Today we’d like to introduce you to Shenika Rhudd.
Shenika, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born in the ghetto in Kingston, Jamaica. My family and I didn’t have much but we always tried to make a way no matter what! My life was very hard and rough and I been through a lot and I seen a lot but I love my country and its where I got my strength, hunger, motivation, and determination from. When I was younger one of my auntys own her own hair salon in Jamaica and I use to go there all the time to watch her do her client’s hair and I saw how happy they were after she did their hair and I thought to myself wow I would like to do the same! I wanted to make a change in the world somehow and I wanted to inspire other ghetto youths just like me to do the same! When I got older I moved to the United States. I moved to the United States with my aunty, Barbara and my older sister, my aunty, Barbara wanted me and my sister to have a better life so she took care of us and showed us a better way of living and I appreciate everything she has done for me and because of her I was able to pursue my goals in America. After I graduated high school, I went to beauty school and graduated and it wasn’t easy but with Jah by my side through it all, I got through! I worked in a few salons and spas and then I started my own hair and makeup business. I love what I do and I embrace who I am as a woman and where I am from in everything that I do!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has definitely been a tough road. Being from a different country, I had to adjust to the American people way of living and that was hard for me because everything in America is different from where I am from! I had to learn how to speak the American way of talking and I had to learn how to live the way they live. I am an Island woman, so back home in Jamaica, we have a more slower pace of living.
Tell us about your work – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
My business is a mobile service business and I provide hair and makeup services to people! I am a natural hairstylist and I specialize in natural hairstyles and natural makeup. I also do a lot of crochet braids, locs, and kid’s hairstyles. I think what sets me apart from other stylists that do the same thing is that I am very real. I am me and I stay true to who I am and what I believe in and everyone who knows me knows that about me and my clients tell me all the time that I am very real and they love that about me!
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success to me means complete happiness. When I think of success, I think of someone who is truly happy and not happy because of materialistic things of this world! Success to me is a different type of wealth and I am aiming for that.
Contact Info:
- Email: beautywithshenika@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shenikathestylist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/hairandmakeupwithshenika
Image Credit:
Kelly Brown Photography
Casey Bosse (Casey Elaine Photography)
James Kilgo
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