Marshay Wayans Specializes in Hair Loss and Thinning

Please share a brief introduction about yourself and your business:

I am a hairstylist and business owner that specializes in hair loss and thinning and founder of MarshayNicole LLC.

Who are your customers?

My customers are women, men, and children that suffer with issues related to hair loss.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I have been a tv/film/editorial hairstylist for local women, men & children for 20+ years.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

I took the leap to start my own business because the industry needed more HAIR CARE as opposed to just hair styling. I was tired of having to play by someone else's rules regarding how to properly tackle common and uncommon hair loss issues.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

I always knew that I wanted to be an entrepreneur.

Take us back to when you first launched your business; what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

When I first started my business, the only marketing strategies I knew, were "word of mouth" from current clients and handing out flyers and business cards. It worked exceptionally well, and greatly increased my client intake.

What is the biggest challenge you have encountered along the way so far and what have you learned from it?

The biggest challenge I've encountered thus far has been acquiring adequate business funding. I've learned to seek out mentorship and guidance from like-minded individuals that are where I aspire to be financially.

What accomplishment are the most proud of to date in your business?

I am most proud of actually launching my business. No one in my family has ever launched thier own business.

Do you have any recent wins from the last year that you'd like to celebrate with our community?

My most recent "win" was publishing my first children's book "Aunty Shay's Magical Garden".

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

This year, I am launching 2 more children's books (as part of a series), and I am also collaborating with a male celebrity to relaunch my Men's Hair Care Product Line. Exciting!!!

What is your top productivity tip? 

My top productivity tip is to WRITE IT ALL DOWN! Every day. Even of that means writing down the same "to-do-tasks" everyday. The repetitiveness will literally live rent free in your head and eventually force you to complete daily tasks.

On the flip side, how do you avoid burnout?

I avoid burnout by making sure I take lots of time for self care. Reading, Yoga, Bathtime, dessert, meditation, and being of service to others.

What is your approach to work-life balance / integration?

My approach to work-life balance is simply knowing that YOU come first. ALWAYS. Recentering myself and remembering I'm doing this because I want to.

What is one thing you wish you had known when you started your Entreprenista journey?

The one thing I wish I knew when I started this journey, is that perfection is unattainable. As long as I show up everyday. Little by little, whatever it is, it will get done. Prioritizing is key.

When hiring, what is your go-to interview question?

My go-to interview question for new hires is: "What is more important to you, getting the job done now - or getting the job done right?"

If you've raised capital for your business already, what are some of your best tips or lessons learned?

My best tips I've learned is to PAY YOURSELF FIRST, and put the rest right back into the business.

What's the one app on your phone you absolutely cannot live without and why?

I absolutely LOVE Quickbooks. It's extremely helpful at tracking finances, gas mileage, etc. Makes tax time a breeze.

What is your favorite business tool or solution and why?

My favorite business tool is ENTREPRENISTA! The resources are unbelievable.

What advice do you have for aspiring Entreprenistas?

Trust the process, enjoy the journey. Slow and steady wins the race. YOU GOT THIS GIRL! AND YOUR FELLOW ENTREPRENISTAS ARE HERE TO HELP!

Learn more about the Entreprenista League and join today!