Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakia Spates
Hi Shakia , we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
When I first started doing hair, it started off as me doing my mother’s and my hair when I was 15. When I was in high school many of my friends would ask ,“Who does your hair?” My response would be “Me.” This led to many of my friends and students in high school wanting me to do their hair .
This hobby eventually turned into my job at the age of 17 when I was in high school . As a a student athlete that was involved in volleyball during high school and club volleyball, becoming an entrepreneur helped with my busy schedule. I was able to create my own schedule and make money as a student athlete while doing something I love .
High school was the start of SLAYEDBYKIAA.
With the help of my hair business I was able to start my own eyelash business my senior year of high school . This eyelash business carried me through my freshman year of college as well .
My senior year of high school I had to make a decision between my passion for hair and volleyball . I had recieved multiple scholarships for academics and volleyball . I also had the option to go to cosmetology school . Ultimately I made the decision to pursue my collegiate athletic career .
During my first semester as a college athlete I became sick with COVID. During that time I had to quarantine. The isolation time allowed me think about my decision of pursuing my volleyball career . I came to the realization I was not happy and wanted to go back home to pursue cosmetology school. After quarantine I had a talk with my parents and coach telling them I will not be back next semester so I could pursue becoming a professional hairstylist. That was not the easiest decision but I knew what was best for me .
2021 I became a part time college student and part time cosmetology student . 2022 I graduated cosmetology school . After 2 months from passing all state exams, I secured my salon suite to pursue my career as a cosmetologist .Now I am able to teach other braiders my techniques and understanding the business side of being a service provider . My business has allowed me to invest in other business ventures & start a hair company all at the age of 22 .
With faith and putting my trust in the Lord I am able to share where I am today .
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
This has not been the smoothest road but I don’t regret, it’s building a lot of character within me . One of the first struggles I faced was going to college and cosmetology school . Finding balance between the two was a struggle but I eventually got the hang of it .
Another struggle of mine was not having a mentor when it came to entering the beauty industry. A lot of it was trial & error , doing my own research , and learning to hear the voice of God .
Something else I struggled with was leaving my volleyball scholarship. When it came having a scholarship there was a sense of security there . I knew when it came to being a full time hairstylist I had to put the work in and solely depend on myself.
Another struggle was finding the right accountant , making sure your business is set up properly , and much more along those lines . Unfortunately they didn’t teach you the business side in cosmetology school. That is why I have decided to continuously pursue my business degree .
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a cosmetologist that specializes in braiding and sew ins .
I am known for my braiding skills and getting braids done in a timely manner .
I am most proud of being able to accomplish so much within a year of being in the beauty industry full time at 22 years young . The most admirable thing is being financially stable to invest in other business ventures as well as travel freely .
I think what sets me apart from others is my interpersonal connection with my clients . Although I’m a hairstylist and the goal is to enhance my clients current features ,not only am I invested in myself, I am also invested in helping others grow in this industry to achieve their personal goals. For example , I have taught 1-on-1 braiding classes to help grow other braiders in their craft which in return helped them grow their clientele. I also have written an e-book that educates others how to secure their salon suite properly using the right tools due to many cosmetology schools not providing much insight .
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My view on risk taking is different from others . I am very open to taking risks .
For example, I had to take a risk when I left my volleyball scholarship, I had to take a risk when securing my salon suite , and I have to take risks with my new business ventures .
If you don’t take risks you could possibly never get to your full potential or operate in the gifts you have been blessed with .
The key to taking risks are thinking through and having a written plan . Like the Lord said, “Write the vision and make it plain.”
Pricing:
- Salon Suite Guide E-Book $25
- 1-on-1 Braiding Class $500
- SBK BEAUTY HAIR $90
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.slayedbykiaa.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayedby.kiaa?igsh=a3BwYmN3dGZzYmVk
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/cGq9tgR43WRXBhbS/?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Other: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?owner=21551947
Image Credits
@mybestphotography_
@twistedvizionzma
