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

Hi Alexis, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I was working in hospitality when I first learned that I was pregnant with my now 6 year old. I also realized that my life was about to change and I wasn’t going to be able to snap back into the work life after baby was born. I started making custom tshirts and onesies for my unborn, posting them online and people starting requesting items of their own. So that was the initial push into entrepreneurship for me. I was currently enrolled in cosmetology school also- I was on maternity leave I went In on custom designs fulltime. Fast forward to 2018 I graduated cosmetology school, passed state board and became a licensed cosmetologist and here I am 5 years later.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and it is most definitely an art- every client is my canvas.

I specialize in braids twists and natural hair for men, women and kids here in Columbia sc.

And honestly I would say I’ve reached the success I’m at now because I stayed true to my mission and myself.

Trust me, the bad days come but the good have outweighed them all and every L isn’t a loss it’s a lesson.

My business: The AR Experience is the solution to the clients problem.

All inclusive services including, hair , accessories, shampoo, wifi … because my clients are the vip.

I want people to know that getting your hair done or hair cut is luxury & its self care , so it should feel like it.

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.
You have to go downtown Columbia – it’s beautiful, historic and so many different places to enjoy. We would first meet for food and drinks at one of the downtown restaurants with amazing music to match the amazing food.

We talk business everyday- so we’ll share things we’re working on and get feedback from each other.

Then we love to take pictures so we’ll visit one of our favorite content studios for about an hour and take photos for our business.

If it’s a weekend we may visit a lounge to end the night, but on a weekday we’ll probably end the night bowling or going to a movie or walking and shopping at Harbison mall. It’s so much to do! The possibilities are endless.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My close friend and sister Ra’jonna McMillan- thank you so much for being amazing and being you. I love you and thank you for referring me.

Website: Thearexperience.as.me

Instagram: Thearexperience

Facebook: The ar experience

Image Credits
Cmetro Jones

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSouthCarolina is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.