Today we’d like to introduce you to China Perkins.
Hi China, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It all started on November 9, 2019 I had my first and only son Mekhi Perkins. Shortly after having my son the world kind of fell apart right before my eyes which forced me out of a job as a waitress and uber driver. My back was against the wall. With this little precious baby looking at me, I had to figure out what was next. I was living with my family due to having a baby on the way with not much support. I tapped into my old ways because as a teen I did many girls’ hair in school but, nothing like what I do today. I was all into the quick-weaves and sew-ins back in 2010-2012 but today, not so much. I actually started to do my own hair and be my own model and I started what was called “twists for tips” in 2020. Twists for tips included faux locs, soft locs, senegalese twists and I even was braiding at some point. Those things took so long and were very tedious. I started to become discouraged because I wasn’t as good at it as other girls even though I had no complaints I just knew those things weren’t for me. Having briefly gone to hair school while pregnant, I learned a few things here and there. But, due to the chemicals, we were learning with I dropped out after about six months.
I was doing hair for free in hopes of receiving a tip but mainly to build my portfolio. I was even providing the hair! Then I started messing around more with natural hair and locs on my friends. I noticed how good I was at locs and how much peace it brought me so I wanted to do more. Looking forward to that becoming the only thing that I offer. With the help of my aunt Shenay Perkins I ended up opening a mini salon in a small corner of my bedroom which was a huge risk because of Covid but I was living in a 2 bedroom “shack” I should say and I didn’t have much of a choice. Thankfully neither my son and I never had Covid. My aunt bought every supply I could possibly need because she believed in me that much. Clientele was about six friends and then word of mouth started to get out. I created my booking site and started to give out cards any and every place I would go. Once I started getting inquiries from complete strangers I knew I had to be safe about it because I had a newborn so I started to look locally for a space of my own. Now two almost three years later I have a clientele of over 150 people and newcomers each day. I am located in a barbershop here in Lithonia, GA. I have many clients but I call them my friends.
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?
The path I’m on hasn’t been smooth what’s so ever. I’ve faced many challenges alone. Trying to come to terms with becoming a new, single mother, an up-and-coming business owner and just trying to maintain who I truly am. I suffered from postpartum for nearly two years, I had exactly $1,000 when my son was born and that was all I was able to save while being pregnant and continuing everyday life. I lived with my parents but, I can’t say it was an ideal situation. I don’t come from a family with money or stable careers and so I had to find my way with no car, a new baby, a few dollars and an idea in the midst of a rising pandemic. I’ve lost touch with many friends on this path due to just life and them not really being interested in my dreams but also having dreams of their own. I’ve also learned who my real friends are and recently got into a really healthy relationship. I now have my own two-story home, a brand new car, as well as evolving happiness and an upcoming business that I love so much. I’m working on new business ventures like my own hair care line as well, so stay tuned.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
I am the owner and CEO of Voltaire Hair By China. I work hand in hand with every client that I have. I make sure I give the people what they want. I am a 24 hr hairstylist which means I will do your hair any day at any hour for your convenience. For example, if you have a flight at 4 am and need your hair done before then I will come into the shop at midnight for a small fee of course but I will always be there. I pride myself on being reasonably priced and open for any ideas you may have for your hair. Many stylists today are in this field for the money and it shows. I can assure you I’m not one of them. I’m here to provide a service and to promote natural hair. I specialize in Loc maintenance, and I’m known for my neat retwists, styles also my endless availability. I often go by “The Neatest” because I transform heads. Often times clients come in convinced that they can’t have neat locs but I prove them wrong every time. I am most proud of the outcome of every head that I touch, with having two year old soon to be three none of this is easy. Work and life balance are important but it is a learning process. No matter how tired I get, I’m aiming for the best results every time I touch a client’s head. I wake up every day very humbled by this experience and grateful for what I’ve become.
Unlike many stylists, my shop and services are kid friendly. I encourage moms and parents in general who can’t catch a break to bring their children and they can still be relaxed. I know how it is out here. I go as far as picking up clients from school and dropping them home once their service is complete. This year I did my first annual back-to-school supply give away which was a huge success. I do gifts for many major events in my clients’ lives and try to participate in what will bring them success. I even donate to my athletic clients, that often have fundraisers to support what they do. I get checked on and pop-ups often outside of hair services because I’m like the neighborhood Locgician and that’s what I love the most about what I do. The Love. My services include a Wash, Deep Condition and steaming treatment with EVERY retwist booked. I also offer treatments for damaged hair and advice during consultations that can help you to maintain a healthy head of hair outside of coming in for appointments.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I Love Atlanta. Originally being born and partially raised in Brooklyn, New York I had to adjust to many things here but it is home. I love all of the upcoming businesses and new spots popping up all around our city. I miss the Atlanta I grew up in because of course I see the changes. Being outside, playing manhunt til late hrs, ding dong ditching, playing in ditches, going to friends’ houses and not worrying too much about being in danger was the life I lived. I do not understand a lot of what is being promoted right now as far as the music and the “culture” of the internet being naked in grocery stores and my people’s main goal of being flashy without a proper way of living is mind-boggling and not something I can remember being a big deal during my childhood growing up here. The danger of just being in public is at an all-time high so it’s really hard to enjoy your success these days. A lot of times I find myself tip-toeing around the city trying not to be noticed just because of the crime rate. But I have faith that everyone will soon catch on and find what they love to do so that Atlanta can be the safe and fun city it once was. With each person, I come in contact with I just try to broaden their ways of thinking and spread love and positivity to each individual. Many of my clients being young black men I feel like it’s my responsibility to point the energy in a certain direction. I literally be out here trying to calm my boys down and just find out what’s on their minds. Me having this duty gives me purpose beyond just doing hair. If you ever visit Voltaire Hair By China, you’ll see that I have positive messages all over my walls in the shop. I try to give the people something to focus on while getting their heads done and clearing their minds.
Pricing:
- Short Loc Retwists are $75
- Shoulder length Loc Retwists are $85
- Pass the shoulder Loc Retwists are $100
- Mid back and beyond Loc Retwists are $140
- Basic styles start at $40
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/voltaire_china
- Instagram: @Voltairechina_
- Facebook: Voltaire Hair By China
Image Credits
Bridget Berlin
santiagoparamophotography
