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Jamilah Ewing
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Q. Tell everyone who you are and what you do?
A. My name is Jamilah Ewing. I’m a
Beauty Consultant, Entrepreneur and Author.
Q. Who has been some of your biggest influencers?
A. My biggest influences are my mother and grandmothers, Toni
Morrison, Bebe Moore Campbell,
Zora Neale Hurston, Alice Walker,
Nikki Giovanni and Sonia Sanchez.
Q. Let’s talk about your new book “The Prototype” and the motivation behind the book?
A. The motivation behind The
Prototype was to show a very human side to the black woman experience. People always speak to the strength and resilience of the Black Women as it’s a compliment. It’s how we survive!
I would like to create a space where, through these characters, we can acknowledge the shame resilience, emotional unhealthiness and covered up trauma that we don’t necessarily talk about. These characters make decisions, act and react having to carry this baggage.
Most of the time we hide and keep secrets in order to survive and cope.
Q. Being a salon owner what has been some of your biggest challenges?
A. Some of the biggest challenges are: the industry has changed so much. There was a time when ladies got dressed to come to the salon and it was an event! People talk and catch up. The Friday
Crew in the book is a shout out to that. It’s now about YouTube and
Instagram trends. Then there’s the juggle of clients and your personal life, salon management, resolving everyone’s issues and now COVID-19. Even if you’re exhausted you have to be found leading and directing.
Q. Who would be someone you would love to do hair?
A. I would love to have Erykah Badu in my chair. I think it would be an incredible experience.
Q. Where do you see yourself in the next three years?
A. In the next three years I plan to be producing and directing.
Q. Are you working on any new projects or upcoming events?
A. Yes! We have our Prerelease Book
Signing event on June 26th and our release date is August 5th. I just finished my children’s book and we are in the process of writing the screenplay.
Q. Tell us what has been your most memorable achievement or award you have received?
A. This is my first book, so the biggest achievement so far is making it into the top 15 on Amazon’s new release list. I did get a chance to style my favorite MC Monie Love, so that was a thrill!
Q. What advice can you give to others that want to pursue a career in your field?
A. Don’t follow the crowd, most of them are lost anyway. Follow your heart, Don’t give up. Do the research.
Q. Where can the readers follow you?
A. IG @mahoganydesignstudio @ ewingjamilah FB /jamilahewing.
“Don't follow the crowd, most of them are lost anyway. Follow your heart, Don't give up. Do the research. ”
