Today we’d like to introduce you to Taliyah Fogle.
Hi Taliyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
All throughout high school, I held this Dream that I had become my own Boss someday, owning my own Hair Salon and Product Line impacting the world as a Black Female Entrepreneur. In my Junior and Senior year of high school, I was able to take Cosmetology classes and became licensed by the time I graduated, that is where I found my true passion for Hair and Skin Care. I Graduated in June of 2019 as a Licensed Cosmetologist from Lower Richland High School creating a name for myself as Sweet Tee the Stylist.
During June – August of 2019 I worked Commission as a Braider at a Downtown Salon on Main Street called Carolina Hair Studios. There I learned a lot of Salon etiquette, how to work on teams and customer service techniques. I was able to expand my clientele, learn product knowledge, and how to share it with clients. All of this helped me get to where I am today.
In Fall of 2019, I started my 1st Semester at Midlands Technical College Majoring in Accounting and Business Management. In the middle of my second semester, I stepped out and got my very own Salon Suite called Sweet Tee’s Atelier, where I create my art which is Hair. This was a major accomplishment for me, and I was now in a stable place to cater to my clients the way I wanted to.
I continued to do 1 more semester that fall and after it was over, I decided I would not re-enroll for another semester. During that time, I did a lot of self-reflection. I realized that college was not really for me and that my intentions for going in the first place was not strong enough for me to continue, especially when the pandemic. My family was supportive of me and the decision I made because they knew that I had a plan and would figure it out eventually. But to be honest, I really did not have a plan at all. I stepped out on faith not knowing what my next move was going to be. But I am so grateful for them because they have pushed and encouraged me always to keep my head up.
In the beginning of 2021, all my manifestations were coming into fruition! I finally had the freedom and time to focus more on my businesses. I began to work full-time at the Salon Monday – Sunday. I started to offer 1-on-1 Braiding Classes at the start of February showing others how to braid, perfect their skills, and educating them on different techniques/products in the process. Since then, I have done over 10 1 on 1 classes ranging from the ages 8 – 18. My goal was to be able to step out my comfort zone and teach others my skills that wanted to learn from me.
I first Launched my product line Sweet Tee Organics back in February of 2020 creating handmade hair and body products from all-natural and organic ingredients, doing Local Pickups and Drop Offs in the Columbia area. Which in 2021 I decided to take it up a notch and do a complete re-brand and create a website because I finally gained clarity of what my purpose was. I was self-educating myself in the Medicinal Benefits of Herbs and incorporating them more into my new products, then I Re-Launched in May as Sweet Tee Organics Holistic Hair. Skin. Body. LLC. Since then, I have created over 30 assorted products (All handmade by me), have 500 + customers, and shipped over 200 orders to at least 5 different states.
I am so proud on how far I have come and how far I am going. Right now, I am working on expanding both businesses by networking and going to local events to meet others with a like-minded entrepreneur mindset and spirit.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road… No. I have had many challenges on my entrepreneurial Journey mainly because I am the first Entrepreneur in my family, so I did not have that much guidance in this field, but I have my family’s support. Since guidance was the wall, I kept running into I decided to do something about it. I got uncomfortable and started asking questions to those in this specific industry. I began to ask for help when I knew I needed it because I know I did not have all the answers myself. I always remain teachable and coachable no matter how far I excel in life I will always sit back and be a student. I am only 21 years young so any wisdom I am given from those that have experience and success I listen and apply it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My name is Taliyah but most know me as Sweet Tee the Stylist. I am a Licensed Cosmetologist in the Columbia area that specializes in Braids, Locs, and Natural hair care. I have been Licensed for 3 Years now and I fully dedicate my time to making sure all my client’s hair is healthy and taken care of before going into a protective style for a month or 2. Also educating them on their own hair and how take care and manage it at home.
I am the CEO of Sweet Tee Organics Holistic Hair. Skin. Body. LLC. Where all products are handmade with organic ingredients that promotes healing on the inside as well as within. I wanted to create products for others that had the same hair, skin, and body complications as me such as problems with hair growth, eczema, and stress. The first few products I created were Hair Growth Oil, Hair Softening Butter, and Whipped Body Butter just to name a few. I wanted others to benefit from using these natural products like I did. Only a handful of people know about herbs and their medicinal benefits. Spreading the knowledge, awareness and healing is my mission.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Outgoing, openhearted, and open-minded is what I have always been. My dreams were limitless and that I could do anything. I have always been drawn to the arts and expressing my creativity that way. As a child I had many interests such as Dancing, Drawing, Sewing, Jewelry making, drama, poetry and the list goes on. I was and still am optimistic and hopeful about the future.
Pricing:
- Medium Knotless Braids $265
- 8 Feed-in Braids $100
- Distressed Soft Locs $265
- Natural Braids & Beads $75
- 1 on 1 Braiding Classes $100- $550
Contact Info:
- Email: sweetteestorganics@gmail.com
- Website: https://sweetteethestylist.as.me/schedule.php https://sweetteestorganics.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sweetteestorganics?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
- Other: https://instagram.com/hairby.liyah_?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
Image Credits
LS Excel Innovations
Jon J Photography LLC
Taliyah Fogle
