Meet Millie Thompson | Master Loctician and Braider

We had the good fortune of connecting with Millie Thompson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Millie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Well, it started when I was a little girl at the age of 8 years old. I watched my mother braid my other sibling’s hair, and I took an interest in it and made sure I had baby dolls and Barbie dolls to practice on. I taught myself how to braid and I became a braider in high school. A close friend of mine back in high school, we had everyone’s hair braided. I did not realize what the word entrepreneur meant back then, but I understand now. I took a risk on myself and left my full-time Special Ed teacher position to finally live in my purpose as a full-time Loctician/braider. The BEST choice I ever made besides being a mother.

Everything I ever dreamed of or manifested at the age of 16, I am living and breathing every day. I said I wanted to be a celebrity hairstylist or a traveling hairstylist. I have styled two celebrities thus far and I travel as well to service my clients in San Diego.; that’s where my vision of my business all started.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?

As I write this, I’m overwhelmed with joy and very humbled to tell my story for the first time. I believe in manifesting your wants, needs, dreams, and purpose. I said one day I will write a book about my journey and how I got to this place of peace I’ve been wanting for so long. Now, I’m here telling my story to you all.

Being a Loctician isn’t easy like some would say, just to pick up a side hustle. It’s a calling and a position that allows you to connect with clients on a spiritual level concerning their crown. I love that I get the opportunity to service clients on a level they’re not expecting. I get to educate clients about the concerns of their locs and give them the best options for their journey.

Clients always tell me that I have spiritual hands and I believe that because I’m able to give comfort, knowledge, and creativity all at once. To see the look on my client’s faces are priceless. Knowing they are smiling and satisfied with my services is the best reward.

My journey has molded me into my alter ego daily. I live in peace, I’m fearless, bold, and passionate about my craft. I had to learn to use radical acceptance throughout my life because I knew storms don’t last long. I had to keep moving regardless if I might fall or get discouraged. I struggled for years with carpal tunnel in my right hand. In 2016, I cramped up for 27 seconds and I knew at that moment I was done braiding hair. I didn’t want the surgery and I was tired of taking medication for the pain. So, I took a more natural path, and it was the best decision I ever made for my hands. I will forever be grateful to my sister that passed away from Breast Cancer, may her soul rest in peace, who encouraged me to try medical marijuana. It changed my life and career for the better. I haven’t had a muscle spasm or shooting sharp pains in my hand in 6 yrs.

I decided at that moment, I had to be my own hero if I’m going to do hair full time and I did. It was the hardest decision I ever had to make because I would be leaving my stability and taking on everything myself. I thought I was going crazy for a moment, but I had to stop, reflect, and remember why I was out in this position in the first place.

My family didn’t even know I resigned from my teacher’s position. I was in my car crying my eyes out thinking to myself, “Where are these clients going to come from.” Did I make the right decision? So many thoughts went through my mind and confusion was trying to take over. So, I got a text from my family group chat, my brother said, “I don’t know who this is for, but whatever decision you made for yourself was the right decision, and everything is going to work out.” I dropped the phone and cried a river of tears in my car. This confirmed that I made the right decision and that I need to trust the path God prepared for me.

Now, I look at the world a little differently when it comes to asking for the things you need, and you shall receive it all. I believe there is power in hope and manifesting your purpose.

I started with a few clients and now I have seen over 400 clients in the 4yrs as a business owner. I’m very proud of myself for the struggles I had to go through to realize I wasn’t done yet. Sometimes you must be your own hero for you to believe in yourself. That’s what I did, and it was worth it!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, I’m from San Diego, and living in Washington is so different that I haven’t explored the city since moving out here in 2016.

If there was a place I would share, it would be by the water. It’s called Ruston Way Waterfront. The summers here in Washington are so beautiful. They have live music, ice cream shops, restaurants, scooters, and bikes to rent for the day. It’s a great place to take the kids and family.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Most definitely, my mother is my biggest supporter. She has been my rock and my best friend through all my ups and downs from childhood and now as an entrepreneur. She is always willing to give her support to my children when I need to take a business trip and encourages me when things get exhausting to handle. She’s my behind-the-scene manager at SRBMillie. I love her so much!!

Therefore, I can’t help but always give thanks to my family, friends, and most of all my clients that genuinely give their support every month. Referring customers, telling a friend of a friend about my business. I will always honor my position to have the opportunity to service them. Without my clients, I would not be who I am today.

Website: http://stylesrocdbymillie.booksy.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/srb_millie?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SRBMillie

Other: TikTok : SRBMillie

Image Credits
None, I take my own photos