Life & Work with Rickele James

Today we’d like to introduce you to Rickele James. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Well, I have always been fascinated with art. Art is a way to express yourself so I feel the same with hair. I learned how to do my first cornrow braid at the age of 12 and it started from there. I always wore my hair different than other people in school. I was just always a trendsetter. Then, I went on to do my family members’ hair such as aunts, cousins, and even my mom to perfect my craft. Once I got into high school, I took it a little more serious so I offered my services to friends, classmates, and strangers. Marketing is everything so I definitely took A LOT of pictures to use for social media. I remember buying my first salon chair for the house and clientele just skyrocketed because many people in my area didn’t do half the styles I was providing. I was born in Chicago but raised in COLUMBUS, Ga which is funny because now I’m in Columbus, OH. I’ve been here off and on since 2019. So now I am here to dominate the hair industry as well. I want my impact to be huge before I leave this world. I want every woman I come across to at least say I slayed their hair and gave them an experience. It took tears, trial, and error as well as consistency to get to where I am today. I am so glad I never gave up the love of hair. I’m not in my ideal spot but I am still motivated so I continue to push every day. I didn’t go to school to get licensed for nothing. 

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Any time you’re providing a service to someone, it will never be a smooth road. I’ve definitely had a few rough days and bad reviews from clients whom were either not satisfied or just didn’t respect my time as a stylist. Some people would show up 30 minutes late and get mad at me when I stated there is a late fee. If I’m late, I will give a discount so it is only fair I charge you a late fee because now the client after you is pushed back which causes a domino effect. Even now, I’m mainly a wig artist but sometimes I struggle with myself in terms of not giving up. Entrepreneurship is not for the weak. You have to motivate yourself and be your own cheerleader. 

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist. I specialize in hair color, wigs, and silk presses. My hair color is top tier because again I see it as art. So, with that being said, I’m known for how I color hair so well. I’m proud of my entire skill set I have when it comes to hair. I’ve put in time learning different techniques to stay in the current trends. I give an experience when I provide my services. I make sure you get to know me on a personal but professional level as well to the point I feel like family. Being a hair stylist it’s almost like being a therapist so that is what sets ME apart from others in the field. 

What makes you happy?
What makes me happy is helping others. I don’t know why but I really love giving back to those who are unfortunate or as a gesture. In today’s world, it feels like there is no humanity. People are rude towards each other for no apparent reason so I just do my part in the world and hopefully, it rubs off on other people. 

Pricing:

• HANDS ON CLASS: Learn how to hand sew a wig-$200
• HANDS ON CLASS: Learn how to create a wig on machine-$650
• HANDS ON CLASS: Learn how to braid- $200
• Custom colored wig- $200 & up

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sokellzbeauty.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/_sokellz
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sokellzbeauty/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3x78AfnyNfTQO5NGW6Bo3g