We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanika Blackmon. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanika below.

Shanika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, so we’d love to hear about how you got your first client or customer. What’s the story?

I started doing hair at a very young age, and some might find this hard to believe, but I received my first payment when I was just 13 years old. Back then, I charged my middle school classmates $50 to do their hair, a fortune in my eyes at the time, though I had no idea where this path would lead me. Who knew middle school could double as business school?

Fast forward a few years, as I grew into a young adult, I continued honing my craft while pursuing my education. One day during college, I met my first “real” client, a stranger in the grocery store. She was intrigued by my hair and asked who styled it. Though I was shy and soft-spoken at the time, I mustered the courage to share my contact information. To my surprise and delight, she booked an appointment, and that marked the beginning of something special.

Since then, my business has grown steadily through word of mouth, referrals, and the power of social media. What started as a hobby for a young girl has blossomed into a fulfilling career, and I’m grateful for every step of the journey, even the ones that began in middle school.

Shanika, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

I’m Shanika Blackmon, an inquisitive and driven woman from Laurinburg, NC a small town that many may not have heard of. It’s the kind of place you could drive through without realizing you’ve passed it. I was raised in a single-parent household by my mother, who instilled in my sisters and me the importance of self-sufficiency and independence, values that have shaped who I am today.

My love for doing hair emerged at a very young age, long before the era of social media, YouTube, or the internet as we know it. This talent was a gift divinely crafted by God and one that runs in my family, my mother and identical twin sister also work in the hair industry. I started braiding hair at the age of 13, while I was still in middle school. Later, while attending college, I obtained my Natural Hair Care Specialist License.

Though I pursued a degree unrelated to hair, I began accepting clients during my junior year of college to support myself. At that time, my business relied entirely on word of mouth; long before social media became a tool for promotion. I built my reputation by consistently delivering high-quality work and promoting myself through my craft. Most of my days were spent in class, while evenings and weekends were dedicated to doing hair.

As a professional braider, I specialize in stitch braids, crochet braids, and knotless braids. With the evolution of the hair industry, I’ve adapted to keep up with emerging trends and styles. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Adult Education, both earned from the illustrious North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in December 2014 and May 2018, respectively.

My academic background has been instrumental in shaping the way I connect with clients. My psychology degree deepened my understanding of people, allowing me to recognize that while we may all experience pain, we share unique stories that connect us as human beings. I’ve been able to offer not only my craft but also knowledge and wisdom rooted in both my personal experiences and academic training, fostering meaningful connections with my clients.

One of my proudest accomplishments is the loyalty of clients I’ve served for over a decade. This speaks volumes about the quality of my work, my character, and my dedication to my craft. I’m also one of the few stylists willing to accommodate clients as early as 5:00 AM, offering this service without any additional fees. This commitment to going above and beyond is one of the things that sets me apart in the industry.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

Change is inevitable in business, career, and life. Some changes are planned, while others arrive unexpectedly. For the last ten years, I worked as a full-time hairstylist in one city, building strong relationships with my most loyal clients. After 13 years in the industry, I realized I had reached a ceiling in my growth and decided to take a leap of faith by moving to a bigger city.

This decision brought a mix of excitement and uncertainty. I didn’t know how long it would take to rebuild the clientele I had worked so hard to establish. Since everything in my new city was unfamiliar, I decided to explore a new path by applying for jobs in my field of study. At 32 years old, I secured my first job in my career. An unexpected but significant milestone after 13 years of being a full-time hairstylist.

The transition wasn’t easy. For five months, I traveled back and forth to my former city to continue providing services for my established clients while navigating this new chapter. Eventually, I accepted a role at a Historically Black University, working full-time in mental health while continuing to do hair part-time.

This was a transformative period for me. Though I had confidence in my ability to succeed in the role, it was a humbling experience to step away from self-employment and work for an organization. It required me to set aside my pride and embrace a new way of contributing my skills and knowledge.

This pivot was both challenging and rewarding. Working in mental health has given me a broader perspective on my culture and the communities I serve. It has also deepened my understanding of people and strengthened my ability to connect with my clients.

Looking back, I see how this experience has been crucial for my personal and professional growth. It has allowed me to approach my hairstyling business with a renewed sense of gratitude and purpose, combining my passion for mental health and beauty to serve others in more meaningful ways.

Any insights you can share with us about how you built up your social media presence?

When I began building my business on social media, the platform wasn’t as saturated with hairstylists as it is today. This gave me the opportunity to stand out, but it also meant I had to be intentional about how I presented my work. Consistency was key. I paid close attention to the aesthetics of my page, ensuring the quality of my photos and videos, the lighting, and the overall presentation were attractive and professional. These elements were crucial in drawing potential clients to my page and building trust in my brand.

For anyone starting to build a social media presence, especially in the beauty industry, my biggest advice is to find your niche. This doesn’t mean you can’t experiment or expand your skill set over time, but focus on mastering one thing that people will remember you for. Being a jack of all trades is possible, but mastery requires time and dedication. Build a reputation around something that sets you apart, and let that be your foundation.

It’s also important to remember that while it’s okay to be inspired by others, comparison can stifle your creativity and growth. Stay true to your unique vision and craft, and focus on the value you bring to your audience.

Finally, consistency is everything. Show up regularly, engage with your audience, and invest time into refining your content. Over time, these efforts will build trust and a loyal following that appreciates your work and authenticity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://modernstylesbysb.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/f93b1ccc/category/Stitch%2520braids%2520
• Instagram: Modernstylessb
• Facebook: Modernstylessb
• Linkedin: Shanika Blackmon
• Twitter: Modernstylessb
• Youtube: @modernstylessb300

Image Credits

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