Today we’d like to introduce you to India Stokes.

Hi India, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was told by teachers “This is not the beauty salon” and I think that statement aged very well! Hair has been a part of my life from a very young age. It was a natural gift I had before I even knew. I taught myself how to braid at the age of 7 and eventually, I began to experiment and try different styles on my own hair. I loved getting my hair done and how it made me feel after, and this was something I wanted others to feel as well. I felt compelled to do anyone’s hair if they let me. I found joy in doing anything hair related; need your hair washed? I wanted to do it! Been a while since you had it done? Let’s try something new! It was truly fun to do! There were two little girls who lived next door to me and I would do their hair. Seeing their faces light up after made my day. Throughout my life, I became known as the friend who could do hair. It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized I could use my skills to make some extra money. I initially went to college to study Business & Fashion Merchandising and I had plans on working in the fashion industry to become a visual merchandiser. While attending college, I would do the girls’ hair on campus. Crazy enough, when I first started college, I thought it was the hardest thing in the world and I even considered hair school but eventually I pushed through and adjusted because I truly didn’t want to give up that easily. Hair school was still on my mind from time to time but I thought I could no longer change my career path.
In 2017, I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Business & Fashion Merchandising and continued to pursue my fashion career while still doing hair from time to time. I made my hair Instagram page to begin showcasing my work and to promote my business. In the beginning, it didn’t take off as fast as I thought. I was extremely confident in my work (Still am) and I thought that as soon as I posted my work, people would flock to me and I would be fully booked. Boy! W  as I wrong! In that moment, I realized that I had to keep showing up consistently to gain people’s trust and to show people that I was serious about my craft. I started working from home to build my clientele, I didn’t start out with fancy ring lights, or the luxurious decor and aesthetics at the time I just used what I had. Every client whose hair I did I would take pictures and videos and post it! My consistency eventually started to pay off, I started to get more clients as well as referrals and word of mouth was my best friend.
From 2017 – 2019, I worked in retail. I would go to work and come home to do hair every single day. I would dread being at work, then have a burst of energy once my shift ended and I’m on my way to do hair. During my time in retail, I did enjoy the work environment but as I continued to do hair, my interest in fashion started to fade to the back as hair began to take over. I went from taking appointments via text to eventually creating a booking site. My retail job went from being my primary income to hair supplementing my income. It started to feel bittersweet and scary at the same time because I began to question what the future had in store for me. I was back and forth about quitting my job for months. With careful consideration, I eventually took a leap of faith.
In 2019, I quit my retail job to pursue hair full-time. Was I scared? OF COURSE! But I was so destined to see where hair would take me and to this day, I thank God I made that decision. After one year of being a full-time hairstylist, I finally enrolled in cosmetology school in the fall of 2020. Being a hairstylist was one thing but I knew obtaining my license is what would set me apart. The pandemic was a trying time for many business owners but I didn’t let that discourage me. I made so many sacrifices to ensure I stayed focused and made the absolute best during my time of education. While attending cosmetology school, I’ve endured some highs and lows and through it all, I still managed to keep my head up and persevere through it all. All of my hard work and resilience eventually paid off.
In 2021, I graduated one month early with perfect attendance. A month later I took my state boards and passed to obtain my cosmetology license.
From 2022 – present I operate in my very own salon suite (Stokesstyled Studio) welcoming new and familiar clients to my newfound professional hairstyling experience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Absolutely. As a first-generation business owner, I had to learn as I went to get to where I am today. I didn’t have the representation of someone close to me owning a successful business, so much of my journey involved trial and error. Believe it or not, I still have so much more to learn and accomplish.

Entrepreneurship is both challenging and rewarding. Starting a business from scratch requires extensive research, along with a lot of trial and error. There are periods of happiness, excitement, confidence, and motivation. On the other hand, you also go through seasons of stress, frustration, discouragement, imposter syndrome, and confusion.

Sometimes things work out successfully, and other times, they need refinement. I wouldn’t say I struggled with believing in myself—that wouldn’t be accurate. However, taking the leap of faith to pursue my entrepreneurial journey was scary at times. Navigating uncharted territory can bring discomfort and cause you to second-guess your decisions. When those thoughts would creep in, I reminded myself of how far I’d come and prayed about it.

Although this journey has not been a smooth road, it has truly built my character and resilience. Each obstacle I overcome strengthens the faith I have in myself. I wouldn’t trade my journey for anyone else’s because it’s part of my testimony and what makes both me and my brand unique

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
For the past few years, I’ve perfected my craft and I’ve become widely known for my realistic-looking wigs and wig installs. My clients come to me because I provide the most natural-looking installs they have ever seen with absolutely no glue involved. As I’ve mentioned earlier, I was able to debunk the myth that glue-less wigs didn’t exist. Women have been told that wigs require glue and this can be discouraging for some who do not want to use glue at all. This skill has truly set me apart as a stylist and wig designer by providing a solution for women who want to wear wigs but have no desire to use glue for their wig installs.

Not to mention, I also offer natural hair care for clients’ hair. Although I offer these beautiful masterpieces, it’s imperative that hair care is still at the forefront of all my services. I take pride in being a stylist that not only offers an amazing service, but I also care about the foundation underneath and a stylist like that is hard to come by today.

Stokesstyled is a brand that specializes in custom glue-less wigs, glue-less wig installs, and healthy hair care. We offer premium quality extensions varying from raw Indian, Southeast Asian, and Burmese as well as hair products that can be used interchangeably for wigs and natural hair.

I am most proud of my ability to keep going. Through the years of finding myself and my calling, it wasn’t a straight path. Life happens and things happen that are out of your control but no matter the circumstance, I have not let these things get in the way of my goals and aspirations. I’ve learned to go through the motions, continue to give myself grace, have faith, and keep striving for greatness. It’s not easy and at times I’m not always motivated but I will say that discipline has taken me places motivation couldn’t.

One of the things I’ve done innovative over the course of my career was offer custom glue-less wig installations. By offering custom glue-less wigs, I was able to debunk the myth that glue-less wigs didn’t exist. Women have been told that wigs require glue and this can be discouraging for some who do not want to use glue at all. This innovation has truly set me apart as a stylist and wig designer by providing a solution for women who want to wear wigs but have no desire to use glue for their wig installs.

Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned on this journey is the power of resilience and trusting my own path. As a first-generation business owner, I had to figure things out as I went—there was no roadmap. I started out so eager, expecting quick success, but I learned that real growth takes time, and setbacks are just part of it. Every challenge pushed me to dig deeper, learn, and keep moving forward.

I’ve also realized how important it is to stay true to my vision and not get caught up in comparing my progress to others’. There were definitely moments of doubt, but reminding myself that my journey is unique has helped me find my pace and appreciate every milestone. Embracing resilience, patience, and self-trust has made me not only a stronger entrepreneur but also a stronger person.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.stokesstyled.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stokesstyled/?hl=en
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBXvdBRo2wDkY6ij_1fZ_5Q
• Other: Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stokesstyled?lang=en

Image Credits
@69.views on instagram – Ceo photo & the three model photo