Dionne Porter is the brains and beauty behind the brand “The Collection by Dionne P.” Not only is she a salon owner and cosmetologist, she is a young spunky business owner making moves worldwide. Porter has been in the game for over five years and dominating the industry. KontrolBeauty conversed with Dionne Porter to elaborate on her brand, salon, hair tips, and advice.
“The Collection by Dionne P.” can be purchased at www.thecollectionbydionnep.com
Porter is not new to this industry. Porter started when “I was in the 10th grade. I’m only 22 years old. I use to wear hair extension in high school. I was going to college for nursing. However, I could always point friends and family in the right direction regarding hair. So I started to invest in hair seriously. It took me an year and a half to find a good vendor.” Not only did Porter invest in selling extensions, she also got her education and licenses in cosmetology. Is it important for someone to receive an education prior to started a business, Porter says “if this is your dream? Yes, it is. If you just want to own the salon, and in it only for the money. A lot of hair schools do not teach you what you need to know. Hair school is just to have your license. But want that foundation and take the industry seriously, you should.”
With all the talent and competition surrounding the hair industry what makes The Collection by Dionne P. unique and different from others. “I know for a fact that my product is good. All textures that we carry. My product sells from word of mouth. I sell my hair my product and consumers keep coming back for more.” When finding a vendor to start a hair extension line can be challenging. Picking vendors and finding the great quality is not always easy. “I went through 14 different vendors. I tested each one of the vendors. I actually wore the hair. I found the pros and cons until I found the one that made my list. The vendor I have now is awesome. We’ve been going 5 years strong.”
If you want to own your own salon the best advice is to “start off small. Make sure your overhead is something you can afford. It’s not that easy. I made a mistake. I thought that a lot of people would adapt. A lot of people will not be happy for you as you are for yourself.” If you’re looking to start your own hair collection the key is to “sample your hair. You have to build a name for yourself. I rather have a good product and price it a good number. Then have a bad product and price it at a low price. I don’t believe in bad batch good batch. You also have to be dedicated, open to people opinions, your customer service has to be on point.” Marketing is also important during the process. “I did word of mouth but later I hired a publicist [Crystal Collins]. I’m a walking billboard. I wear my own products. I pass out business cards and flyers. I tell promote through my social media.”
Wrapping up the interview KontrolBeauty asked Porter for some hair tips. When wanting to protect your hair she “would recommend a quick weave. I use a wonder cap under my weave. Use two caps instead of one. Make sure your stylist leave your edges out. I don’t recommend the net. You can’t get to your scalp.” Of course 360 frontals and full lace closures are the new waves in the industry. What is the best the method to creating a secure weave for your hair? “I wouldn’t want glue or tape on my edges. If a client wants to one, I make sure l go over it with them the options they have to protect their hair.” In closing, we enjoyed speaking with Porter. We can’t wait to see what’s next for her and The Collection.
Written by @LeahGordone
Instagram.com/thecollectionbydionnep
Facebook.com/thecollectionbydionnep
