Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira Kali.
Hi Shakira, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey has been anything but traditional. I grew up in Detroit and spent much of my childhood as a competitive figure skater, a sport that taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of showing up even when things get hard.
After facing several unexpected life turns, I eventually found my way into the beauty industry and became a licensed cosmetologist. What started as a passion for hair evolved into a career that has allowed me to work in salons, weddings, editorial shoots, television, and film productions. Today, I serve clients both behind the chair and on set while continuing to grow my brand, Deeply Rooted + Co.
My path has also been shaped by significant personal loss, grief, faith, and healing. Losing loved ones, navigating life’s challenges, and overcoming difficult seasons taught me the importance of purpose and perseverance. Those experiences strengthened my relationship with God and inspired me to build a business rooted in intention, faith, and service.
Today, I am an entrepreneur, author, hairstylist, and creative director committed to helping people feel confident while creating spaces that encourage growth, healing, and community. Everything I do is guided by the belief that God planted the vision, and it is my responsibility to nurture the roots.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but every challenge has helped shape my journey.
Before becoming a hairstylist and entrepreneur, I was a competitive figure skater for many years. Walking away from something I loved and figuring out my next chapter wasn’t easy. Later, I found my passion in the beauty industry and built a career that has taken me from behind the salon chair to television, film, weddings, and editorial work.
Along the way, I’ve experienced personal loss, grief, health challenges, and seasons of rebuilding. Losing loved ones, navigating unexpected life transitions, and balancing entrepreneurship while maintaining a full-time career tested me in ways I never imagined.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success is rarely a straight path. There have been moments when I questioned myself, faced setbacks, or had to start over, but those experiences strengthened my faith, resilience, and sense of purpose.
Today, I view obstacles differently. What once felt like setbacks often became the very things that prepared me for the next season of my life. Every challenge has contributed to the woman, entrepreneur, author, and creative I am today, and for that, I’m grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist, entrepreneur, author, and creative director with more than a decade of experience in the beauty industry. My work spans salon services, weddings, editorial projects, television, film, and commercial productions. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work with a diverse range of clients while building a reputation for creating intentional, polished looks that enhance confidence and tell a story.
I specialize in healthy hair care, extensions, and creating personalized experiences for my clients. I am also the founder of Deeply Rooted + Co., a faith-centered beauty and lifestyle brand focused on healthy hair, intentional living, and personal growth.
What I’m most proud of is building a career that reflects both my creativity and my purpose. Beyond styling hair, I strive to create experiences where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. My work is rooted in faith, authenticity, and service, and those values guide everything I do.
What sets me apart is my ability to bridge multiple worlds. I work behind the chair, on production sets, and as a business owner while also mentoring, writing, and building community. I don’t just focus on beauty, I focus on the whole person. Whether I’m working with a client, developing a brand, or creating on set, my goal is always the same: to leave people better than I found them.
At the heart of everything I do is the belief that God planted the vision, and it’s my responsibility to nurture the roots.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay committed to your journey, even when the results aren’t immediate. We often see the finished product and compare ourselves to someone else’s success without realizing the years of work, sacrifice, and setbacks that happened behind the scenes.
I also wish I had understood earlier that building a career is about more than talent. Relationships, consistency, professionalism, and character matter just as much as skill. Opportunities often come from how you treat people and the reputation you build over time.
Don’t be afraid to start before you feel ready. Some of my greatest growth came from saying yes to opportunities that stretched me beyond my comfort zone. Be willing to learn, ask questions, seek mentors, and remain teachable.
Most importantly, don’t let setbacks convince you to quit. Every challenge I’ve faced has taught me something valuable and helped prepare me for the next chapter. Trust the process, stay rooted in your purpose, and keep showing up. Success rarely happens overnight, but consistency has a way of opening doors that talent alone cannot.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.shakirakali.com
- Instagram: Shakirakali
- Facebook: Shakirakali
