Today we’d like to introduce you to Kadijah Hill
Hi Kadijah, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My passion for hair started when I was around nine years old. Most of my family members are in the hair business, so I grew up watching my family styling clients almost everyday. My mom noticed my interest in hair and decided to buy me a Bratz doll, which back in the day it was just the head of the doll to perfect my craft. Once I perfected how to braid hair including how to do braid designs, it just took off from there. I started braiding the kids hair in the neighborhood and even started braiding adults hair at just nine years old. Back then I wasn’t charging because I was just excited to show off my skills, passion and grateful for each opportunity to get better as a braider. As I got older at one point I did slowly start to drift away from wanting to continue to pursue hair. I wanted to be able to experience having a childhood and not base it solely on hair. However, no matter how many times I drifted away, the passion for hair that’s in my heart always found a way to pull me back. I continued back braiding throughout college in Gainesville, FL to make extra cash. I moved back to Fort Lauderdale, FL in 2018 after giving birth to my daughter Gianna. I decided to get a full time job at a call center and a night time job as a waitress to support my daughter but honestly I was miserable. I remember feeling like I wasn’t living in my purpose. I remember sitting on the porch having a conversation with my friend Yasmine expressing to her how I felt. She then asked me what do I feel God’s purpose is for my life instead of the purpose I want for my life. I told her I feel my purpose is to help people. She then reminded me that I’m doing just that when I’m providing hair services. I’m helping people feel better about themselves when they’re in my chair. Later that night I prayed and asked God that if doing hair is truly my calling to send me the name of what my business should be. Instantly I heard I Am That Creations. I decided to quit my job and trust God’s purpose for my life. I then enrolled in cosmetology school at Florida Academy of Health and Beauty. Let me just say, the journey wasn’t easy but that was the best decision I could’ve ever made! Not only did God give me the talent and the vision but here we are four years later and he’s still providing the clients! I’m also able to speak life into every client who sits in my chair. Hair isn’t just a hobby to me, it’s my purpose.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Let me be the first to say it definitely wasn’t always easy! There were times I was completely booked and there were times my calendar was empty. There was times I’ll lose motivation from comparing the progress of my business to others. There was times were I’ll get overwhelmed with being a single mom of two while trying to build a business. There were times I questioned if I made the right decision. There were times I got depressed because I just wanted to be great but felt I was getting overlooked and making no progress. There were times I felt hurt that the people I thought would support me didn’t but I sat back and watched them willingly support others. There were times I wanted to quit but then I’ll remember my purpose. God never said it would be easy but he did promise he would not allow me to fail as long as I continue to trust in him. “ Let go and let God have his way in your life, and he will bless you exceedingly, abundantly, above all that you can ask or think”Ephesians 3:20. I had to remember that every challenge I faced pursuing my purpose was just a test of my faith which eventually turned into my testimony to help someone else. I could seriously write a book.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a versatile hairstylist but I mostly specialize and known for braids. The services I provide other than braids are sew-ins, Locs retwist, silk press, lace installs, hair coloring, Locs install, beginner Locs, natural hair styles and hair treatments. I also provide eyelash extensions and nails services. I’m proud of the fact that no matter what life threw at me, I never gave up but instead went harder. I’m proud to see my passion for hair has rubbed off on my 5 years old daughter to the point she’s been learning how to braid hair. I proud to be able to say I’m living in my purpose. There’s tons of hairstylist in the world but what sets me apart from others is my main goal is for every client to feel like “I am that” after receiving a service from me. Rather it’s I am that business woman, I am beautiful, I am strong, I am an inspiration, I am who God called me to be and etc. For my clients to be able to stay true to who they are and allow their confidence to speak for them! But mostly importantly, to make God proud.
Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory would have to be when I lived in Tallman Pines, which back then was known as The Villas. My friends and I would come together and do each other’s hair. One person would be on the floor getting their hair braided by the person sitting on the chair. While the person sitting in the chair is getting their hair braided by the person who’s standing up! Lol! It was a service for service before we actually knew what that meant. That allowed us to create a sisterhood and I’m proud to see some of them are still currently providing hair services today.
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