Her Campus had a chance to speak to Labriah Lee Holt, owner of Sweet Roots Hair Bar, to talk about her journey as a woman wanting to engage the community and give back in a special way. She dropped multiple gems about not being afraid to fail, trying new things, and the necessity of having a space for women.
HC: I heard that you have a very interesting backstory during college. What is your story?
LLH: So I went to college at Vanderbilt for undergrad in Nashville, Tennessee. And then I went to Howard University for Law School. I decided I wanted to go to law school and it was really hectic because I was cheering for the NFL with the Tennessee Titans during my senior year. Despite that being an amazing time and learning a lot, I really wanted to be a lawyer. I wanted to help better represent people, especially women. I do practice law now at a big law firm here in the city. I became an Intellectual Property Lawyer by trade and I do trademark and copyright work. After working at the firm for 5 years, I knew I wanted to do something different that was more engaging and with people.
HC: How did you become an owner of a hair bar?
LLH: I’ve always been big on community and empowering young girls and women. So I ended up taking an opportunity where I moved to New York City and became and an outreach engagement director then moved back home to Atlanta in 2016. I decided that I wanted to be apart of the change that I wanted to see. So, I invested in the building that became Sweet Roots. It needed some love and the University Barber Shop has been here for a long time. I knew I wanted to keep that culture and presence here in the Hair Bar.
HC: What was the idea that sparked Sweet Roots?
LLH: This was a personal project that I wanted to create to fill the void I saw for black women, multicultural women, and women with textured hair. It is a challenge for professional women on the go to find that safe space to get our hair done without driving long distances or trying someone new all the time. There hasn’t been a branded real salon that is national that’s really focused on servicing us. When I decided to come back to ATL I wanted to bring my idea to life. That’s what Sweet Roots is.
HC: What sets Sweet Roots apart for the crowd?
LLH: While I was in New York I learned about plant-based products and the clean beauty movement. This is when I started doing my own hair because I didn’t have the time to chase after a stylist. I have thick, curly, long, hair and I learned how to properly treat my hair during this time. Sweet Roots uses ALL plant-based products and it is limited service. We are not a full-service salon because our main focus is on Health Hair Maintenance. You can pick a couple of styles and we offer you fruit infused water, tea, trail mix. I want it to be a special experience here as soon as you walk in the door, regardless of what your hair looks like. We welcome all women.
HC: What is the significance of being in this location?
LLH: I always knew that there was a barber shop here but I didn’t know that the owner next door wanted someone to come to invest in the property and the community. I found a diamond in the rough. It’s in the perfect place here in the Atlanta University Center and directly in the community because young girls could benefit from us being here. The name is Sweet Roots for a reason because our roots run deep and how we are deeply planted in the community. We are sweet not only in our hair but as people. One of our hashtags is #LOVEYOURSWEETROOTS.
HC: Community Involvement is a big part of the motto for Sweet Roots. What have you all done?
LLH: I have moved around a lot and I have seen a lot of communities revamp in ways that were not servicing the community. One of the main reason I wanted Sweet Roots here is that we need more Black owners in this area. We have community yoga when it gets hotter outside to recenter. We also have a mural on the side of our building that reflects the times. The first one was on voting (midterms) by a Clark Atlanta student and the new one is a combination of the super bowl and Black History Month. We also do givebacks during back to school time, prom, and regularly to women in need.
HC: What is your advice to young women who want to venture out?
LLH:
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Skills are transferable. – Don’t feel boxed in. I’m a lawyer and it may be shocking that I own a hair bar but I learned how to research, critically think and work with others. Those skills can be used anywhere.
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Don’t be afraid to try different things and FAIL FAST. – You don’t know what you’re good at until you try. If it doesn’t work out fine, you checked that boxed of your list. Move on to the next thing. This is perfect for people trying to find their Sweet Spot.
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If you don’t have a plan you are planning to fail. – You have to be disciplined in the pursuit of your goals and take baby steps toward your goals. Seek out mentors who have been on the path.
HC: What are some books that have inspired you on your journey to entrepreneurship or #grilbosses you look up to?
LLH:
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Becoming by Michelle Obama
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Jewel Burke (Tech Space)
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Oprah, duh
Social Media for Labriah Lee Holt and Sweet Roots Hair Bar