Chyna Bee is a celebrity stylist and also Tiwa Savage’s personal hairstylist. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she takes you into her world, working with celebrities, how she got into the Nigerian entertainment industry, travelling around the world, owning a beauty studio in New York and more.
WHAT inspired you to go into hair styling?
I know this sounds pretty clichéd, but I was born to do hair. This talent was given to me by God.
Ever since I was a little girl, I have always been fascinated by hair. I remember when my mom would buy me Barbie dolls and I would always look forward to switching up their hairstyles and trying out different looks. It was always so much fun for me.
I just felt an attraction towards hair and this attraction turned into a deep passion all my life. Not many people can say they are making a living from doing what they are genuinely passionate about.So I’m thankful to God for giving me the opportunity to live the life of my dreams.
What were you doing before this?
I’ve always been doing hair. My first time doing hair was actually on my sister. I was about 11 or 12 years old. But professionally, I would say I was 18 years old. Even though at the time, I was still charging really cheap rates. I was still young though, so charging people like 30 or $40 was okay for me.
Over time, my skills continued to evolve and my client base expanded at a rapid rate and it was so exciting seeing people’s reactions whenever I did their hair.
At a time when young people my age were still depending solely on their parents for finances, I was already making my own money; even though it wasn’t that much, still it felt empowering. The rest, as they say, is history.
I had my very own beauty studio in New York.
I have some of the biggest names in entertainment as my clients now, and I get to travel around the world as a result. And I’m also the founder of CB Beauty Bar which is located in Lekki Phase 1. It is a unisex one-stop location for all hair and beauty needs.
What was it like at the beginning?
The beginning of my professional career was a lot of fun because I got to experiment and explore my talents to the fullest.
A lot of people may not know this, but professionally, I didn’t start out as just a hair stylist.
I was a fashion stylist and makeup artist in addition to being a hair stylist.
I got involved in the Nigerian entertainment industry in 2012. In 2012, when EME was doing their UK tour, I started helping them get outfits for their shows because I knew where to get all the stylish clothes.
During the course of doing that, I then discovered that I had a real knack for wardrobe styling as so many artistes were so impressed with my style and creativity, and they would frequently ask me to do stuffs for them.
I then started consulting and styling for Nigerian artists while I was still living in New York. Then in 2013, I decided to move to Nigeria, and over time I became a very popular wardrobe stylist. I worked with notable celebrities like Iyanya, Patoranking, Skales, Emma Nyra, Wizkid, Banky W etc.
However, in 2016, I decided to fully concentrate on my first true love, which is hair styling.
How did you meet Tiwa Savage?
I met Tiwa through a referral. Her makeup artist at that time introduced me to her. I used to do her hair back in New York, when she lived in Philly. She used to come all the way to Brooklyn, which is three hours’ drive.
How long have you been with her?
The first time I ever worked with her was in 2012. After that, it was on and off because she always used to have her personal stylist. However, for the past four years, working with her has been very constant.
What inspires her style?
Lately, we’ve actually been doing a lot more soft braids which make her look really younger and it’s also easier to maintain when she travels. But apart from that, Tiwa is very simple when it comes to her hair. Less is always more. Her favourite hairstyle is the middle part about 20 inches long bone straight or loose waves (my fave too).
How has working with Tiwa influenced your career?
One very key way she has influenced my career is that I now have a better understanding about the business of showbiz from her perspective. People only see the glitz and glamour – the finished product. But what many don’t see is the massive amount of work, contract negotiations, strategy and planning that go into what you see as the final output. It’s not for the fainthearted and if you do not have a true passion for it, you can easily burn out and quit.
I’ve also been positively influenced because my worldview has broadened. Just seeing the big role she is playing in promoting African culture worldwide is phenomenal. Who would have thought that something as seemingly mundane as hair could serve as inspiration for various trends around the world? It’s amazing.
What do you admire most about her?
She’s a single mom that works her butt off! She’s a go-getter, and she is always different and stands out from the crowd at all times effortlessly. Her life is a testimony of the fact that if you never give up on your dreams, and stick with whatever passion God puts in your heart, when the time is right, you will reap the rewards.
Tell us about the other celebrities that you have worked with
I’ve worked with a few celebrities in the past on various shoots and projects, including (but not limited to) Tonto Dikeh, Waje, Omawumi, Minnie Dlamini, Funke Akindele, Niyola, Lillian Esoro, and Dorcas Shola Fapson.
You are opening you place soon. What makes it different from others?
The launch was actually on the 24th of November. It is a very simple, chic and classy spot.
It’s pretty much a unisex one-stop shop for all your hair and beauty needs, where you can get everything done at the same time at a very affordable price.
Every employee who works with me has years of vast experience in the beauty space. So you can rest assured that you will receive world class services at reasonable prices.
It was interesting to see some people’s reactions during the launch. They were genuinely surprised that such a state-of-the-art location in Lekki could be so affordable.
And that’s our value proposition really: you don’t have to break the bank to look good!
The facility houses a barbing salon, hair salon (includes a variety of services including custom wig making & styling), nail bar, lash and brow bar and makeup studio.
What are some of the memorable moments for you in the sector?
Memories never really get old, because the joy I get alone from each client’s satisfaction can never fade. That makes me happy.
I remember this one time when after I was done styling a lady’s hair, she actually cried! Yes, real tears of joy.
She was a new mom and had just been so overwhelmed with her new responsibilities as a mom that she had forgotten to take care of herself.
She was going on an anniversary date with her hubby and came to me to get her all glammed up. When she saw her hair after I was done, she cried and said I made her look so beautiful. Well, I think she was already beautiful anyway, but I guess the hairstyle enhanced her beauty and restored her confidence.
What lessons did you learn working with celebrities?
The most important and key value I have learned is thus: Never devalue your worth!
What are some of the things that you treasure most in life?
Loyalty and trust.
Are there challenges?
The long hours and frequently changing time zones in different countries. One minute I’m in California, next minute I’m in London and then I’m suddenly in Mombasa. It can take a toll and be quite physically and mentally exhausting.
But then I wouldn’t trade it for the world! I love my job and I’m so privileged to be doing what I love on a daily basis. It’s a priceless gift.
What are the other things that occupy your time?
Well apart from travelling all over the world, my man and my family (they don’t live here, so I can be on Facetime for hours every day.) I love them so much. Talking to them and being with them occupy my time.
Tell us about the people you admire?
My mom – my hero!
Oprah. She is a powerful woman!
If you had to advise young people, what would you tell them?
Stay true to yourself. Don’t sell out to the world, and do not let anyone tell you that your dreams are not valid.
Practice makes perfect. Keep working on your craft. When preparation meets opportunity, magic happens! Don’t give up; your breakthrough is just around the corner.
Where do you hope to be in the next few years?
Married with beautiful kids and opening more beauty studios all over the world!
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