Meet Rickia Dawson | Creative, Licensed Master Cosmetologist & Owner of R. Ci’Mone Styles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rickia Dawson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rickia, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
For me, being a creative means being able to share the best parts of yourself through your art, talent, and technique. Choosing this career meant that I could showcase all those things plus more. Ever since I could remember, creativity has been apart of me and I started to realize that my creativity is one of the things that makes me who I am. It allows me to express myself in so many ways and gives me a sense of control over my own life, knowing that I can be who I want to be no matter the circumstances. Not only does my creativity help me, it helps other people as well. Simply making others feel beautiful in their own skin or knowing I can be an extra boost in someone’s confidence, rather it be through my hairstyling or curvy fashion inspo, is such a rewarding feeling.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
I started off as a full time college student, going most days out the week for 2.5 years, before I realized that really wasn’t what I wanted for my life. It was time for me to take control and not live out someone else’s dream or goal for me. I then enrolled in cosmetology school, where I had to complete 1500 hours through 10 months to be eligible to become licensed. The journey was super long and hard at times but was an immense test of how bad you really wanted it. I knew this is what I wanted though, and made it my duty to accomplish this goal. I went everyday for 10 months straight, no days off and always put my best foot forward. Everyday I was constantly praised for my diligence when it came to my dedication to the program. I was even awarded Student of the Month, recognizing all my hardwork. From there, I went on to take my exams, which I passed and became a Licensed Master Cosmetologist.

Now before all of this, I always knew I wanted to be a creative. I loved hair, I loved looking good, dressing nice etc. but I wasn’t really tapping into my full potential. It wasn’t until I decided to jump ship, then it all changed. I started getting back into my craft learning about wigs, color, and then started creating looks and outfits based off of that. I noticed the love I would get and I just kept going with it. I would video everything and document my process until one day I got my first viral video that reached a lot of people and presented me with so many new opportunities. Throughout that time, I was able to perfect my craft and then R. Ci’Mone styles was born. I started to accept clients, meet new people, and have been on the come up since.

This entire process has been eye opening, yet rewarding. It wasn’t anything easy or simple. There were times where I battled the worst depression and ultimately wanted to give up. I took a lot of risks, some more scarier than others but ultimately it all made me stronger. It’s only the beginning for me and soon I’ll be on my way to making my name, Rickia Ci’Mone, a brand. The brand that will ultimately teach you that it is ok to be you unapologetically, take risks, and control your own narrative for the person you want to be and life you want to live.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love seafood, steak, and mexican food. My favorite restaurants to visit would have to be King Claw in Morrow, GA, Texas Roadhouse in Mcdonough, GA, and Mi Mexico Lindo for the best tacos in Morrow, GA. For fun, I would say Round 1 in Cumberland Mall because it offers so many amenities. You can bowl, play games, trampoline jump, and skate all in one.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank God. Without him none of this would be possible. His many blessings over my life are the reason I am where I’m at today. A special thank you to my loving family and partner. They always believed in me, my visions and invested in my dreams. Lastly, my supporters, clients, and the ones who are always rooting for me, from the comments, likes, shares or even referrals, the love is greatly appreciated.

Website: https://www.instagram.com/r.cimonestyles

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therickiacimone

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rickia.dawson.9

Other: http://www.tiktok.com/@therickiacimone

Image Credits
R. Ci’Mone Styles Clients: Taylor, Aniyah, Tay’lor, Danielle, Shiray, Mariah, Carmaleta (Mom)