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Trailblazers.FM explores stories of today's successful black professionals. Get the know-how, confidence and resources you need to blaze your trail.

Aug 7, 2017

What are some of the foundation pieces new entrepreneurs need to put in place to have a successful startup?

Ericka Dotson, Indique Hair co-founder and creative director, was inspired by clients to fill the void in the hair extension industry with a premium, knowledgeable and customer orientated business.

In this conversation, Ericka and I discuss how she got into the hair extension business. She shares how she went counter to the advice of her instructors and went straight into startup mode right out of cosmetology school. We talk about her morning rituals and her approach to attract, nurture and empower new talent. She shares how she gets her team on board with her vision and her crazy creative campaigns. Lastly, she gives some wisdom to all our new entrepreneurs on what we can do to help us succeed with our startups.

Some of the questions I asked Ericka:

  • 04:55 What got you into the hair extension business?
  • 29:00 What's one of the most challenging experiences you faced in business and what did you learn from that experience?
  • 32:40 What are some of your consistent morning rituals that set you up to win everyday?
  • 33:50 How are you able to attract, nurture and empower new talent within your company?
  • 35:20 As Creative Director, how do you get your team on board with your crazy vision and campaigns?
  • 37:20 What are some of the foundation pieces new entrepreneurs need to put in place to have a successful startup?

Ericka Dotson's Bio

Ericka Dotson, Indique Hair co-founder and creative director, was inspired by clients to fill the void in the hair extension industry with a premium, knowledgeable and customer orientated business.

In the onset of her career, Dotson focused on a more traditional office profession. While working in a corporate environment in Austin, Texas, she rekindled her love of hairstyling and began to sharpen her skills in hair extensions. Dotson began specializing in this growing aspect of the hair industry and worked heavily with women experiencing hair loss diseases.

Her time as a stylist led her down many creative paths. Dotson has had a great deal of experience in creating hairpieces and designing different looks. Her innovative style has been sought after in numerous fashion shoots and runways.

Ultimately, it was the frustration Dotson’s clients expressed when purchasing hair extensions that sparked the idea of creating a company. Her drive and passion for ensuring the highest quality hair for her clients morphed into Dotson’s partnership with Krishan Jhalani and the founding of Indique Hair.

Dotson is the creative force of Indique Hair. She spearheads the innovative pieces in all the collections and branding methods. With Dotson’s vision and experience, Indique is focused on providing exclusively premium virgin hair extensions. Ericka strives to ensure exhaustive and comprehensive quality assurance for Indique, while continuing to improve and find additional methods to maintain or increase the quality and service.

Dotson is an alum of Howard University. She currently resides in Austin, Texas, and has a daughter.

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