Today we’d like to introduce you to Chyna High.
Hi Chyna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
As a child, I always loved playing with my hair. I started with my doll baby heads just playing around. Then I started playing with my hair & doing my eyebrows. Next, it became my friends & family’s hair and eyebrows. One day, I decided to take it to the next level and went to school for it. I then learned how to do hair better than ever, nails, and some feet action as well, lol.
I took a downfall having all of the wrong friendships and relationships for years. Battling mental illnesses (till this day). But I never gave up. Doing hair and other things became my passion. God brought me up out of some dark places because I couldn’t stay there, I had dreams to follow so I never gave up. I ended up having two beautiful little girls in the process. Took a break. And came back better than ever. I started to invent products such as all-purpose hair and body oil, Chapstick, soap, body wash, etc. Made some clothing. Eyebrow and body waxing. Now, I’m learning the art of tattooing. Some may say I do too much. But I never limit myself, because I never know what I’ll like or what’s for me until I try it. I like to see what I can do with these blessed hands.
I am a self-made business owner. My work pretty much speaks for itself so I don’t have to, being as though I’m not much of a speaker, lol. All of my products are organic and can be custom-made to your liking. Various sizes, various scents, and various products. They even can repair damaged skin, nails, and hair over time. I’ve been doing this business consistently for about 4 years, 10+ years with a few breaks in between. I am looking to expand my business through much-needed networking. But only in God’s time will I be ready for expansion and I am willing to wait.
I chose this path because as a child my grandmother owned a shop in her basement before she got sick and passed on. And my mother would always tell me I am better than what I think of myself. So, one day, after a long journey of working through different jobs, I was placed in a situation that got me thinking about some real-life decisions. It was then placed on my heart to start doing God’s work and start relaying the bricks for the foundation of what my grandmother started but couldn’t finish. Not just because this is my passion and how I make a living for myself and my two little lovely girls. But because THIS is my grandmother’s legacy! And it shall live on through me and my children. I will never give up!
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has not always been smooth sailing though. Some of the challenges I had come into contact with were mental and physical abuse from friends and lovers. Also, losing jobs due to not being able to afford childcare at all times. No childcare means I can’t work my shifts properly leading to having no job.
No job means no income. No income means no money to fund my business. Which led me to the challenge of dealing with my mental illnesses all at once. I deal with manic bipolar depression anxiety and PTSD. It was so hard and I wanted to give up daily, but I never did. Being a single parent was my most challenging obstacle because I never really had any help which made me take a lot of focus off of my business.
I had a lot of people use me for what I could offer but never love me for who I am. And that is also challenging too because you never know who you can’t trust. Which is not easy to fathom because it leaves a distrustful taste in your mind. But my mother and children are always in my corner uplifting me and giving me words of encouragement to maintain the faith and keep pressing on. So, I’m doing just that. Pressing on!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a beautician and upcoming tattoo artist. I specialize in loc maintenance and braiding. But I can do all things such as weave placement, roller sets, marcel curls, etc. I also make a line of organic products that I am most proud of.
I believe the one thing that sets me apart from others is the fact that I know I’m not for everybody and everybody is not for me. I love what I do and I’m not just in it for the money. So, I choose not to be gullible with my business damaging my sanity just to make a living.
I want ppl to feel and endure the organics of my brand and not just know it. I know that when people sit in my chair my hands are like magic to them. Why jeopardize that by being credulous and taking on clients that are against my aura? Keeping God close is really what truly sets me apart from others.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
I would like to first give thanks to God; my creator, my father, my first love, my provider, my healer, and my protector. My children for keeping me on my toes.
My mother for always being there, reminding me that I am a good mother and to keep my head up through it all. And although I haven’t mentioned her any other time, my aunt because without her convincing me that this is my destiny, I would’ve never begun my journey.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @_shychychi_
- Facebook: Andy Hightower
