The District Chronicles

Issue date: 11/2/08 Section: Business

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/Staff Photographer

Media Credit: Robert Eubanks/District Chronicles

G'Marie knows that cosmetologists must be extremely skilled, and educated in every aspect of hair care and design. And through her salon and hair school, Harmon's Beauty School, she sees to it that they get the proper education.

"We provide skills to students that will help them become successful; we cover all the bases," McCollum said.

G'Marie entered the beauty industry more than 20 years ago. After cosmetology school and being an apprentice to various stylists across the country, she opened her own hair studio named Textures by G'Marie in 1995. "Scary" was the word that G'Marie used to describe her first customer, but that feeling soon faded as her clientele and confidence grew. The stylist soon became known for her specialty in hair coloring and is now a G'Marie owner and operator of Textures by G'Marie, Harmon's Beauty School, Colorist, Educator and Columnist. She is recommended to anyone who wants to know anything and everything about hair color formulas.

G'Marie's career has been on a steady rise since she started in the industry. She says she is different from other hair designers because she is versatile, and attributes her success to the constant gain of knowledge.

"To be in this industry long term, one needs to be able to cross over into other markets. You can not be limited," McCollum explains, advising stylists to be able to work with all types of hair textures and be well rounded. Technology has also given the businesswoman opportunities to reach more clientele with customer service needs. The company's first Web site was launched in the mid-'90s; the current website harmonsbeautyschool.com --far surpasses its predecessor. The site allows clients to view prices, seek hair care advice and schedule appointments. G'Marie knows that education is the number one factor in becoming successful in any field. Eva Harmon previously owned Harmon's Beauty School for more than 40 years.

"At Harmon's we teach our students a great deal of professionalism and how to operate as a team," explains G'Marie. Customer service is essential in successful education and business. As the teacher helps students become inspired about their new profession, two extraordinary African American women entrepreneurs allow the teacher to maintain a positive outlook. Madame C. J. Walker and Oprah keep G'Marie motivated and focused.

"Madame C. J. Walker's story and challenges she overcame are so inspirational to me." She also says passion is key to success. "A person needs to be able to do the job without getting paid for it; money should not be the focus. You have to be able to do your job for free to help others."

The stylist takes her advice as she gives back to the community. Harmon's Beauty School participates in the annual Prince George County Family Crisis Center Walk for Prevention of Domestic Violence and G'Marie recently hosted a voter's registration drive at the school. Her future entails not only graduating highly qualified stylists but also opening a national chain of hair salons.

Address: 7760 Landover Rd. Landover, MD
Phone: (301) 772-2244

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