Today we’d like to introduce you to Shemeka Murphy.
Shemeka, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started doing hair at 13 years old. I always knew I wanted to be a hairstylist. When I finished high school, I wrote in my yearbook I want to be on stage and own my salon. I started hair school and I got pregnant with my first child and I quit school. I had my baby. I started school again and had another baby, but I didn’t quit. I kept goin on with my dreams by this time. I was a well off stylist, organizing and hosting hair shows, preparing to get off the system. I got pregnant again. This time I decided to evaluate my Life. I was a single parent with a man with three kids. I had to change my mindset. I started a new ministry, had a better relationship with Christ, and things begin to change I got married to another baby. But this time, my salon came to pass.
Long story short I started working for a product company based out of Atlanta. Basic hair care. I became the first stylist of the year. I was platforming and teaching at the Bronner brother’s shows. I then became a stylist mentor and motivator. I have had my salon for 14 years. Now my children didn’t turn out too bad but, still learning and growing. My oldest is Kelzhaunne, new artist in Atlanta, My son is a barber in Houston, my 19 year old is a sophomore at Southern University A&M, and my 13 year old has her own lash line.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It wasn’t a smooth road to where I am now. Trying to raise four kids alone with all of them socially active was my biggest struggle. I had to maintain a salon with staff and kids with active lives alone. My mother helped me as much as she could when she wasn’t busy, because she had her business too.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Trinity Styles and Mekka Murphy story. Tell us more about the business.
Trinity Styles is my salon and MEKKA MURPHY is my brand. I had my own salon for 14 years, and Mekka is the Educator, The Wig Maker, The Mentor. I’m proud of being able to help others as well as being an example. What sets me apart is that I never change who I am.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
Atlanta has now become the hair capital its the perfect place for a stylist. You can be whatever you want to be with the right mindset.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1001 Downtowner Suite b
- Phone: 2512177194
- Email: mekkamurphy.com
- Instagram: Trinitystyle1 And MekkaMurphy
- Facebook: Trinitystyles. Mekkamurphy
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