Meet Mary Ware | Licensed cosmetologist & hair braider

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

Hi Mary, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
Most people may think that just because I “do hair” that it doesn’t require any real work or thinking but it does. A stigma that outsiders believe is that being a hair stylist/braider isn’t a REAL job. But let me tell you… it is! I still have to balance my finances, decide how much money to distribute to my business and my personal needs. I have to figure out pricing, marketing, and scheduling. What I do may look like an easy task but there’s alot more that goes into this business just like any other. One week I may make really good money. The next week,… not so much. So learning how to save & make money stretch is also skill that I must learn & learn how to utilize.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a licensed cosmetologist specializing in braids. This wasn’t the career choice I always had in mind. This was just something I enjoyed doing on the side. But the more I did it, the more I liked it. So I researched the career choice & decided to pursue it to see how it goes. I never thought I’d be thing into my 4th year of business. It’s not easy ( not that I imagine it would be) but it requires alot more than just skill. It’s thinking, it’s math, it’s communicating, it’s marketing & so much more. It requires hard work, dedication and consistency. This career path is about deciding to keep going even if it looks like it isn’t worth it to do so. It’s about being ok with making $0 today but possibly making $500 the next. And that’s what makes a business challenging but also worth it.
I want people to know that although I may do the same things that many others do, it’s my brand that sets me apart because I love what I do & it shows in my work. I take pride in what I do & how I do it. I strive to show up everyday and do my best. I base my business on honesty, empathy and affordability. I may not be the best at what I do but I trust in myself and my ability always provide good customer service. I value my clients because those are the ones that believe in me and still choose me even though there are many options to choose from. My clients are always my #1 priority because without them I wouldn’t have a business.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
In the Summerville and surrounding areas they are many great places to eat and visit. Summerville farmers marker and Azalea park are just a couple places I like to go to with my family. There’s also bowling, axe throwing and the movie theaters. And for eating, we have Oscar’s, Lowcountry Fish camp, Poogan’s southern kitchen restaurant, Logan’s & Margaritas Mexican restaurant just to name a few. And if you don’t want to stay in Summerville, you can always travel to historic downtown Charleston only about 20 min away to discover plenty more seafood restaurants, historic sites and tours and lots of shopping.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband has been my biggest fan and number 1 supporter from day one. When I first told my husband ( at that time he was my boyfriend) that I wanted to do this full time, he was very supportive of my decision. Early mornings and late nights became my routine and he was there for it all. I started doing hair part time in our apartment so it was very difficult to manage along with my other job and being a mom. From the small things like making sure I eat lunch to helping me clean up and prep hair for my clients the next day, he helped where ever he could. He was the one that encouraged me to make it my business and do it full-time. Besides God of course, I owe him all the thanks & praises 👏🏾. If it wasn’t for his constant love support and encouragement, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to make this work. I appreciate him.

Website: https://marytopnotchbraids.as.me/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marytopnotchbraidsllc/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marytopnotch24?mibextid=ZbWKwL

Image Credits
Darrick Ware Photography, LLC