Today we’d like to introduce you to Erica Crook.
Hi Erica, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Proud owner of Style Me Kocky I love to make a $10 outfit look like a million dollars just walk through the door. I do that with fashion creativity and hair creativity. A Master Barber & Cosmetology Educator Born and raised in Sulphur Springs, Texas; Licensed for 19years – I began in the hair industry long before as a teenager. I started out on friends, family, teammates, and even coaches doing their hair. I always had a passion for the beauty industry whether it was hair, skin, or makeup. I moved to the Dallas area to work with my uncle at his Barber College; Ronny J’s (Healthy Hair Academy). This is where I obtained my Barber Instructors and also went back to get my Cosmetology Instructors soon after. I’m also now a rater for the State of Texas for anything in the Barber or Cosmetology field. This is all the humble beginnings of life after trying and trying to get it right. Bottom line I love anything fashion and beauty.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Nothing good comes easy, it takes hard work, discipline, and no fear. Some thought because I was working in a family business it was all given, but the hard part was my family was the black sheep of us all. We were wanted around to fill in but at the end of the day we came out to be the most loyal and reliable. I worked with family that sent out anonymous emails to backstab and sabotage your character. I never found out the truth until years later. My loyalty to them has never changed, it just made me adjust to their true character.
I went to school back when everyone had to go to Austin, TX and take the state-board written and practical in the same day but you would not receive the results until a couple of weeks later. I was young, wild, and reckless but I passed my first go around for Cosmetology. I even gained a couple of court cases along the way for my actions.(not proud of but it definitely mold me into the woman I am today) I was tossed out in the field for my instructors, and never studied for my written exam and failed my very first exam on a Friday. Rescheduled 24hrs later for the coming Monday morning, studied hard the whole weekend, and passed with an 83 within 22minutes. That taught me I should dedicate more time to what I really want out of life. No half-stepping for here on out.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a hairstylist GURU. I make people feel good or even better on a good day. I specialize in silk presses and extensions (sew-ins). Here recently I’ve ventured more into specializing in tape-ins. It’s the new best thing out there. I absolutely love tape-ins on myself as well as my clients. The thing that sets me apart from other stylist is, I STILL GIVE THE BEST SHAMPOO YOU WILL EVER RECEIVE. I have clients who come just to get a shampoo service. I actually feel as if I can perfect anything with hair. It may take me a time or two to get it right but I definitely love my supporters that give me chance to explore my creativity and get it right.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I grew up the princess in the family with 3 older brothers and was raised with all male first cousins on my Mom side. Now I have 4 boys and a husband, which makes it a house of 5 males with me being the Queen of this throne. My whole life I believe God has always prepared me to be the queen and rule some shit. Now is the time and all I can say is “Lord let thy will be done at all times.
Contact Info:
- Email: stylemekocky@gmail.com
- Website: stylemekocky.com
- Instagram: Stylemekockyhair
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/erica.finnie.5
- Other: Stylemekocky.Booksy.com
Image Credits
Six Two Photography
Bruce Randle
