Meet LaKayla Cole | Owner of The Loc Connect

We had the good fortune of connecting with LaKayla Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LaKayla, what role has risk played in your life or career?
In my opinion taking risk is the key to success. Every successful business owner had to take risk to get the top. Taking risk might not always give the end result we picture , but that’s why you regroup and try again. Starting The Loc Connect during Covid-19 was one of my biggest risk. Not having any clientele and being fresh in the game during a time like that, I had to work 3 times harder. It was also one of the best risk I have ever taken because here I am 4 years later still making a name for myself. My work and customer service spoke for itself !

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
Consistency and a lot of trail and error helped me get to where I am today. Not knowing much about being a entrepreneur was the most difficult thing to adjust to. On the outside looking in, it’s all fun and games because you make your own money and make your own schedule. I quickly learned that in reality it’s a 24 hour job of brain storming, putting out fires, & being a social media manager, all while doing hair. I wouldn’t say it was easy , but it was doable. I struggled the most with brain storming ways to catch clients eyes and being consistent. I still do. Something that I feel separates The Loc Connect from others, is that clients are treated how I want to be treated when I book an appointment. I communicate and 99% of the time clients are finished by the end of their set appointment time or before.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This depends on the season because Dallas has different main attractions based off the time of the year. However, the itinerary would have a mixture of good places to eat, nice photo op spots, a good night time vibe, and some fun chill at home things. Food places would consist of Kitchen and Kocktails, Baby Back Shack, city view tacos. During the day we might visit Klyde Warren Park and a few museums. I feel like everyone should experience Ladies Love R&B on a Thursday at Mr.X so we would for sure go there.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
None of this would be possible without God. God gave me the vision and path to take, I just followed. Support comes and goes but true support sticks around through the highs and lows. To my first model / client , Chyna Smith, thank you for trusting me in your head. She cut the red ribbon off The Loc Connect. Also, from day one until now, my dad and sister (LaDyrian) invested in me and found ways I could improve. Rather that is hair techniques, customer service, equipment/supplies or a studio, they are there. Most stylist cheat theirselves by thinking they are not worth their value, Kai (hairbykychelle) mentored me early and lead me in the right direction. I booked a class years ago and she was happy to help with pricing, faster techniques, and the best products to use. Im forever grateful for her as well. Lastly, the biggest supporters are my clients especially my day ones that have been booking and trusting me since 2019. I love y’all !

Website: https://thelocconnect.as.me/

Instagram: _locconnect

Facebook: LaKayla Cole

Other: Tik Tok: _locconnect