These Women are Dope Series. Featuring Q.
Welcome back! You really do belong here…
I am really excited to introduce you to Shtequina aka “Q.” Y’all Q is my hair stylist turned friend! Going to her salon, ELITE CAFE is everything, I look forward to her scalp massages and blow outs of course, but I also enjoy the way that Q speaks life into everybody that crosses her path. What I also love and appreciate about Q is that she genuinely cares about your hair and how you treat it in between visits. (Sometimes I get judgmental emojis from her on instagram when my hair is looking a bit questionable- but its literally all LOVE)
Meet Q!
Hometown: Cincinnati
Occupation: Wig Fairy, Stylist, Business Owner
My name is Shtequina but I go by "Q" professionally.
What is your why?
My why? I grew up in extreme poverty…
Roaches, mice and raccoons in very unfavorable environments combined with a lack of structure.
I do all that I do to ensure that I never return to those circumstances.
I fell in love with hair during my therapy sessions in hair school. I didn't love it at all when I enrolled. It was just a back up plan because I flunked out of my first year of Nursing School. (shrugs)
At first “hair” was a trigger that took me back to a time in my childhood that I wanted to avoid. I was responsible for so many things as a child. My ma at the time had 6 daughters before my first brother was born, and ended up with 11 kids total... As the oldest sibling I had to do everyones hair every Sunday to prep for the week. So believe me when I say natural hair and braiding made me very angry. I learned over time during therapy how to turn that same anger into something positive. Something that I had control over.
My career started in a salon that lacked courtesy..they were rude!
Guests weren't greeted when they walked in, wait times could last HOURS before you would even make it to the shampoo bowl, and the team camaraderie was non existent.
The presentation of my salon as well as myself has been molded and formed from those poor experiences during the early stages of my career. It was during these early stages that I meticulously studied and learned what NOT to do!
I learned that my image..my presentation would gain a desirable clientele and my knowledge and skills would keep them! The most important thing to me is that the MOBB (my clientele) feels welcomed upon entering my salon, remain comfortable during their visits, and leave VERY SATISFIED with the services received.
What brings you joy?
During this stage of my life, peace, tranquility and people respecting my boundaries bring me the most joy.
What has been your favorite project so far?
My favorite projects to date are:
- launching my website elitecafe.co
- opening MY Salon
& adding efficiency to my Wig production.. by teaching myself how to use a sewing machine.
My vision board has been incredibly helpful in achieving these goals.
"There is no substitution for experience and no elevator to the top, you gotta take the stairs"
This.. This.. This has gotten me so far.
”Don't overthink it, Just do it! If you fail, your failure will become your lesson on what you did wrong so that you can develop a better plan!!”
Q- Thank you for sharing your story with us. Your story is your power. Thank you for your encouragement and your love. You’re a real one. #youbelonghere
