We recently had the chance to connect with Shakia Spates and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Shakia , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
My new profound relationship with Jesus is something that I am proud of building and will continuously build. Many people see the quotes I post, the motivational videos, or inspiring moments I post on my story occasionally, but they don’t see what I had to go through behind the scenes to get to that point. The hard part that many don’t see when it comes to building a true relationship with Jesus is the renewing your mindset, breaking old habits, trusting what God said, or leaving old relationships behind. They definitely don’t see the tears either and fighting self doubt. This new relationship I have with him has truly been a blessing. I am very proud of building this relationship, because it is something that is not easy to do and I have allowed myself to stand strong in him no matter the circumstances.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shakia Spates also known as Kia. I am a licensed cosmetologist that specializes in braiding and extensions. I currently have my own mini salon studio located in Frisco, Texas. What makes my business special is that I am very personable and I love to create a comfortable environment for all of my clients. The first thing many of my new clients say when they walk in is “It feels so welcoming in here.” The start of my hairstylist journey started when I was in high school. This hobby turned into a job making it a great source of income as a student athlete in high school. This passion for hair kept going on while I was in college as a volleyball player . As a collegiate athlete it is very hard to find time to work a job so doing hair became my job in college making it easy to create my own schedule around my volleyball and college classes. During my first semester I realized I wanted to make doing hair a passion. This led me to leaving my volleyball scholarship and going to cosmetology school. This is what created the beauty brand you see today SLAYEDBYKIAA SBKBEAUTY.
Currently I am in school working on my B.S in theology and will be applying this to my bible study ministry. I realized I have a gift of teaching in the salon and outside of the salon . That is why I am applying my teaching gifts to help other braiders with their skills and help other women build their relationship with the Lord.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who taught you the most about work?
My parents taught me the most about hard work. My parents come from humble beginnings. They both come from a smaller city compared to Dallas called Shreveport, Louisiana. They both decided they wanted more for themselves and their kids. They decided to leave their hometown at the young ages of 21 and 22 to move to Dallas to pursue their dreams. Doing this took a lot of work and seeing them work hard to provide for the family was really inspiring for me . They taught and showed me that if I wanted anything it was attainable but I had to work hard for it.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes there was definitely a time I almost gave up . That time was while I was in cosmetology school. During cosmetology school I was taking college courses part time as well. Doing both was not easy due to learning how to balance two schools while taking a few clients out the week. During this time I feel like God was building my capacity. Even though I wanted to give up I kept pushing because of my end goals. That season definitely prepared me with being a business owner.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
A lot of smart people rely on statistics. But I definitely think that is wrong. I am a person that has beat a lot of statistical odds and those statistics should not be relied on. Faith is what will get you far in life not what statistical data says about careers or business decisions.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What light inside you have you been dimming?
The light inside me I have been dimming is my gift of teaching. I truly enjoy helping others learn and push them towards the abilities they don’t see in themselves. It truly brings joy in me helping others. This is something I have been dimming to self doubt but the Lord has been dealing with me in this area lately. With me hiding this gift I could be hindering others from being successful. This is something I will be pushing more in this season of my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://slayedbykiaa.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayedby.kiaa
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@slayedbykiaa/videos
