Working Towards History: Celebrity Hairstylist Shedelle Holmes

Shedelle and Adrienne Bailon

So. I’ve known Shedelle for, I don’t know, like 15 years. We went to the same elementary and junior high school and went on the the same high school. For as long as I’ve known Deli (cause that’s what I call her), she’s always been the same sweet, caring and compassionate person. She’s been able to share that same amazing personality, along with her amazing talent with some of the most well known names in the country.   She has graced the likes of Naomi Campbell, Alicia Keys, Marsha Ambrosius, Adrienne Bailon, Jennifer Hudson, Keri Hilson and Tami Roman.  She’s gone on tours, worked fashion week, been featured in numerous magazines and has had her work showcased on many different television shows as well. Freelancing from a studio in Chealsea, NY (that’s in Manhattan for the out-of-towners) and also traveling to Atlanta, GA, Shedelle also caters to regular women such as you and I.

Specializing in hair extensions, this young professional has the world at her fingertips and is on her way to making history. With her talent, drive, and personality, there was no way she wouldn’t be successful.  I’m SO proud of Shedelle and all she’s accomplished.

If you’d like to find out more info on Shedelle or book her for yourself head over to her website shedelleholmes.info. Also, be sure to “Like” her Facebook fan page and follow her on Twitter @Hair_byShedelle for exclusive promotions and updates.

Black History Month – My Way.

I’m regular black. I’m a mix of Brooklyn and Queens. That’s it. My grandparents are all from NY, South Carolina and Georgia so I have a mix of Southern and New York upbringing. Further than that, do my ancestors branch off, yeah. But Lord knows, the history I know and am proud to claim is the history of Black America. I’m only six generations away from slavery on my mothers side, and I don’t know much about my fathers side (guess that would make an interesting post, if for no one else but me). I am proud of my history. This year for black history month, I’ve decided to ignore who or what organizations weren’t doing anything for black history month and focus on what TVE was going to do.  I decided that I would not only honor the past of black history by highlighting notable people, events and stories of the past, but I’d also honor their legacy by highlighting a few people who I feel are currently able to create black history because of all the sacrifices that have been made for us. In spotlighting the current moves in “black history” I’m giving us all the ability to add to that history by letting you support these men and women by supporting their art, craft and/or product.

I think as a culture, we’ve lost our way in many aspects. One in particular that stands out to me is the lack of support in the community.  In the past, we didn’t have a choice but to buy black. For the most part, no one else would work with us. Now that we have the “choice” to purchase what we want, many times supporting black business is an afterthought. Now, having worked many years in customer service, and being under the customer service umbrella of the company I currently work at, I am a huuuuge stickler for good if not amazing customer service. I know how many people feel about working with black people because they feel like it is such a chore. I understand that concern, but let me remind you, other cultures are not lacking in poor customer service. It’s a lack of work ethic, not the lack of melanin; let’s get that all the way straight. I know from experience there are plenty of black owned business who have provided stellar customer service, the same way that same experience has shown me that there are plenty of businesses owned by non blacks with horrible customer service.

During this month, everyday, I will post something about the past or something about the present. They’re kind of like stepping stones to the future; the past fostered our present, so that we can usher in, in conjunction with our past, a better future. So there’s my plan. I’ve been asking, and continue to ask, that if you are, or know of any black owned small business, whether you make jewelry, paint, do hair, makeup, dance, blog, are a comedian, have your own consulting firm, are a personal trainer WHATEVER, reach out to me!! I’d love to spotlight you and what you do. The fastest way is always emailing me at TheVixinExperience@gmail.com, but feel free to hit me on Twitter and Facebook as well.

So, to begin, I’d like to say thank you to my ancestors. Thank you for sacrificing and suffering so that I would have a chance to prosper. Not only do I owe it to my family to make a difference in the world, but I owe it to the countless number of men and women who made themselves a part of my history, by struggling so that I, a nameless unborn child wouldn’t know their same pains. Many of them knew they themselves wouldn’t see the day, but they still fought so that I could. My sincerest, deepest and most heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of these men and women. Thank you. Because of you, my dreams don’t have to stay dreams.