Today we’d like to introduce you to Shea Locs.
Shea, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a Master Cosmetologist/Loctician and founder of Shea Locs Natural Hair Studio; I was raised in Baltimore, Md. At the age of 20, I was part-owner/loctician of SAMOR Natural Hair Salon located in Baltimore City. In 2005, I relocated to Atlanta, GA to complete a higher education in business and start a natural hair salon. I obtain an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Atlanta Metropolitan College and a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Marketing from Georgia State University. Shea Locs Natural Hair Studio was started in 2008 as a home business, in Jonesboro, GA; out of my mother’s basement.
I have 15+ years of professional experience with cultivated locs and natural hair of all textures and wave patterns. My passion for educating and mentoring black women in my community into becoming entrepreneurs, is what drives me to continue to grow.
I have worked alongside an array of celebrities and personally styles motion picture director and writer, Ava DuVernay. My work has been featured in the motion picture Barber Shop: The Next Cut, as well as Lee Daniel’s t.v series “Star”, and BET’s series “The Quad.
Has it been a smooth road?
As a young, African American woman, owning a business comes with many struggles. Before owning my own salon, I have never worked in a salon before. I didn’t come from a family of entrepreneurs; everything was new for me. Banks are not handing out business loans to college students with debt and bad credit. Financing equipment is pointless if you do not have good credit; and commercial leases are completely different from residential leases. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERYTHING!, lol. As a young business owner, you have to fight 10x harder for the respect of your peers; this is the moment you learn to keep business and personal relationships separate! Lastly, knowing and understanding the difference between filing taxes and payroll taxes. The struggles are real!!! But they are what made me the business woman I am today.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Established in 2008, Shea Locs stylists has over 20 years combined in natural hair care. Specializing in cultivated locs, loc extensions, Sisterlocks©, protective styles and luxury wash and go services; natural hair care is Shea Locs number one priority.
Our staff takes pride in delivering exceptional services while educating our clients on how to care for their natural hair. Working with many celebrities to include Queen Latifah, Anika Noni Rose, and Michael Rainey Jr. Shea Locs is one of ATL’s premier hair salons. Shea Locs has three brick and motar locations in Georgia with satellite services in Dallas, TX and pops up services nationwide.
As a black owned company, I am most proud of how we operate as a team and sisterhood. We can collectively work together as one, and this is what separates us from the others.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Atlanta is the MECCA for black entrepreneurs, period! There’s enough for everyone to be successful in this city. Atlanta supports and embraces black owned businesses. I moved from Baltimore, MD and built my business from my mother’s basement to now a corporation. I am proof of what Atlanta can do for someone who is starting a business in Atlanta.
Contact Info:
- Website: Shealocs.com
- Phone: 678.489.3197
- Email: support@shealocs.com
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