Today we’d like to introduce you to Bree-Ana Craine
Hi Bree-Ana, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I started braiding hair when I was 13 years old. We weren’t the richest family, so my sister and I would braid hair for up to 10 hours at times and then split our very meager salary in half. We got so good at it that when I got to high school, people would tell me that I should go to school for hairstyling. It wasn’t until I was an adult at age 26, that I began taking the suggestion seriously.
My father passed away in 2016 and my life needed a complete makeover. Suddenly work wasn’t “working” and I needed some time to find myself again. I quit my full time customer service job with benefits and began to explore my heart spiritually. After a year of soul searching and unemployment, I got another job in a warehouse that I hated immediately.
One weekend while I was home during the day, I was watching the news when I heard an advertisement about a Natural Hairstylist License. It was a concept of which I had never heard, but I was instantly intrigued. I got the idea that I could pair the natural hairstylist education with a SisterlocksTM certification and that’s when hope reignited in my heart. I took the plunge and enrolled in the Institute of Beauty TN. Once I graduated with my license, I worked for A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge in Midtown. It was during my time there that I took the SisterlocksTM 4 day intensive training course (just like I planned). After 4 years of working in commission based salons, I mustered up the courage to branch off and start my own natural hair business. The rest is history. My entrepreneurial exploits have made me more money and given me more freedom than I’ve ever had before and I am so grateful for my success.
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?
I can be stubborn. Ego is what holds many of us back, and mine certainly was no different. I had to become one with my environment. I had to learn to turn down my pride and obstinance so that I could be taught and guided. It was a lot of work, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I learned to lead and be led while working in professional environment.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am a loctician and natural hairstylist who specializes in the installation and maintenance of SisterlocksTM and other locking techniques. I called the business Newgrowth901 because I want to bring attention to the work that I do most often (retightenings) and where I do them (Memphis).
After a SisterlocksTM or traditional locks install, the client will need regular lock maintenance called a “retie” or “retightening” every 4-6 weeks. For traditional locks the maintenance is called a retwist. It’s the newgrowth that gets retightened or retwisted every month and half or so. I pride myself in being able to do Reties in about 2 or 2 and half hours and retwists in 1 to 1 and a half hours. I also offer a free shampoo with every service.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Tamika Turner, the founder of Institute of Beauty TN gave me the education necessary to begin legitimate work in the beauty industry. Takiesha Berry Brooks, the CEO and founder of A Natural Affair Beauty Lounge, graced me with opportunity to work for her salon. She deserves an extra thank you for having patience as I spent my formative years as a professional hairstylist under her wing. Angelina Liom, the owner of Love is in the Hair for the opportunity to work for her deserves credit for giving me a raise and validating my worth as a hairstylist. Last but not least, my friend Anita Bateman encouraged me to get locks in the first place! Getting locks was a catalyst for me, and I have her to thank for that.
Pricing:
- 2 Hour Retie -$150
- 3 Hour Retie – $225
- SisterlocksTM/Microlocks Install-$750-$2000
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newgrowth901.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/newgrowth901/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/NewGrowth901/100086084539526/
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@breecraine?si=qHsDMJWI5_C8mGcF
