At this point, Shekinah Jo (or as most just know her as Shekinah) needs no introduction whatsoever.
The pint-sized southern chick equipped with a booty that would put Iggy Azalea to shame, a rat tail comb and a weft of weave has become a household name thanks to her best gal pal, Tiny (Tameka Harris). We were first introduced to Shekinah on “T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle”, as Tiny’s hair stylist that kept her ever-changing hairstyles laid to the gods. But Shekinah made her undeniable presence even more felt and needed once she opened her no holds barred mouth. Ever since then, Shekinah has become not only a trending topic but a hot commodity in the TV and hair world. So much so that many of us questioned why didn’t she have her own TV show.
Thankfully, VH1 answered the prayers of many and now the sassy-mouthed hairstylist is starring in a new, spin-off TV show entitled, “Tiny & Shekinah’s Weave Trip“. But beyond reality TV and entertainment Ms. Jo is your regular woman with a dream of being super successful and a very busy schedule. We chatted with star of ‘Weave Trip’ where she dished on everything from the do’s and dont’s of weave to expanding her business.
Vixens, click next to check out our interview with the official hair weave killer, Shekinah Jo.
Photo Credit(s): Instagram
VIBE Vixen: How did you get your start in the hair industry?
Shekinah Jo: I started out at a beauty school and got my cosmetology degree.
How did you meet Tiny?
I met Tiny about 7 years ago when she was pregnant with Major. We automatically clicked and she liked the way I did her hair and that was the start of our crazy friendship.
Before the TV exposure how would someone describe Shekinah?
I’m the same person I was before I was on TV. I’m always going to keep it real. Most of my friends would say I like to have fun and just have a good time. You know, when they’re stressed out or depressed they always come to me and I crack a joke and it’s done. I would like to say I’m a cool person to be around.
Were you ever hesistant about being on TV?
I was a little hesitant. Tiny and I are always together so one day I came to White Water with the family while they were filming for the show, just being my regular self, and I guess it caught the attention of the producer. Honestly, I didn’t even know he was the producer because he was dressed normal, no camera, no nothing. He came up to me and asked if I wanted to be apart of the show and I was like sure. I didn’t know what to expect but I figured if he saw something in me then me just being myself was perfectly fine.
What was your main objective for being on the T.I. & Tiny Show?
VV: How did Tiny & Shekinah’s Weave Trip come about?
SJ: Basically I wanted to make money, just like everyone else wants to. I came up with the idea because Tiny is always late when I’m supposed to be doing her hair for an event or whatever. So I thought that creating a beauty salon on a bus would be perfect, you know so you can be mobile and most importantly on time. I like to call it “getting dolled up on the bus”. The mobile part came from the food trucks in L.A. and how they are always traveling and set up shop in a city and make crazy money. I knew Tiny and I could do that, duh. The show is also similar to the “Simple Life” with Paris and Nicole because they traveled across the U.S. having fun and doing crazy things together. That’s what Tiny and I do but on a bus from L.A. to Atlanta, doing hair and all these other interesting things.
Do you have any future projects do further develop your brand?
I’m always working. I not only have passion for doing hair, but ever since being in hair school I wanted to create hair products as well. Paul Mitchell was my hair hero in school and still until this day as an entrepreneur. Right now I have my Shekinah Jo Beautiful Edges product, which is basically my version of Edges by Hicks. It’s a control paste that tames fly-aways and is great for both relaxed and natural hair. Then I also have my own brand of shampoo and conditioner that puts moisture back into your hair with intense nourishment and they have really good natural ingredients too. Another venture I’m interested in is a hair tour. I see all these other hairstylists traveling and doing hair, but what I’d like to do is teach them about hair, kind of like school. From how to do a correct sew-in to the right braiding technique I want to be able to share the secrets to my craft and what makes Shekinah Jo reputable in the business.
What is some advice you would give young entrepreneurs?
If you believe in yourself, do it. As a young kid all I knew how to do was braid, but I went after my dream and didn’t give up and look at me now. That’s not just advice for younger people but anyone because it’s never too late.
Outside of TV what is Shekinah’s life like?
I still have a regular life. It’s just more exposure for me when I’m out in public. Aside from being Tiny’s hairstylist I still have my own faithful clients that have been riding with me since day one.
What are some of your do’s and dont’s of weave?
Oh lord (laughs). Girl, there are so many but I’m going to share with you my main ones. First, do use oil ladies. I think people forget that just because you’re wearing a weave where your own hair is concealed you still have to take care of your hair underneath. So oil is definitely needed to moisturize your hair, but don’t overdo it. A don’t would be invisible part weaves if you wear them for more than a couple of days. If you wear it over a week y’all will be looking a mess, trust.
Photo Credit: Website