alltressedup.net

Chaunda 'Loc*Star' King is a veteran stylist and the owner of Naturals Salon & Spa located in historic Jackson Ward (in Richmond, VA).  I had the pleasure to interview the Loc*Star to learn more about her story.

Q: How long have you been in the beauty industry?
A: I have been in the beauty industry for about nineteen years.

Q: How did you get the nickname 'Loc*Star'?
A: It's funny you should ask.  One day I was really feeling myself and I posted it on FaceBook and it stuck.  Now, everyone calls me 'Loc*Star' instead of Chaunda.  I love it!

Q: Did you start off in the beauty industry?  If not, in which industry did you begin?
A: I did not start in the beauty industry.  As a little girl I used to take out my cousins' hair and redo it.  I got into a lot of trouble, but I loved doing it.  I was pregnant as a teen.  While I was pregnant, I had no income.  So, I learned how to braid hair by watching someone braid my hair.  I practiced on myself and my friends.  I began to market myself, and the next thing you know I had people in my kitchen and living room waiting for an appointment.

I thought I wanted to work a 9 - 5 for a living so, I went to college for law - go figure.  My income while in school came from doing hair in a salon part time.  Can you believe I still did not think this was my destiny?  I also worked in the health-care field.  During this time, I did not like working for someone or a company that just gave you a paycheck.  There was no gratification for me.  So instead of going to a job that I did not LOVE, I decided to do what I love and love what I do.  I started out in a barbershop part time, and I loved it.  I set my own hours and I was in charge of my destiny.  When I started at the barbershop I informed the owner that I was there to gain knowledge and experience and that his shop was just a stepping stone.  He was impressed (I think).  Well, two years later I left the barbershop to open my own salon.

Q: Why hair?
A: My kids always tell me when I talk to someone I always look at their hair (laughing).  I try to look into their eyes, but I want to see what they're working with on top.  I love hair and everything about it.  I really like tightly coiled hair.  I love the way that I can have a vision and transform someone's hair to look like that vision.  If I see a painting with circles, I can go into the salon the next day and put circles in my client's hair.  I love the expressions on my clients' faces once I hand them the mirror.  My assistant said she wants to take a picture of my clients' faces when I hand them the mirror.  That is priceless!

Q: What do you think your clients are saying about you?
A: That's a hard one...I think, no, I hope they are saying that I am a Rock Star Stylist and that they keep coming back to me because healthy hair comes first and no one else in Richmond, VA can touch my loc styles.

Q: What is your philosophy when it comes to hair?
A: All hair is good hair as long as it is healthy.

Q: If you could describe your work in one word, what would it be?
A: Inspiring.

Q: What would you like the world to know about your salon?
A: I want the world to know that I strive for perfection in and out of my salon.  At Naturals, we go the extra mile to make your salon experience a great one.