We recently connected with Markeisha Mullen and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Markeisha , appreciate you sitting with us today to share your wisdom with our readers. So, let’s start with resilience – where do you get your resilience from?
I maintained my resiliency by involving and fostering a positive mindset. I was not afraid to seek support from others, adapt to change, practice self-care, and learn from setbacks that allowed me to grow stronger.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Being born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland it prepared me to take on the world. It all started in my reservoir Hill community better known as Whitelock city where my core values were instilled in me. I started playing sports such as soccer and basketball at John Eager, Howard recreation center, and then learn how to navigate servicing my community through some amazing community leaders that taught us the importance of being in service and taking care of one another. I first became a youth ambassador getting playgrounds built in my community by getting going door to door to get petitions signed. Much love to Ms. Earline for getting me involved. Then we had Mr. Tyrone and Ms. Sally who would schedule clean up days for us to clean the entire neighborhood and then treat us to six flags in return for our services. Next we had a house that sat on the corner of Linden and Whitelock st. Where we would go for group sessions, home economics sessions and even bible study if you were interested. This was a group of Amish white people supporting our black community. They also introduced us to camping in Lancaster Pennsylvania and took us to visit their Amish church and community. So my community raised me to be committed to serving others no matter the race. My hair journey also started in my hometown, where I would style what we call the “Dope Boys” hair on my grandmas front porch. I enjoyed styling my friends hair as well because all of our parents were in the streets at the time and image was important to me at a young age. Although I was good at styling hair, it was not an option to go to cosmetology school. That was not something I had in mind. In high school I was in JROTC Academy, which I thought the army was going to be my way out of the hood, but I got pregnant my first year college at Baltimore City community college where I studied computer science. After having my daughter, I decided to return to college to graduate I went to graduate with an Associates from Southern Vermont college in 2009 with the Liberal arts degree and also studied child development, which then led to me transferring Coppin State University to study behavior to earn a bachelors degree. During my time in Vermont, I broke many records in the in NECC conference for basketball one being number six in my conference for rebounds. While in Vermont and while attending college, I started my journey and mental health becoming a residential counselor for adolescence, and also a basketball coach for an alternative high school. Once I graduated Vermont, I moved back to Baltimore to continue working in my field of mental health while I worked at the Board, childcare, Childrens Guild and good Shepherd center, While taking on a full-time job in mental health. I started my career working at Elevations hair salon, which was the first salon I’ve ever worked in. Baltimore is also where I started my Public Relations career with Charm City Records. After working so hard in my community, I decided that I wanted to spread love all over the world and every way I was capable of doing so. In 2012 I decided to move to Charlotte North Carolina to continue working in music, sports, hair, education and mental health. I work with adults with autism, I worked in afterschool programs, I taught seventh grade math at KIPP Charlotte Charter School where I became the first coach to have an undefeated season, coaching girls, basketball.
In 2013. I decided to get my Natural Hair Care Specialist license and my Natural Hair Care Specialist instructors license. At the time all you needed was 10 years experience in order to take the state board exams, which I passed with flying with flying colors. We had to know the anatomy physiology from the neck up along with sanitation and other cosmetology, standards and skills. we had to take a practical test and a written test Well teaching at KIPP academy, I decided to work part time doing natural hair at Nu-U Hair Salon. Where are managed other stylist and barbers created a what I called a 90-90 program for high school students. I would visit her schools to talk about life after cosmetology school. Students have 90% in attendance and a 90% grade average to be in the program. Once I got somewhat settled in the Queen City I continued to pursue my love for the music industry working along side of Craig Martin Productions as an executive assistant that led to me becoming a celebrity blogger for Major and up and coming Artist, Producers, Engineers and DJ’s. I interviewed artist like Yo Gotti, YG, Janelle Monae, Ty Dollar$ and did my first promo run with Problem. I’ve always been a determined individual who harbored dreams of making it big in the bustling city of Los Angeles. Despite the uncertainty and the daunting challenges ahead, I was undeterred and resolute in my pursuit of success.
With a passion for public relations, hair care, sports, and education burning brightly within them, I took a leap of faith and decided to relocate to LA to chase my dreams and push my daughter towards hers which is film and acting. However, there was one major hurdle – no money..
I turned to the power of the internet, scouring forums and online communities for any glimmer of hope and told my story on why I want to move here. It was there that they stumbled upon a post from a kind-hearted stranger offering a free one-way ticket to Los Angeles to someone in need.
Without hesitation, I reached out to the stranger, pouring my heart out and explaining my aspirations. To my amazement, the stranger was moved by my determination and passion and offered me the ticket without asking for anything in return
With the ticket in hand and a newfound sense of hope, I embarked on my journey to LA, filled with excitement and anticipation for what lay ahead. Upon arrival, I dove headfirst into the vibrant and competitive industries of public relations, hair care, sports, and education, facing challenges and setbacks along the way but never losing sight of my goals.
Through perseverance, hard work, and Gods plan I carved out a niche for myself in each chosen fields, making connections, building relationships, and leaving a lasting impact wherever I went. My first PR gig was to cover rapper “The Game” Streets of Compton Documentary as a blogger. Next I went on to start my journey in education by working as a PE teacher at KIPP SOL academy in East LA. From there I played basketball in leagues all over LA from Basketball Beauties to Veniceball league where my teams won the championship for Basketball Beauties and earned MVP for Veniceball women edition. I begin networking amongst the sports community to build a clientle for hair. My hair career led me to spend 6 years working at RVM salons where celebrities took notice of my skills. Shortly after I began to book major opportunities like commercials for Nike, Adidas, Michelob Ultra Just to name a few and NAACP Image awards fashion show. I recently completed my certification as a Hair Loss Practitioner and studying Trichology and while pregnant with my now four month old baby boy I started my own Vegan friendly hair care product called Ètre Plus Naturel meaning Be More Natural in French and I opened my own Hair Studio (Game Loc’d Hair Studio) with 6 booths in Leimert Park Servicing my community with building confidence to embrace their natural hair. One of my biggest accomplishments in 2023 was landing an Instructors gig to teach a class on Natural Hair and Locs in London. One on one classes and group classes are now available. Sunday school is coming very soon to Game Loc’d Hair Studio and I am currently working on looking for a new location to open a medical clinic for hair loss serving all ethnic groups and hair textures for ages 21 and up. As determined as I am, I am so thankful I did not give up. I experienced homelessness in the midst and over came the toughest hurdles of my life as I look back on my journey from that fateful one-way flight to the bustling streets of Los Angeles, I knew that I had truly found my place in the world, living out my dreams one day at a time.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back the ability to maintain a positive mindset, having the ultimate discipline and standing up for myself by getting out of my own way. I put my pride to the side and asked for help. For those at the outset of their journey chasing their dreams, here are some pieces of advice to develop and improve:
I advise others to First Define Your Goals: Clearly define your dreams and goals in each area you’re pursuing. Knowing what you want to achieve will guide your actions and keep you focused. 2. Continuous Learning: Embrace a mindset of continuous learning. Stay curious and open to new ideas, trends, and developments in your fields of interest. Take courses, attend workshops, and read relevant books to expand your knowledge base. 3. Network: Build and nurture relationships with others in your industries. Networking can open doors to opportunities, provide mentorship, and offer support during challenging times. 4. Embrace Resilience: Understand that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Develop resilience by viewing failures as learning experiences and opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. 5. Take Action: Break down your goals into smaller, actionable steps and consistently take action towards them. Progress may be slow at times, but each step forward brings you closer to your dreams. 6. Seek Feedback: Be open to feedback from peers, mentors, and experts in your fields. Constructive criticism can help you identify areas for improvement and refine your skills. 7. Stay Balanced: Prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Burning out won’t help you achieve your dreams in the long run. Take breaks, exercise, and engage in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. 8. Adaptability: Be adaptable and willing to pivot when necessary. Industries evolve, trends change, and new opportunities arise. Stay flexible and be willing to adjust your approach as needed to stay aligned with your goals and by following these principles and staying committed to your journey, you can steadily develop and improve your skills, resilience, and chances of success in pursuing your dreams.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
As the founder of a hair loss practitioner clinic, I am excited to expand my offerings by launching a natural hair care product line. Recognizing the importance of holistic solutions for hair health, I am seeking to collaborate with partners who share my passion for creating effective and sustainable products. By combining my expertise in hair loss treatment with the innovative ideas and resources of potential collaborators, we can develop high-quality products that meet the diverse needs of our clientele. Together, we aim to empower individuals to achieve healthier, stronger hair while promoting natural ingredients and environmentally conscious practices. Through this collaboration, we envision not only enhancing the services of our clinic but also making a positive impact on the lives of those struggling with hair loss.
With that being said I am looking to connect with like minds from every walk of like that shows the same interest in The Music Industry, Sports, Education and Hair
Contact Info:
- Website: http://LocstylesbyM.com
- Instagram: @LocstylesbyM.com
Image Credits
Tyree Harris
