We had the good fortune of connecting with Shakundra Martin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shakundra, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I will be the first to say being a entrepreneur and running a business it not the easiest thing. But if you have a passion for it and if you can’t see yourself living life without it you must keep going . No matter what you have to keep the faith in God and have faith in yourself. You are worth succeeding in your dreams so never give up. The hard work will pay off.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
I strive everyday to be the best and do my best . It is very important to me that I’m professional and my clients leave feeling in love with themselves and their hair . I pride myself on being a great listener. I listen to what my clients goals are for their hair and collaborate with them on what’s best. I specialize in keeping the client hair healthy no matter what. I’m most proud of my success and where I am today. I got where i am in my business by believe and having faith in God. Also pushing myself to learn as much as i can about the business and different techniques. Staying focused and believing in myself that no matter what i go through or what’s happens to keep on going. It was definitely not easy at all . It was a few challenges i went through. But i believe being a hairstylist is my calling and I have a strong passion for it. Through all the naysayers and fake friends, through all the no you can’t do that I’m still here . I learned to stay focused and strive everyday to learn as much as I can and implement that at my salon . I want people to know I’m a strong woman. I’m loyal and I give my all to the things and people I love. I’m dependable and passionate on what I believe in. My brand keeps it professional , stay intune with the times, and allow the client to achieve their hair goals while keeping a smile on their face. I want everything entrepreneur to keep their head up stay focused and never give up on your dreams and passions.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I love when my family and friends come visit me in Houston. It excites me to open them up to new things. I may not look like but I’m a foodie. I love food and love to eat and try great tasting foods. So I would definitely take them to get great food. A few of my places I love is Steak 48 , Lucille’s , and of course I couldn’t forget the breakfast Klub. I also love me a good happy hour. A few places I go for good drinks for a great price are Prospect Park and Ra Sushi. I also love comedy shows and concerts. So I would find a good show that is going on at the time their visiting.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out the last salon I worked at. Mainly the owner of the salon Earker Coleman. As soon as I came to her salon she took me in like I was one of her own. I’ve never seen a woman that was so strong and so passionate about her business. She had a hair salon and a connecting barber shop. She had at one point at least 20 or more operators in her salon. The way she didn’t allow nothing nor no one to tear her down. She seen the leadership in me I’m guessing from the first time meeting me. I was the youngest and less experienced in the salon . But I think she seen something in me special. After working in her salon for 4 years or so she appointed me to be the salon manager. I was elated and so happy. I was excited but nervous all at the same time. And from then on I think everything I went through and learned being in that position helped form and shape me into the business owner I am today.

Website: Xthstudio.com
Instagram: Shakundra_hairartist
Facebook: Xclusive Touch Hair Studio
Yelp: Xclusive Touch Hair Studio