We recently connected with LaQwin Chapman and have shared our conversation below.

Hi LaQwin, thanks for joining us today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

Growing up, my mom made sure my life was full—and I mean full. From sports and karate to piano, violin, media team, Boy Scouts, church choir—you name it, I was in it. All of this was stacked on top of school and homework, and there were days I’d literally fall asleep in the car, parked right in front of our house. My days often started at 5am and didn’t end until well past midnight.

She never allowed me to quit, no matter how tired or frustrated I was. And believe me, as a kid missing out on parties and hanging with friends, I did not see the point. But she always told me, “Fun will always be there.” What I didn’t realize at the time was that she was building something in me far more valuable than short-term fun—she was instilling work ethic, time management, and discipline.

Now, 15 years into my career as a licensed hairstylist, I see how those lessons shaped me into the artist and business owner I am today. Managing a packed schedule is second nature. I’ve learned to give 100% in everything I do, to stay focused, and to never lose sight of the bigger picture.

Today, I’m able to successfully run a business in just a few days a week—not because I cut corners, but because I know how to maximize every hour. I juggle salon work, continuous education, teaching other professionals, fashion shows, brand work, family life, church, and being a proud dog dad—with room left for rest and a clean house.

What felt overwhelming as a child has become my superpower as an adult. My mom taught me resilience, consistency, and how to move through life with purpose. I’m forever grateful she didn’t let me quit—because that structure, that push, made me not just a better stylist, but a better human being.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I actually got into the beauty industry as a teenager—though funny enough, I originally wanted to be a musician! In high school, I grew my hair out and my sisters or close friends would braid it for me. It hurt so much that I started redoing it myself. Eventually, I began straightening my hair too. As word spread, friends started asking me to do theirs—and that’s when my stylist at the time, Bridgette, suggested I go to cosmetology school. Who knew that something so small would spark the beginning of such a fulfilling career?

Fast forward a few years—I was six years into my career when the pandemic hit. That moment became a major turning point. While many people used their stimulus checks for leisure, I made the decision to invest in myself. I paid bills, bought salon equipment, and laid the foundation for my own business. By the time the world reopened, I was ready to step into independence.

I spent years booth renting and even moved to Las Vegas, NV for three years—but never left my roots behind. Every two months, I’d fly back to my hometown of Delaware to care for my clients. That commitment showed me the depth of my gift and how much my work was truly appreciated. It was a humbling, defining moment—and it ultimately brought me back home.

Since then, my career has blossomed. I’ve worked on editorial shoots and fashion shows, founded my own creative collective (Edification – the Collective), earned multiple certifications, and even obtained my instructor’s license. I continue to work with a major beauty brand while growing my own business behind the chair—where my passion is rooted in hair care.

I specialize in treatment-based services, natural hair, color, cutting, and styling. My clients come for results and the experience. I offer spa-like touches—like steam treatments, aromatherapy, and personalized care—in a private salon suite that allows them to unwind, reset, and feel renewed.

What sets me apart? It’s more than just my skill—it’s my energy. I’m known for being attentive, approachable, knowledgeable, and dedicated to growth. I genuinely care. I want my clients to leave feeling like the best version of themselves—and like they just stepped out of a whole new world.

I’m most proud of my consistency. Even when I feel tired, I show up. I turned a creative gift into a sustainable career, one that gives me the freedom to travel, spend time with family and friends, grow other professionals, and still be my authentic self. I thank God every day for that.

To my followers, clients, and students—I want you to know this: “Sky is the limit… only if you allow it.” I say that to myself every single day. The truth is, the sky isn’t the limit at all—you can go far beyond what you can see. We are limitless.

I want people to know that I’m more than just a stylist—I’m a motivator, an open book of knowledge, a helper, and lowkey… I’m hilarious! My brand is rooted in holistic care. While I do offer chemical services, I focus on natural methods that promote wellness, comfort, and intentional beauty.

My business wasn’t just built for me—it was built to break generational cycles. I don’t have children, but this legacy will be passed on to my nieces and nephews. It’s my hope that it becomes a foundation they can build their own dreams on.

At the end of the day, I want people to see growth in everything I do. I want them to feel that my work is not just hairstyling—it’s art. I’m a Pisces, so everything I touch has imagination in it. I want my clients to feel like they stepped into a new reality when they sit in my chair. I want them to look at old photos and immediately think, “LaQwin did that.”

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding part of being a creative is when your work is not just seen—but truly understood and appreciated the way you envisioned it. In the hair industry, it’s easy for people to admire something simply because it looks pretty. But when someone sees the story, the thought, the intention behind the beauty—that’s a moment of magic.

There’s something deeply validating about another artist recognizing your work and saying, “I see what you were doing there.” It’s like we speak the same unspoken language, filled with nuance, texture, and emotion. It’s not just about style—it’s about vision.

It’s like when someone says “po-tay-to,” and you say “po-tah-to”—but they know why you chose your version, and they celebrate that choice with you. That level of understanding and connection is priceless. (And if you’re reading this, I hope you heard both potatoes in your head just now!)

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Oh absolutely—and I’ll start by saying: I’m a Pisces. That means I spend 99.9% of my time floating somewhere on Saturn’s rings. I live in my own creative utopia!

Most non-creatives probably think I’ve lost my mind—and honestly, that’s kind of the point. As artists, we don’t use our minds the same way. In fact, my biggest breakthrough came when I realized that I had to get out of my head in order to grow.

Our minds, while necessary, can often be the very thing that limits us. Logic can block flow. Fear can crush experimentation. Doubt can dull creativity. But the moment I allowed myself to un-think and just be—to dream, to imagine, to create without boundaries—that’s when I found myself as an artist.

So yes, it might look wild from the outside. But that chaos? That’s where the magic lives. As I always say, “Sky is the limit… only if you allow it.” And in my world, there are no limits.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Vagaro.com/okpcosmetics
• Instagram: LaQwinChapmanHair
• Facebook: Styles by LaQwin
• Youtube: okpuniversity

Image Credits

Brittany Onley (Photographer)
OsShan Chapman (Nail Artist)
Monika Bostick (Makeup Artist)
LaQwin Chapman (Hair Artist)