Today we’d like to introduce you to Shekia Renea.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shekia. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I’m originally from West Helena, Arkansas — currently residing in Atlanta, Georgia. I am a full-time YouTube “guru” — at least that is what I am told (laughs) I am a very proud member of Kappa Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated. I hold a Bachelors Degree from Mississippi State University and am currently pursuing a Masters Degree. I was blessed to have come from a two parent household where I was raised as the oldest of three girls. My biggest inspiration would have to be my children. I have two beautiful girls who look up to me in many different aspects. Knowing that they are watching my every move, pushes me to work harder.
The story behind my YouTube channel is a little different than most and interesting, to say the least. In 2012, I went through a devastating divorce. During this time, I was mentally depleted. I didn’t know what to do, how to function, what direction I would be going into — NOTHING. One random morning, I woke up and decided I wanted to shave off all my hair, which now that I think about it, was pretty damn long at the time (laughs). Afterward, I looked in the mirror, staring at myself thinking, “What the hell did I just do?” It was at that moment, I realized an instant feeling of freedom. It felt like a burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I wanted to share my feeling with someone who could maybe identify so, I turned to my iPad camera and recorded my first YouTube video — which turned out to be a very therapeutic outlet. To my surprise, there were so many women who could identify with my story. As my channel evolved, my viewers took notice of my hair growth and they began to ask for related videos. Shortly afterward, natural hair blogger, Curly Nikki reached out inquiring about featuring my videos on her page. Of course, I said yes! Before I knew it, I hit 10k followers, and it continued to grow from there. Now I have well over 271K and over 13 Million channel views. With this success, I was able to launch my very own Hair Care Line and Makeup brand “Shekia Renea Collection”.
Has it been a smooth road?
There is a saying, “Nothing worth having comes easy.” I have learned first hand, this is a very true statement. There have been many obstacles and difficulties along my journey. Whenever I feel like giving up, I constantly reminded myself that success is just on the other side of failure — Keep going. In the beauty world, competition is cut throat. There are a lot of people who will try to knock you down or keep you from making it to the top. Do not let those people discourage you. One of the struggles I faced initially was worrying about those people. Over time I learned to have tunnel vision. My goal is to stay in my own lane, by doing so, I was able to stay focused.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Shekia Renea story. Tell us more about the business.
Arkansas native, She’Kia Renea is known as everyone’s favorite Southern Belle YouTuber! In 2010, she began her Youtube channel “Shekiarenea” which focused on natural hair and makeup tutorials. As a beauty influencer, She’Kia noticed a real need for an affordable hair & beauty line. In 2011, She’Kia launched her “She Don’t Lye” monthly beauty box which included full-size products, to the natural hair community. In 2014 after her third big chop, She’Kia began to focus on healthier hair. She spent the next few years developing a supplement that would reduce shedding, thicken tresses, and grow longer healthier hair. After tons of trial and errors, Luxuhairant Hair Vitamins were introduced to the world.
The product quickly took off, gaining rave reviews. In 2018, She’Kia decided to rebrand as the She’kia Renea Collection, introducing new products to the company. Currently, the line focuses on revitalizing hair growth. Our Inches Hair Vitamins, organic growth serum, and baby hair laid edge control has been proven to do just that within a few weeks of usage. Her goal is not just to sell an expensive brand in fancy packaging, but to sell an affordable product you can trust.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
I definitely see the industry changing in the next 5-10 years. Currently, social media influencers such as myself, play a major role in the success or failures of products. I do not see that changing any time soon. However, I do see more people taking Youtubers more seriously. Regarding the hair and beauty industry, as of right now, trends continue to be recycled. In the next 5-10 years, my goal is to have developed and introduced something innovative and fresh to the hair care and beauty world.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.SRinches.com
- Email: shekiareneacollection@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shekiareneacollection/ ;
https://www.instagram.com/shekiarenea/ - Facebook: InchesHairVitamins
- Other: Youtube.com/Shekiarenea
Image Credit:
Professional Photos were taken by IG@Mikelovehall
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