Today we’d like to introduce you to Schmeeka Hollins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Schmeeka. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My mom was a hairstylist, so it was passed down to me. As a little girl, I would braid my family members hair as well as my own. This continued through high school. It took me a minute for me to realize this was my calling. It came so second nature to me. Being the oldest grandchild, I felt that I had to live the American dream and be an example for my younger cousins and brother by going to college and getting a degree. I found out later that it wasn’t for me. I was living for the approval of others instead of following my own path. I attended and graduated from Navarro College in Corsicana. I enrolled in their cosmetology course after being there and changing majors a few times. Soon after, I left and went to TSU in Houston, Texas. While attending both colleges, my hustle was always hair. So much so my clientele picked up and I stopped attending class. I eventually reached a point where I had to be real with myself and what I wanted, so I left school, came back to Dallas and pursed cosmetology full time. I came home to no clientele and had to rebuild. I wanted to be versatile so I enrolled in barber school. After barber school, I moved on to work in my first salon. The clientele was still slow so I sat down and planned ways to could build clientele. Social media wasn’t really popping then. Lol, I had to make flyers and run 2 for 1 special a LOT. It was so hard to gain the trust of strangers. My friends were supportive and trusted me enough to do their hair and use them as an advertisement. I knew my talent and I knew that I never wanted to work for anyone again. I also had a point to prove. I worked Monday-Sunday from sun up to sun down. I perfected my craft and took classes every chance I could.
After a while, my clientele started to pick up so much that I could no longer run specials. I would always say the same prayer to God every night. God, I just want to work so much and make so much money that I’m too tired to spend it. I just want people to know me for my talents, lol. Careful what you ask for because He gave me just that. This story goes deeper than what I’m willing to share, but just know the things I’ve gone through helped form and shape me into the stylist I am today. I went on to get my instructors license, teach classes in other cities, open my own salon, styled several celebrities, I’ve been published in several magazines and place 1st in many competitions!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it has not been a smooth road at all! I faced so many challenges in my personal life as well as business. Being a single mom and an entrepreneur can be very challenging within itself. Dealing with toxic relationships, caring for family members, being told you won’t succeed and that I should quit. feeling defeated at times. Seeking out help and mentorship and being greeted with the cold shoulder just to name a few on the surface level.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a licensed hairstylist and instructor based in Dallas Tx. I am known for doing some amazing hair! No matter what it is, I can do it! I am most known for my Razor cut bobs! I am most proud of how far I have come and have evolved as a hairstylist in this industry! What sets me apart is my passion, and my ability to find new trends, get out the box and reach new levels. My customer service really sets me apart as well! I make sure to respect each and every one of my clients time, new or old. You are in at the time you book and out at the time it says your end time will be. No long waits! All appointments are one on one.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was a bit of a tomboy, lol. I was into sports. 3-time all-American cheerleader, track and softball. I
love to dance, listen to music, read and research things that spark my interest and hang out with friends.
Contact Info:
- Address: 9575 Scyene Rd. Suite 103
Dallas, Tx 75227 - Website: Www.hairbymeekah.acuityscheduling.com
- Email: mkstylezdallas@gmail.com.
- Instagram: Www.instagram.com/hairbymeeka
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