Conversations with Yoneek Scott

I am was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Ever since I was a little girl I’ve had a passion for hair.” My Mom often tells me the story of how long I have been in love with hair. In fact, when I was about seven years old, I would eat beans -only- because she said my hair would grow long. At 16 years old, my favorite hairstylist told me, “You’ve got a knack for this hair thing.” Then in my late twenties, my favorite hairstylist saw me transition from a perm (or relaxed hair) to caring for and styling my own naturally curly hair. He would often say, “You got this natural hair thing down, girl; where did you learn that?”

Much of my journey hasn’t been about skill but more about faith, courage, and determination. In many ways, becoming a cosmetologist and Certified Sisterlocks Consultant made me a realize how deep my spirituality is and taught me that being a good human far outweighs my ability.

I was an Office Manager at a local hospital. I loved my job. Things got incredibly stressful, and I thought if only I could be laid off (Inside thought). Anyway, after much prayer, I was laid off. I felt like I was a caged bird set free. Now I could go to school for hair! I found an evening Cosmetology course for adults at a local high school. In the meantime, I would work on my friends to gain experience. Our school group became close-knit fast. We had so much to bond over, second chances at our life goals and our crazy lives. Soon though our budding optimism would be shaken.

Several months into our cosmetology program many found it difficult to keep up with their school tuition. Others had become distracted. And our dear instructor felt in over her head; it was her first year teaching an entire Cosmetology class on her own, and she felt she lacked much of the supplies and support she needed. The result? I had to seek additional classes from another school out of pocket to get training for the state board examination. What is more, I was the only student to graduate from our class. Also, the program ended directly after my graduation. Fortunately, before all of this, I had taken up the only apprenticeship we were offered at a local hair salon that suited my needs; a hip local hair salon that specialized in naturally curly hair. I treasured much of what I learned there, but soon it was time to move on. I was nervous. What would another salon be like? After all, I was only a year in the game, as they would say.

I had my eye on a salon within walking distance of my home. I prayed and prayed. They were a family-owned salon. A completely different demographic. Yet this warm, loving, and open-minded Italian family decided they would love to add a Jamaican flair to their team, and the experience was Golden.

Life happens, right? My third year in the game, with a bittersweet achy feeling in our hearts my husband and I decided we needed to move out of state to Florida for a better life, to be closer to our family, away from the harsh winter and opportunities of more affordable housing. The salon team and I were super emotional. We had bonded as a salon family for a year, and now we were saying good-bye.

I was hesitant to start my Sisterlocks business. By this time, I had never used my Sisterlocks training I had received about 5 years prior. I would take refresher courses to stay current as a Consultant Trainee, but I was so doubtful of my proficiency with of all the details required to become a Certified Consultant. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” Many naturally-curly hair ladies in Florida needed different styles to accommodate the humid climate. So, what worked in cooler climates wasn’t going to be my bread and butter here; I had to adapt. I prayerfully kept working hard, submitting my required details to become a Certified Consultant.

I wanted to work for myself by myself. With this vision, we purchased our first home, only to find out shortly afterward that we were not zoned for a home-based hair salon. I was devastated! I continued praying constantly. Shortly after this news, to my pleasant surprise and relief, I happened to meet a salon owner in the supermarket who complimented my hair. She and her husband worked at a local salon as hairstylist and barber and wanted someone to fill a space. I was able to set my own booth rental agreement.

It was during this time we experienced the pandemic. Despite this, my business continued to grow. The three of us made a good trio. We enjoyed our time working together. A year later, I was able to rent my very own Salon suite and shortly thereafter become an official Certified Sisterlocks Consultant.

For the first time in my secular career, I am established. I feel very confident in my abilities and continue to grow and learn. I love my clientele. Much of whom have become like a Sisterhood for me. Through all my adversities, I always prayerfully preserved and looked for creative ways to overcome them. I would be remiss if I did not mention the priceless value of prayer and support of my family who have been there in ways I would fail to have space to mention. I live in gratitude for the blessings of my journey and all who have been a part of it. I hope my story will be an inspiration for all who read it.

Love,

Yoneek

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Cosmetologist and Certified Sisterlocks Consultant

I specialize in naturally curly haircare and Sisterlocks techniques. I bring a genuine love and warm to my craft that is uniquely my own. My techniques are of the highest quality because of my love of integrity to the craft and attention to detail. I endeavor to treat others the way I would like to be treated.

I am most proud of how confident I am.

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
One of my fondest childhood memories is being interviewed at a local radio station, reading a story from a book entitled “My Book of Bible Stories” at age 6. The host was fascinated that I was reading so fluently from the age of 3. Thanks to my mom.