Rising Stars: Meet Shemeria Gadson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemeria Gadson.

Hi Shemeria, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Hi! I’m a braider from Montgomery, AL. My mom taught me how to scalp braid as a kid. I can remember me and my sister taking turns braiding each other’s hair until we completed the front half and ponytailed the back. As I grew older, the skill is something that stick with me. I learned to feed-in braid through YouTube and started braiding my own hair. Others started to take notice and I began to build a clientele. My main clients were coworkers. I was charging $5 a braid. In 2018, I dropped out of college because nothing I took up kept my interest. I remember praying asking God what am I good at and I can hear him say hair, but I didn’t believe it. I got the same answer every time I asked. By this time, I built a nice clientele and had a few regulars. I always said I wanted to be my own boss. I had a talk with my husband about quitting my job and braiding full time. He said I needed to increase my pricing first and see how my clientele does before I make that step. Once I increased my pricing I got even more clients. I prayed about it and in 2019, I stepped out on faith and quit my job. I have been improving and flourishing ever since.

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?
It most definitely has not been a smooth road. No one tells you about the good and bad months. Or that you can go broke while building a name for yourself. You have to be able to evolve and stay up to date on the latest styles to stay relevant. I would turn clients down if they asked for a style I was scared to do. That left room for them to go to someone else that could do everything they wanted or at least try. I struggled balancing my personal and business life. At one point, I was braiding at 9am until it was time for work at 4. And, I would take my last client at 10pm when I got off. I was rarely making time for myself or my husband. I was determined to make a name for myself. I have experienced a lot, but I never gave up. I pray and keep pushing forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I specialize in stitch braiding, knotless, and crochets. I am most known for my stitch braids. I am most proud of my growth and determination. I’m always studying or trying to create new styles. What sets me apart from others is I’m constantly trying to remain uncomfortable in my profession. Therefore, I never get too comfortable and my work starts to lack. I always find something I feel I should have done better when I look at my work, no matter how good it looks to others.

Who else deserves credit in your story?
My family and friends has always been my biggest supporters, especially my mom and husband. My husband takes my business cards to work with him and pass them out. My mom once stood at the entrance of Walmart and stopped everyone she could to tell them about my braids. My clients are everything to me. I love that with so many options available they still choose me. When I decided to revamp my salon, I had clients that were buying supplies and donating a tv.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: https://stitchedwithprecision.as.me/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/stitchedwithprecision?utm_medium=copy_link
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonafidecutie