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

Hi Zakiya, how do you think about risk?
Taking risks is the name of the game in business. Literally EVERYTHING is a risk before you earn a return on it. The ONLY reason I was able to build a strong, recognizable brand is because I constantly spent money, time and energy building something that never existed yet, only in my mind. Taking risks is fun but it can also come at a cost. I’ve spent thousands of dollars on ideas and haven’t seen returns for in months. But ultimately, you can never ever ever give up on the vision you have for yourself.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I strongly believe that my gift of Hair and Beauty is EQUALLY as a gift as it is a curse. Transforming women esthetically has always been a passion of mine. I’ve been cutting and dying hair since I had Barbies. The moment I learned I could braid in middle school, I was already using my friends and cousins as models. This was the easy part of my gift, that money and clientele came with EASE. The downside of this gift is that hairstylists are sometimes dehumanized and doing hair is not perceived as a “REAL JOB.” Also, because doing hair is generally fun and tends to be a natural-born skill for most hairstylists, people close to them tend to treat it as a way to receive easy favors and services from them. “Girl just do my hair, it’s easy for you anyway.” I’ve struggled with using my gift for the benefit of MYSELF rather than the benefit of other people. I’ve learned the hard way many times that you MUST bless yourself before you can even be in the position to bless other people. When you are loyal to a fault to only a few people, you could never effect the entire world.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We are going straight to Jamaica. We are eating ackee and salt fish, boiled dumplings, sweet jerk chicken and steamed fish! Lmao We are also eating the freshest and juiciest mangos straight off the mango trees.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Sharif Nova: Instagram.com/Sharif.nova

Chef Joka:
Instagram.com/ChefJoka

Earth Fit Kris
Instagram.com/EarthFitKris

Moore AJ:
Instagram.com/Veg2Veg

Website: GalaxiGirlHair.com

Instagram: Instagram.com/EasyBreezie

Youtube: YouTube.com/c/EasyBreezie

Other: PrettyScientist.com

Image Credits
Photographer: Carlos Stephenson Instagram.com/StillGoingDesigns

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.