Today we’d like to introduce you to Bilgah Moka-Moliki.
Hi Bilgah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been a licensed Master Cosmetologist for the past 10 years, with a B.S degree in Apparel/Textile Design and Marketing from Kansas State University and a licensed Interior Decorator. Design, creative and visual arts are my passion; I’m constantly daydreaming and thinking of the next way to release my creativity and give to the beauty community.
I’m also the founder, and editor-in-chief of blaQbar: a digital indie magazine dedicated to spotlighting the stories of Black women in the beauty industry. It launched in August 2020 and so far has been an interesting but amazing process. We just reached our one-year mark and celebrated being officially trademarked. It takes a lot of work to curate a magazine, especially with how particular I can be, but as a child of God, I strive for excellence. I have put the magazine on hold until fall 2021 because I believe there is more that can be done with blaQbar beyond the magazine and I can’t wait to share what the future holds.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road, but that’s part of life. The industry is all about networking and who you know or who-knows-who. If you’re new to this or have been in doing your craft for a while, the grind never stops. Collaborating with other creatives is a great way to network, but finding other artisans with the same caliber or level of expectations and delivery can be a challenge, I’m primarily a bridal hairstylist and although I have been doing it for a while with several publications and international experience, it doesn’t mean I’ll get booked, and that can be disheartening…also, I don’t care to post much on social media (I have a website), but if you don’t have a social media presence, it’s almost like your resume or credentials don’t have much weight. So, yes it can most definitely be tough, but we just have to keep going.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I recently rebranded and now own Echelon Air (Beauty): an upscale concierge beauty system that caters to women receiving their everyday hair, event, or bridal look in the comfort of their location, domestic or statewide. I service clients in the greater Atlanta area: Midtown, Buckhead, Gwinnett, etc, and even travel with my clients based on their needs.
In the general sense, I’m most known for my bridal and blowout work, but with my clients, I’m known for my speed and delivery. My clients have things to do and yes I’d love to talk with them for a while, but I’m there to deliver a service and do it with excellence, and I always deliver. I’m most proud of my work ethic and keen attention to detail. Every private client or bride or bridal party member I style is carrying my reputation…it is my job to make sure they look and feel absolutely secure with their beauty and can represent my reputation well in my absence; I believe that and some other traits I’ve cultivated over the years set me apart.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My family: their support is unwavering and it’s incredibly affirming to my career choices. They know that me being as creative as I am, it can be hard to focus on one thing…and yes, it has taken some time for me to condense my talents, but they always support whatever my decision is.
My father has taught me how to always do my best, no matter what, if that’s what I’ve done, then it’s good. My mother has shown me how to never lose my faith in the Lord and to remember His promises for my life when times seem to be a dry season or not moving as I had hoped. My sister has taught me how to trust myself in the midst of chaos and to not focus on the doubts that come up but to remember who and Whose I am, and my brother has shown me how to have hustle and heart in everything I do and stand for. He’s always grinding to elevate his craft and it inspires me. To my friends and long-time clients…thank you for your trust, support, crazy conversations, and for your loyalty.
Contact Info:
- Email: concierge@echelonairbeauty.com
- Website: www.echelonairbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bilgahmoka/
Image Credits:
Emmanuel Moka-Moliki
