Today, we sit down with entrepreneur and city councilwoman Tia Ingram. The 39-year-old is a mom of one and grandmother of two.
Can you tell us a bit about your journey in establishing this business?
The initiative to start my business came from a number of things. I was tired of working day in and day out for companies that didn’t see my worth or value. Or they saw it and didn’t pay me what I was worth. I also most importantly knew that The Most High God (TMH) had promised some things to me and none of those things included working for someone else. I knew that if I wanted to truly fulfill my purpose in life and in ministry I had to have major faith and lean and depend on TMH to direct my path and order my steps.
Can you provide an overview of your business, including the products or services you offer?
I am a Master Barber Stylist and I own Radical Kutz in Edison Ga. We offer services that cover a variety of hair care needs. From hair cuts to shaves and trims as well as loc services. We also provide services on natural hair in general.
What makes your business unique or differentiates it from others?
My business is unique because we pride ourselves on quality customer service. The foundation of my business is Biblical Principles. So every time someone steps foot into the shop I not only want them to encounter me but I want them to have an experience with TMH. We offer a peaceful environment filled with love care and concern for our clients. And that type of genuineness can’t be found everywhere.
What challenges have you faced as a black entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as a black entrepreneur is pricing and cost of services.. a lot of individuals believe that because I service southwest Georgia(rural area) my prices should reflect what they believe I should charge however my prices reflect the time, effort and energy that I put into every single client. One of the ways I’ve overcome this stigma is to gradually increase my prices over time since the inception of my business in 2020. I try to consider all things when setting prices. However, ultimately I have to do what’s best for my business and my future. I do believe that my target audience will support me regardless simply because of the customer service I provide.
What does it mean to you personally to be a black entrepreneur in this community?
It means so much to be to be a black entrepreneur in my town. It’s important because growing up all the black businesses that I saw have died out and are no more. So it’s my goal to ensure that even after I leave this earth or even this area that Radical Kutz will have reached new heights and people will forever remember their experiences there and possibly tell their children’s children about it. I love the fact that I get to build relationships within the community especially with the youth. That goes far beyond any amount of money I could earn. Pouring into those kids is what keeps me going. It helps me to remember my “why” and keep it at the forefront of my mind.
How do your personal values align with the mission and vision of your business? My mission is to spread love, peace and joy daily and that’s exactly what I do whether I’m at work or not. I know that my Father has placed me in this position so that I’ll be able to be the light in this dark world while spreading the Gospel of Christ (Matthew 28). I truly believe that being selfless is the only way that I’ll be able to do that and in times when I want to respond differently I allow HIM to increase as I decrease ensuring that my desires align with HIS will which is what causes my personal life and business life to collide. So I’m beyond grateful for my business and I owe it all to TMH without him I would not be where I am today and for that, I am eternally grateful.
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