For Dr. Tonya R. Portis, natural hair care is more than a profession, it’s a calling rooted in precision, holistic wellness, and personal connection. As the founder of The micro LOCTICIAN, she combines her expertise as a Certified Sisterlocks® Consultant, licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist, and Certified Health Coach to deliver a boutique salon experience unlike any other in the region. From Sisterlocks® to Microlocs, traditional locs, and expert repair, every service is infused with Dr. Portis’s belief that hair health begins with whole-person care.
Rebranded in 2024 to better reflect the salon’s focus and mission, The micro LOCTICIAN has quickly grown into a trusted haven for natural hair enthusiasts seeking personalized attention and results-driven service. Beyond styling and maintenance, Dr. Portis’s mission is to empower clients to embrace their natural beauty and nurture their overall well-being – one loc at a time.
Tell us about your business and your role in it.
I’m Dr. Tonya R. Portis, the sole owner and service provider at The micro LOCTICIAN, a boutique natural hair care salon in Asheville. Since 2019, and rebranded in 2024, my mission has been to offer precision, professionalism, and holistic care for clients in every stage of their natural hair journey.
As a Certified Sisterlocks® Consultant and licensed Natural Hair Care Specialist, I specialize in Sisterlocks®, Microlocs, Traditional Locs, and holistic scalp health. I also offer loc repair, reattachment, and strategies to preserve the integrity of clients’ locs. As the only certified Sisterlocks® product retailer and service provider in the region, I’m dedicated to delivering authentic, expert-level care in a warm, nurturing environment.
How did you come up with the idea and name for your business?
In the beginning, I didn’t think much about the name, but realized that my original branding wasn’t clearly communicating my services – some even thought it was a lawn care business! So in 2024, I rebranded to The micro LOCTICIAN to make it clear that I specialize in loc care.
My journey started as a personal commitment – I took the Sisterlocks® certification to care for my own hair and my daughter’s. What began as a side gig with two clients grew into a full-time calling after moving back to Asheville in 2020. Seeing the need for trusted natural hair care here, I opened a dedicated salon space and expanded my services to meet that demand.
What makes your business unique in its field?
What sets me apart is a combination of precision, holistic health, and personalized care. As the only certified Sisterlocks® product retailer in the region, I offer exclusive access to the best products and trusted expertise. But beyond the technical skills, I bring a whole-person approach – educating clients about how wellness, diet, and stress impact hair health.
My journey began with my own hair and my daughter’s, so I understand how personal this journey is. That personal connection and my mission to empower confidence make The micro LOCTICIAN truly unique.
How many employees do you have? What qualities do you look for when hiring?
Currently, it’s just me! But in mid-2026, my daughter will join as a licensed cosmetologist, transforming us into a full-service natural hair and beauty space. When we hire in the future, I’ll look for stylists who are professional, passionate, and committed to client-centered service. Integrity, a growth mindset, and a genuine desire to help people feel their best are must-haves.
What was the greatest lesson you learned in your first year of business?
Passion alone isn’t enough – you need a clear, strategic plan to turn passion into sustainability. I had the skills, but learned quickly that planning for growth, marketing, finances, and client care would have saved me challenges early on.
Where do you see your business in the next year? The next five?
In the next year, I see us expanding into a full-service salon with my daughter joining the team. In five years, I envision a larger salon space, a talented team of stylists, and the launch of my own product line, all while staying rooted in authenticity, holistic care, and personalized service.
Why did you join the Chamber?
To connect with the community and help people see that high-quality natural hair care is available right here in Asheville. Too often, clients travel out of state for services they didn’t realize were available locally. Being part of the Chamber helps me change that by building awareness and stronger community relationships.
What’s your favorite part about doing business in Asheville?
The natural beauty and diverse, authentic people. Asheville is filled with individuals who value wellness, creativity, and connection. It’s the perfect place to offer services that celebrate natural hair and holistic self-care.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Stop by and say hello! If you’re curious about Sisterlocks®, Microlocs, or holistic natural hair care, I’d love to connect and share how we can support your journey.
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To learn more about The micro LOCTICIAN or to book an appointment, visit ThemicroLOCTICIAN.com or check out Facebook for updates, styling inspiration, and hair care tips