Today we’d like to introduce you to Lillian Faye Spell
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?
In May 2021, I began my sisterlock journey, excited to explore a new hair lifesyle that celebrated my cultural roots and individuality. However, after four months of unsuccessful searches for a loctician to maintain my hair, I found myself growing increasingly frustrated. Determined to overcome this challenge, I reached out to the person who had established my sisterlocks and sought training to learn how to care for my hair myself. With newfound skills and confidence, my first client was my mother. Her trust in me was incredibly motivating, and I was thrilled to be able to help her maintain her hair. Just a week later, in December 2021, I welcomed my first paying client, marking the official start of my business journey.
Recognizing the importance of professional training, I invested in both Sisterlocks training, microloc training, and barber school (IMPACT Barber Academy). This comprehensive education equipped me with the expertise to offer a wider range of services, blending loc maintenance with high-quality barbering.
Initially, I named my business Loc’d Eccentricity, reflecting the unique and personalized services I aimed to provide. Today, my business has evolved into The Barber and Loc Lounge, where we offer both loc maintenance and barber services. Our mission is to provide a space for rejuvenation and relaxation, where clients can experience personalized care and leave feeling revitalized. At The Barber and Loc Lounge, we are committed to celebrating individuality, fostering confidence, and promoting well-being through exceptional hair care and grooming services where the goal is to build confidence one lock at a time.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Transitioning from my full-time career as an internal auditor to becoming a Barber Loctician was a journey marked by determination and resilience. The path was far from easy, as it required balancing my professional responsibilities with my newfound passion for hair care.
Initially, I provided services after working hours and on weekends. My days were long and demanding, but my commitment to my clients and my new craft kept me motivated. To ensure a comfortable and professional environment, I created a private space where I could service clients, prioritizing their comfort and privacy.
One of the significant challenges was finding a peer group of like-minded locticians who could offer support and guidance. Connecting with this community was crucial for both my personal growth and the expansion of my client base. Their shared experiences and insights were invaluable as I navigated this new career path.
However, the transition also meant spending time away from my husband, John, and our rescue dogs (Coffee, Max, Cupcake, and Pep Pep). Balancing my time and energy between my family and my burgeoning business was a delicate act. Despite these challenges, the support and understanding from John and the joy I found in my work made the journey worthwhile.
As The Barber and Loc Lounge continues to grow, I remain dedicated to providing exceptional services and creating a space of rejuvenation and relaxation for all my clients. The journey from an internal auditor to a barber loctician has been transformative, and I am grateful for every step that has led me to where I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
The Barber and Loc Lounge is poised for an exciting phase of growth and innovation. Building on a strong foundation established through years of dedication and expertise, the next steps for the business are both ambitious and impactful. Leveraging my extensive experience as an auditor and my current role as an adjunct Accounting professor, I am committed to driving the Lounge towards a future where it not only excels in providing exceptional services but also contributes meaningfully to the community.
A significant focus of our future endeavors is the completion of my Doctor of Business Administration degree, with a specialization in sustainability strategies for black-owned barbershops. This advanced academic pursuit will enable me to integrate cutting-edge sustainable practices into the business model, ensuring that The Barber and Loc Lounge not only thrives economically but also operates in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. This knowledge will be shared with other barbershops to elevate the entire industry, particularly those owned by minorities, fostering a community of sustainable businesses.
In addition to academic advancements, we aim to expand our service offerings by providing specialized bookkeeping and accounting services tailored for barbershops and salons. This initiative stems from my passion for financial management and education, aiming to support fellow entrepreneurs in maintaining healthy and transparent financial practices. By offering these services, The Barber and Loc Lounge will become a one-stop solution for beauty industry professionals, helping them to manage their finances effectively and grow their businesses sustainably.
Another cornerstone of our future plans is the establishment of a nonprofit organization, The BaLL’s School Hygiene Program, dedicated to sponsoring elementary and middle schools. This nonprofit will provide essential hygiene education and kits to students, addressing a critical need in our community. By promoting good hygiene practices among young students, we aim to foster healthier habits that will benefit them throughout their lives. This initiative reflects our commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact beyond the confines of our business operations.
To accommodate these new services and community initiatives, scaling the business to include more locations is a priority. We plan to obtain funding to support this expansion, ensuring that we have the resources needed to train and hire new locticians who share our values and commitment to excellence. This growth will enable us to reach a wider clientele and provide our high-quality services to more communities, solidifying our presence in the beauty industry.
The future of The Barber and Loc Lounge is bright, marked by a commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and professional growth. With a strategic focus on education, financial management, and expansion, we are dedicated to enhancing our impact and continuing to provide exceptional service to our clients.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
My minor at Florida State University (Go Seminoles!) was Japanese and I’m currently studying Japanese to refresh my skills. So, anyone who would like to practice, feel free to reach out!! Yoroshiku onegai shimasu!
Pricing:
- Sisterlock establishments can start at $750
- Interlock retightenings for microlocs and sisterlocks range from $100-250
- Haircuts are $35
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebarberandloclounge.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barberloctician_faye/
Image Credits
Jasmine Douglas
Self
