, and more determined to offer a service that reflects my passion for hair care and customer satisfaction. Rebranding is an ongoing process, but it’s a necessary one to make sure I’m always evolving and delivering the best to my clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Perfect Imperfections?
I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in natural hair care and extensions, with a particular focus on lace installs, including everything from wigs to sew-ins. My main expertise lies in wig installs, where I have built a reputation for delivering flawless, natural-looking results.
What sets me apart from others in the industry is the exceptional customer service I provide. I truly believe in creating a relaxing, enjoyable experience for my clients from start to finish. Not only do I offer high-quality hair services, but I also make sure my clients feel comfortable and pampered during their time with me. From providing a soothing wash to offering light snacks and beverages, I aim to make each appointment feel like a personalized, luxury experience. I take great pride in knowing that my clients leave fully satisfied with both their hair and the overall service.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud of the reputation I’ve built for consistently delivering beautiful, long-lasting results, and the relationships I’ve cultivated with my clients. My commitment to ensuring that each person leaves with exactly what they envisioned, combined with the extra care I put into every detail of the service, is what I believe truly sets me apart.
I want readers to know that my brand is not just about hair; it’s about the experience. I offer a complete, stress-free journey for clients looking for gorgeous, quality hair installs in a welcoming and professional environment. My attention to detail, client satisfaction, and personalized service are what make my business stand out, and I’m always striving to give my clients the best.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Sure! Here’s why I like each of these apps and podcasts, written in the first person:
Canva
I absolutely love Canva because it makes creating professional-looking promotional materials so easy! As a hairstylist, it’s essential to market my services, and Canva allows me to design eye-catching Instagram posts, flyers, and even business cards without needing graphic design skills. The templates are super customizable, and there are so many options for both social media and offline marketing. It’s a huge time-saver and helps me showcase my work in a way that attracts new clients. Plus, it’s free to use, with premium options available if needed.
Square Appointments
Square Appointments has been a game-changer for me. It’s such an easy way to manage my scheduling, and I love that clients can book their appointments online without needing to call or text me. The automated reminders help reduce no-shows, and I can accept payments directly through the app, which is so convenient. I also like the reports it generates, which help me keep track of my earnings and appointments. It streamlines everything, so I can focus more on my clients and less on admin work.
Hair Story
Hair Story is amazing because it gives me the tools and knowledge to work with a variety of hair textures, especially textured hair. They offer tons of educational resources, from product recommendations to detailed tutorials on how to handle different types of curls, coils, and kinks. As someone who works with a lot of natural hair, I appreciate the focus on hair health and how they highlight the importance of nourishing and caring for natural curls. It’s a great way to stay up to date with the latest techniques and products that specifically cater to my clients’ needs.
The Natural Hair Academy Podcast
The Natural Hair Academy Podcast is one of my go-to resources for learning about the natural hair industry. What I love most about it is the focus on entrepreneurship within the natural hair care space. I get a ton of value from the business tips, whether it’s about branding, social media, or client relationships. Plus, the guests are often experts who share valuable insights that help me grow both my craft and my business. If you’re passionate about working with textured hair and want to build a successful career, this podcast offers tons of actionable advice.
Behind the Chair Podcast
I really enjoy the Behind the Chair Podcast because it’s packed with real-world advice from seasoned professionals in the beauty industry. Whether it’s learning new techniques or understanding how to run a salon, I feel like I’m always walking away with new knowledge. I especially love the interviews with leading hairstylists and the tips they share about staying relevant and growing in this competitive industry. The podcast offers a great balance of hairstyling tips and business strategies, making it a perfect resource for anyone serious about their career in the beauty world.
Black Girl Curls Podcast
The Black Girl Curls Podcast is one I truly enjoy because it’s so specific to the needs of Black women’s curly hair. As a hairstylist, I get to dive deep into understanding the unique challenges that come with styling curly and coily hair textures. The hosts talk about everything from hair care to the science of curls, and I’ve learned a lot about the best techniques for maintaining healthy curls. It’s also really inspiring, as I hear about Black women’s hair journeys and the empowerment that comes with embracing natural hair. If you work with textured hair, this podcast is an essential resource for expanding your knowledge and improving your skills.
Each of these tools and resources has contributed to improving both my skills and my business. They offer everything from scheduling and payment management to specialized knowledge on curly hair, making them invaluable for anyone in the hairstyling industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://perfectimperfections.in/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.imperfections_?igsh=cW9ycmk1c2psbnc4&utm_source=qr
