Meet Tameka Stigers | Wife, Mom, Visionary

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

Hi Tameka, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I had just graduated with my masters degree in public health in 2008. I just knew I was a great candidate for any job that I applied for. After the third “thanks, but no thanks,” I told myself that would be the last time. I had started doing hair at home during my schooling, but didn’t think about making a career out it. Because the type of hair service I was providing was a niche service, I decided to go full time and find my place. That’s how Locs of Glory was born.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I’m extremely proud of the lives touched by Locs of Glory. Once I accepted God’s mission for me and my business, so many resources and connections were revealed and continue to pour in. We exist to help/support/elevate women, period! Our community benefits immensely because not only do we offer great services for the hair, skin and nails; we do so in an environment that is family friendly and wellness focused. This road hasn’t been easy. I’ve cried many tears, doubted my mission, wanted to quit and lost friendships. But staying committed and refusing to give up, I leaned on family, friends and mentors when I felt out of gas. When I love, I love hard and sometimes want more for the other person than they want for themselves…man, I’ve learned so many lessons! My skin has thickened and my world doesn’t shatter when someone decides to move on. I used to feel rejected and hurt. I realized that turnover is part of the business…I’m growing. We are the only black owned salon/spa with a daycare and a float spa. We offer niche services like Sisterlocks, floatation therapy and gel nail extensions. We are a team of 15 and growing. We are single parent moms, working moms, disabled, queer and young & old. I am honored to share a space with these people who are able to pay their bills because of this place. I am honored to lead by example and pour into them. It wears me out, but this is my mission.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Bet! Anyone that knows me, knows that I kick it in my city. My motto is work hard, play harder!! Tomorrow isn’t promised, so let’s enjoy today. We’re gonna start on Wednesday and go to Legacy, former known as Legacy Books and Cafe. They have Wingin it Wednesdays, which is an open mic event that’s free. You’ll hear some great comedy, spoken word or original music. There’s some great talent…we gonna laugh a lot. There’s another business inside this business called Too Much Sauce and the fried catfish and fried green beans are wonderful….I don’t eat chicken, but they say it FIRE! Thursday we’ll go check out some live music at the Dark Room. They do a great job at highlighting local amateur talent like Katarra Parson or Mark Harris. We’ll head to my neighborhood for Friday night live band karaoke at the historical Palomino lounge. Saturday we’ll experience a first together at Hatchet Haus, a black owned social house that’s known for axe throwing and other games for adults only. We’ll hit up House of Soul that evening for some live music followed by a lil dancing. We definitely gonna sleep in on Sunday then hit up the History Museum for brunch at Cafe Pure, the first black owned chef to win the bid to operate his restaurant inside the history museum in historic Forest Park. The brunch is a buffet with bottomless mimosas.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
OMG!! This is a hard one to answer….The first person is definitely my grandmother. She made sure I had the basic things I needed growing up. While the struggle was REAL, I made it! There was a neighborhood bible club called World Impact and two leaders that really showed me so much love were Angie Backues and Sharon Browatske…two white chicks loving on a lil poor black girl in the hood. I owe them so much. The third group of people that helped instill love and community into me were my god parents, Bob and Jan Nienhuis. These three groups help instill love, hard work and grace into me. Gave a firm foundation to someone who would have otherwise been lost if left only up to my mom and dad. Once I decided to actually start a business, my husband and various mentors believed in me and connected me to resources that led me this point today.

Website: locsofglory.com

Instagram: @locsofglory

Facebook: @locsofglory

Image Credits
Renaissance Photography (team photo)