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

Hi Patricia, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make was to simply choose myself as the first option. As soon as you are born, you are groomed for obedience. You are a taught that your parents mindset was better than your own. So we are taught to think act and respond in the ways of another. Rarely given the opportunity to simply think for yourself without being viewed as rebellious. This carries over from childhood, to adolescence and right into adulthood I have visions thoughts and ideas that my brain produces without the assistance or influence of anyone around me. That is what makes me an individual. What if it’s not rebellion? What if my way of thinking could be beneficial to others? If I continue to simply listen to others and follow their ways of thinking, I will never know my full potential. Making the decision to choose myself over my parents, my instructors, my role models, or my peers is the hardest thing I have ever had to do! No one can see the vision that is in my mind. So, as I’m taking my stance regarding how I want to live my life, conduct my business and how I want to present myself to the world, I risk sounding foolish, childish or in some cases ignorant to those who don’t agree. Choosing myself first, is something that I have to make the choice to do daily. I was miserable working in Corporate America. My abstract way of thinking was consistently frowned upon and penalized. I soon realized that I was expected to follow another person’s way of thinking in order to be successful. I believe that who I am and what I have to offer is important and valuable. Choosing myself first does not mean that I am right and others are wrong. It’s simply me giving myself a chance first, before simply following an instruction.

What should our readers know about your business?
As a hair stylist, I’ve never wanted to be known for my styles. From my perspective, styles are temporary and subjective. Growing up, my mother didn’t allow us to wear weave/extensions. I don’t remember being able to use hard gels, hair sprays or hot curling tools because my mother advised it would be damaging to my hair. My mother was so knowledgeable regarding healthy hair. We were often complemented on how long and healthy our hair was. I naturally have long and thick hair, but I wanted the styles! I didn’t think my mother could relate to me in that regard as a teen. I wanted to rock the latest styles and show off my tresses that I’ve been protecting for so long. I wanted to add some flair and express my creativity. I began braiding and styling my friends hair to express myself. In a way, I was living through their hairstyles. Once I went to cosmetology school, I found my true struggle. Most of the common and trending styles required harsh chemicals or products. This went against everything that I was taught about healthy hair. I was determined to learn the healthiest alternative to achieve the same styles with minimal to no damage. One day while braiding a friend’s hair for a sew in, she mentioned that she’s never had a stylist oil her scalp or tell her to oil her scalp while wearing a sew in. We were both shocked by each other. That’s when I developed what made me different. That’s when I discovered my slogan: Does your stylist really treat your hair or only style it? Shortly after graduating cosmetology school in 2014, I continued my education and became a Certified Hair Loss Practitioner through United States Trichology Institution. I will continue with my education to become a Tricologist. It’s the social expectancy for African-American women to wear some form of weave or hair extensions. In the African-American communities, we aren’t taught that our natural hair is beautiful, acceptable or professional. As a result, African-Americans are the leading victims of alopecia. I openly encourage all people to be proud of and love their true selves. My goal is to help reverse hair loss damage while encouraging African-Americans to take pride in their natural hair. I ask all of my clients what their hair goals are so that I can be their accountability partner when they request styles that are counter productive to their declared hair goals. I provide a variety of protective hair styling while keeping my clients’ main focus on their healthy hair goals. When people think about HairWithFlairbyByrd, I want them to instantly think of healthy, at beautiful hair. I do my best to treat all my clients with compassion and understanding. I never want anyone to be ashamed or embarrassed be revealing their natural hair to me so I make sure I create a safe environment for my clients to feel secure. I believe that I am on the right path to accomplishing my goals to soon open an affordable Hair Loss Clinic.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is a fun question! I’m all about self-care and fun! My best friend lives in California so I’ve actually planned out ideal trip for when she comes visit me. We would start the day with a Hot Yoga class at Black Swan Yoga. Namaste! Then head over to Jonathan’s Diner on Beckley Ave or Maple Leaf Diner for brunch and mimosas. I’d definitely want to stop by the galleria mall for some light shopping and then head over to King Spa for saunas, hot tubs and maybe even a late lunch. I love art so the Dallas Museum of Art is always a great idea to me. We could ride around the city to catch all the beautiful city views and end the night with a nice dinner and cocktails at Pangea or Perry’s Steakhouse. I’m definitely a foodie so I might even suggest late night dessert at Better Than Sex in Plano! I love exploring the city as long as food, traveling and comfort are involved! I’m also thrifty, so I’m always down for finding different things to do via Groupon. Dallas is a huge city! There is always something to do!

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?
My mother is one of the greatest influences in my life. She is the person who taught and demonstrated accountability to me. I’ve watched my mother sacrifice and give her last to accomplish her goals and provide a good life for me and my siblings. My mother seemed to handle every obstacle with class and grace. She taught me to be aware that even when you think you’re alone, someone is always watching. She’s always available to listen to me vent and lend a helping hand. She always leaves me with words of wisdom. I didn’t realize that I was actively living my dreams until she verbalized it to me. She told me that being a hair stylist is something that has been consistent and my safety net for years. She opened my eyes to see that I was actively living what I was working so hard for. I would truly be lost without her. That lady is a true queen!

Website: www.HairWithFlairbyByrd.com

Instagram: @HairWithFlairbyByrd

Facebook: Facebook.com/HairWithFlairbyByrd

Image Credits
Larry G. Photography

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