Conversations with Shamille Powell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamille Powell.

Hi Shamille, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. 
My name is Shamille, but I go by Shay P. A lot of people cannot pronounce my first name lol. I hear it pronounced differently every time someone asks me, and I hate it, lol! I am a Georgia native; Phi Hair, based here in Atlanta, developed in 2019. I have found a niche market, I specialize in 100% raw, unprocessed Indian Human Hair, Cambodian and Vietnamese bundles. I sell both raw and virgin bundles and wigs. I began selling hair by accident, honestly. My stylist at the time convinced me that I needed to buy a vendor from her so that I can have hair on hand already when I would come to my appointments. At the time, I was living in Atlanta, and she was still in Alabama, where we went to school. I was driving back and forth to get my hair done. I took a chance sole my first bundle to my coworker, and it took off from there. My coworker told me she really bought my hair to support me as a friend and really wasn’t expecting the hair to be as good as it was lol. Phi Hair just hits different. Always expect the unexpected when you’re Phi. 

We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh God no. Being an entrepreneur is not for the weak. What the IG gurus don’t tell you is that having your own business is expensive, people are fickle, and establishing yourself in what is considered an “over-saturated” market can be difficult when you’re not an influencer or have a bunch of followers. I appreciate that I have gained followers organically at a steady pace. The biggest struggle outside of funding is turning those followers into consistent buyers. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Although I am a hair vendor, what I have come to love is stepping into my more creative side when doing the promotional shoots for my hair. When I began, I was taking the normal, everyday day, what you’d usually see in a hair shoot: the white background, models, headshot, blah blah blah. That’s not me. I love to think and step outside the box, and do something different. To me, it draws more people in and allows you to be wowed and want to buy the hair. Even if we’re doing an outside, waterfall, high fashion shoot – we still keep the focus on the hair. 

I specialize in 100% raw, unprocessed Indian Human Hair, Cambodian and Vietnamese bundles. Sure, I can sell you the everyday Peruvian or Brazilian bundles (which I do), but unlike most vendors and sellers – what they won’t tell you is that there is really no such thing. The textures we all have come to know and love all come from a warehouse in China. What sets Phi Hair apart is that we supply you with the best top-quality human hair bundles and wigs that have 1 donor, aligned cuticles, are unprocessed, and did we mention it’s 100% raw human hair?! Let that sink in. There is a big difference between raw and virgin hair. We are known for the fullest and best quality raw bundles and wigs. 

I am proud of how far I’ve come. The fact that I haven’t quit – I am very proud of myself. Normally, I like hey, it didn’t work, let’s move on to the next thing. I have a team that push me and believe in my brand just as much as I do. When I was tired and ready to throw in the towel, they are there to push me and reel me back in when I go off the rails. So, I am proud of the trajectory my business is heading. 

What sets Phi Hair apart is that we supply you with the best top-quality human hair bundles and wigs that have 1 donor, aligned cuticles, are unprocessed, and did we mention it’s 100% raw human hair?! Let that sink in. There is a big difference between raw and virgin hair. As a former HBCU dancer, front line worker and someone who believes in balling on a budget (I’m a single black female addicted to retail); trust me, I know what it is like to have to switch out styles, keep your hair pinned up or needing protective hair style. When you’re wearing Phi Hair just hits different. No longer will you have to experience excessive shedding, hair matting/tangling, low maintenance, small bundles where you have to buy 4 or 5 to do a basic sew-in or quick weave so it can look full. If you’re in health care and wear bonnets 8 to 12 hrs. a day, no worries – Phi Hair bundles, when you take your hair down, will still be soft, full, thick, and easy to manage as if it were the first day. One major thing that I have come to appreciate when I receive my bundles or wig is that it doesn’t have a weird smell or smell like corn chips. 

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Listen! I am an 80s baby, so I grew up in old Atlanta. I miss her because back then the city really was lit and safe. Now, baby I barely like to leave my house. People are crazy, and the city is full, busting at the seams, and overcapacity, lol! As a native, I will honestly say it is annoying when out-of-towners come here and complain. It’s really lame to me, like don’t do that. Just come, learn the city and how to drive here in Atlanta, meet a local so we can tell you what’s up, and enjoy yourself… Don’t come here and bash my city. People come with so many misconceptions about Atlanta and Atlanta people, and I’m like, No, everyone here is not gay (no shade), No, I do not go to Lenox Mall every weekend, and no, this is not Love and Hip Hop for real. The club scene has changed. I remember on the weekends we could ride down Peachtree when the clubs closed at 4 am and just sit in traffic and have fun! Nobody was trying to rob you, steal your car, no fights or shooting. You could just ride the city and enjoy yourself. Those were some good times. I like that they are hosting a lot of concerts in the parks, food trucks, etc. I’m a real mellow person. I don’t club much anymore, so those type of events are more my speed; I like those. I do wish they would take Birthday Bash back to Lakewood. I had sooooo much fun when it was there. I know they’re trying to cater to a younger generation, but they should let the city-known rappers open up and let the big names headline. That’s how it used to be. One year, we had Jeezy, Tip, Young Dro, Franchise Boyz, Lil John, some R&B people, etc. It was real live. You could bring lawn chairs, coolers, people smoked on the grass. All the years I went, no one ever got shot or fought. Now, I can’t tell you who’s performing or know any of their songs, and you have to pray your car isn’t broken into or stolen, lol. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.PhiHairLLC.com
• Instagram: PhiHair.co
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PhiHairATL
• Twitter: https://x.com/Phi_Hair_

Image Credits
Knox Photography
Eye Candy Anthony