Meet Sheena BrownB Towns | Licensed Cosmetologist & Educator/Brown BeautyBody Icing Creator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sheena BrownB Towns and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sheena BrownB, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
People always ask where I am from, and when I reply “North Philly” their response is always followed by a gesture as if they smelled a foul odor Lol. In contrast to popular belief, Philly women are proud to be from Philly, I know I am. Some of us just prefer not live there. Growing up in Philly, especially during the 90’s, was extremely rough. The drug epidemic completely saturated our communities, tore apart families and left kids like me destitute. But In spite of all the tragedies, there was always one thing I could rely on to escape the madness around me, and that was my determination and imagination! I always knew I would make it out of the unfortunate situations I was in and become more than what my surroundings presented. Growing up in Philly not only made me tough, it also taught me how to be optimistic. That has always been the blueprint to how I attack obstacles and how I run my businesses. Be tough so you can handle whats to come and be optimistic knowing that there is always a way to win. Without my upbringing being the way it was, I wouldn’t be who I am today.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am a licensed Master cosmetologist and cosmetology educator. In addition, I also make a popular all natural skin care moisturizer under my brand Brown Beauty llc, entitled “Brown B Body Icing.” I believe the difference between my business as a master cosmetologist and other cosmetology professionals is that I incorporate and create ways for cosmetology students to gain access to advanced educational classes, so that they are set up for success. I am always excited to see how my company positively impacts student’s skill levels. I started out in the cosmetology field as a shampoo assistant. I always considered myself a student no matter the position I held. So while I ran errands, picked up lunches and shampooed clients for the owner of the salon I worked for, I always made sure I was front and center when she styled her client’s hair. I didn’t realize then how important and beneficial it was going to be to my craft now. The cosmetology industry at times was extremely difficult, cause you’re always finding yourself competing with the next new trend. Deciding to either follow the masses or to stick with you own identity as a stylist will be constantly challenging. That is why its so important for Brown Beauty llc to advocate and create spaces and classes for up and coming stylist so they can perfect their skill all while finding their niche’.

When Brown Beauty llc was originally created, it’s purpose was to empower and uplift women of color. Growing up, I developed a negative complex about my skin complexion. I felt like I was never pretty enough. I was portrayed by my “friends” as the ugly friend because of my complexion. But as age comes, so does new experiences. Which ultimately led me to realize that my brown skin is, and always has been beautiful. Someone called me “Brown B” and I held on to that name and decided that from that point forward I wanted women of color to be know as brown beauties as well. I knew there were many brown women who didn’t value their skin complexion and to create a platform where women could come see themselves in other women would be beneficial. Our goal is to empower and uplift all the shades of brown in women and not put all brown women under one achromatic umbrella.

The expansion of our brands objective also birthed Brown Beauty Body Icing. Our all natural moisturizer treats forms of dermatitis, fade scars and dark marks. In addition our product is antimicrobial which provides the skin protection from germs. Its also a great form of sun block and great moisturizer for eczema, and dry skin. My products and advanced styling classes are available on my website: www.brownbeautyllc.com

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was to come for a week long trip I would first take her to The real milk and honey for breakfast. Then we would go to the aquarium and/or zoo. Later during the week we would definitely have to visit The Trap House and Ponce City market to get some of delicious food from Bar Vegan and to enjoy the ambience. I also love waking and picnicking in Piedmont Park. And lastly if she wanted live singing and soul food we would hit up The Juke Joint.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Since a little girl, my mom Sandra has always been my biggest cheer leaders! No matter how small the achievements were she would make me feel like it was the biggest accomplishment in the world. For that, she will forever be the core creator of the confidence I have today. In addition to her, My brother Staycee was always one of my biggest supporter.s There wasn’t anything he wouldn’t give me, or any place he wouldn’t take me in order to make me happy. He always believed in me especially when I didn’t believe in myself and I will always cherish and love him for that. May they both be granted peace in paradise. People always say it takes a village, and that is most certainly true. In fact my village is big, but just to be specific for this article I will like to also dedicate this shout out to my most supportive and loving husband Qayyim for always encouraging me to be the best version of myself. Thanks for also being my best friend, I owe you more than a lifetime of love. Lastly, to my sister Shelly for loving me and practically raising me and my niece Jaime for always being there when I need her.

Website: www.brownbeautyllc.com

Instagram: @brownb_the_stylist/@brownbeautybodyicing

Facebook: Brown B Sheena Towns