Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShonda Hill.
LaShonda, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Over 20 years ago, I had a relative who was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was really distraught over the fact that she was losing her hair. I encouraged her to focus on her health and to allow me to worry about her hair. I began to make wigs for her. As the years passed, I made wigs for many women diagnosed with cancer. It didn’t take me long to realize that God had given me this gift for that reason. More years passed and this was a secret know-how that I could offer to those who needed my services.
It wasn’t until five years ago that I decided to actually brand what I was doing. I went on a live hair radio broadcast in Nashville TN to discuss my upcoming tour of classes and to debut my new T-shirt line “Truth-shirts”. The host and I started talking my wigs. When listeners heard they started calling in inquiring more about my wigs. My marketing and branding guy decided it was time to brand my wig-line. Now it was time to find a name for them. I wanted the consumers to be able to choose whatever style would fit them. That’s how I came up with the word “Custom“.
I wanted my wigs to look as if I had just done their real hair in the salon, so I chose the word “Style”. Then for my final word, I thought about those women who were diagnosed with cancer and how they must have felt knowing that they would more than likely end up wearing a wig. I felt like the word ‘Wig‘ was too harsh for someone whose condition would force them to need one. So I decided to use the word “Cap”. That’s how my wig line was born. “The Original Custom Style Caps by LaShonda Hill”
Has it been a smooth road?
No it hasn’t been a smooth road. Many of the clients that I made Caps for succumbed to their illness, including my own mother eight years ago. I developed an even more sentimental meaning to the cancer patients that chose me. It felt as if I was reliving my mother’s battle with every new patient I encountered. I mourned as I created. I mourned for years over and over again.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am a wig designer. I take my skills as a licensed cosmetologist and create natural-looking hairstyles that are removable. Upon looking at my work, it will give you the illusion of a real head of hair when in actuality it is a wig. I’m known for shorthair. I cater to short to medium styles when designing my Caps. I’m most proud that I can help people dealing with Alopecia look and feel confident and beautiful. My “Why” is what sets me apart from others. I can make a wig for anybody who wants one, but God gave me this gift to be a glimmer of hope for those who “Need” it.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I desire to touch the hearts of any and every woman who needs a boost in self-confidence. The Original Custom Style Caps by LaShonda Hill can be shipped globally.
Contact Info:
- Email: Kutzbyshonda@gmail.com
- Instagram: LaShonda_Hill
- Facebook: LaShonda Hill
Image Credit:
Motelewa Smith
LaShonda Hill
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