Meet Wankaya Hinkson of One by Wankaya Hair Products in East Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Wankaya Hinkson.

Wankaya, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I became inspired to do hair from my mother. As a child, I would watch her braid and style my hair, as well as my three sisters. After watching her closely for years at the age of 11, I decided I would do my own hair to help my mother finish more quickly. I am extremely passionate about the health of Black women’s hair. While working at a hair salon in Downtown Atlanta, I was approached by the owner, Moe Cole, to work on Tyler Perry’s new project at the time.

From that day on I have worked consistently in the Film, TV, and Print industry with a variety of celebrities such as Gabrielle Union, Robin Givens, Eve, Jill Scott, Regina Hall, Janelle Monae, Nicole Beharie, Essence Atkins, Russell Brand, John David Washington, and many more. While working in this industry, I have crossed paths with many women and men with issues concerning moisture, shine, softening, and treating dry and itchy scalp, as well as hair loss. Because I know we are often short on time, I needed to figure out a product that can work instantly to fix our everyday hair problems. As a result, I came up with a solution to help treat all issues at the same time with ONE product. I created ONE by Wankaya, a Rosemary and Teatree Shampoo, Rosemary and Avocado Conditioner, and a hair growth serum.

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?
Being a mother and one of a few African American hairstylists that holds a dual hair union card in this industry can be extremely difficult because it consumes so much of your time. Fortunately, I have an extremely loving, caring, strong family/support system that always has my back. I did not always appreciate what I have, but I definitely understands what that means now. “Teamwork makes the dream work” and “It takes a village” are two mantras that ring so true for me. There’s been rough times, but nothing that did not help build more character and humility, so I am grateful for all the stages of my life that have brought me to this moment in my life. I am truly blessed and highly favored.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the One by Wankaya Hair Products story. Tell us more about the business.
The Rosemary and Tree Tea Shampoo thoroughly cleanse the hair without stripping all the natural oils our bodies produce. It’s formulated to help stimulate hair growth, prevent baldness, minimize graying, exfoliate, and relieve dry and itchy scalp while adding instant moisture. The Rosemary and Avocado Conditioner does the same as the shampoo, while unclogging blocked follicles. The natural oils stimulate circulation, allowing the vitamins A, B, D, E, protein, amino acids, iron, copper, magnesium, and folic acid to penetrate deeply into your roots. The results are instant moisture, shine, and strength.

I am a hairstylist, creative director, and entrepreneur for Film, Television, and Print. I specialize in hair care and hair extensions. I’m known for my growing hands, hair extension knowledge and professionalism. I believe that a person’s hair is such an important part of how they feel about themselves. I am so blessed that I get to work with people from all walks of life and help their outer beauty match their inner beauty; that’s what I’m most proud of. What sets me apart from most brands is that I am a hairstylist first, and I work with so many different hair textures on a daily basis. That allowed me to develop a product that actually works for ALL hair textures and types.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t really believe in luck. I am a child of God, and because of my belief with remaining consistent in prayer, giving thanks, and having an honest relationship with God is what keeps me going EVERYDAY. I live wholeheartedly by the Bible verse Matthew 17:20; if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, “Move from here to there, and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” I live by that belief!

Pricing:

• 2oz Travel size sets are $7.50.
• 8oz Medium size sets are $32.50.
• 16oz Large size set are $62.50
• Rejuvenating Growth Serum $29.99

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Onebywankaya.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: OnebyWankaya
• Facebook: Onebywankaya
• Twitter: Onebywankaya

Image Credit:
Dominic Mills, Kevin Goolsby, Aarron Smalls, John Burgandee

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