Natural Fashionista: Simeko

You may already recognize our “resident” hair care pro from our Ask the Pro series here on the blog. Or you may have seen her work around the web and in magazines. What you may not know is that this natural hair pro is just as fierce in fashion as she is in beautifying the manes of many.

We met some years back through a mutual friend and discovered that we shared a passion for natural hair and hair care education. We’ve been supporting the endeavors of one another ever since. ♥

Say hello…

Hey Blooming Naturals!  My name is Simeko and I’m owner of Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa & Boutique located in Orange, NJ.  I was born & raised in Harlem, NY but now I’m a Jersey Gal (although Harlem still runs through my veins).

How long have you been wearing your hair in its natural state?

I first learned to love and wear my hair natural back in 1994 when I started working at Khamit Kinks Salon in Brooklyn, NY.

What’s one of the biggest things you’ve learned on this journey thus far?

I would have to say that it’s loving and accepting what you’ve been blessed with as a unique individual… no one else has hair like yours!  Your hair is like your fingerprint.  Beautiful, healthy, natural hair comes in all textures, lengths and thickness.

Briefly tell us about your hair care routine and some of your go-to styles.

My routine is very simple… I keep my scalp/hair cleaned, moisturized and protected.  And, anyone that knows me knows, every time you see me I have a different style (that’s one of the best things about being a natural hair care professional). However, my go-to protective style is a Crochet Weave.  When I wear my hair out, it’s my Funky French Braids Updo.

Kinky Crochet

Some women have remarked that wearing their hair naturally has opened them up fashion-wise in that they take more risks. Do you find this to be true in your case?

Not really because I’ve always taken risks when it came to fashion.  I was never one to follow a trend… I wore what I liked!

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is versatile…BUT I ABSOLUTELY LOVE VINTAGE-CHIC!  

I love that you’re ‘fashionably frugal’ and have recently begun to feature this side of yourself on Instagram. What made you start doing this?

I always receive lots of complements on how nice I look and am usually asked, “where did you buy it?!” When I say it’s from a thrift shop and how much it cost me… people would be amazed. So I guess I just wanted show people that, yes, you can look like a million dollars and only spend a few bucks!

Where are your favorite places to shop?

I have to admit, I am a shopaholic…lol! I shop everywhere.  I can’t mention my favorite places because I’m working on a special project.  But I can say this, stay tuned because I will be sharing soon!  

What’s one or two tips you’d like to leave with the readers on making their dollar stretch while staying fashionable?

Real style is not about how much you pay for something, it’s about how you put it together!  

{Click photo for larger image}

Many thanks to Simeko for sharing with us! Make sure you follow her for natural hair AND inspiration on Facebook and Instagram. Of course, if you’re in the NJ area looking for a top notch salon to take care of those kinks and curls, see Simeko and her team at Meko, New York!

Read about Simeko’s journey and career in our in-depth interview here and stay tuned for more with her in our Ask the Pro Series! 

xoxo

Toia B.

Feature Image Credit: Simeko Watkins-Hartley- Owner & Creative Director of Meko, New York Natural Hair Care Spa & Boutique.  Hair: Rhonda B., Jennifer C., and Niara P. of Meko, New York; Makeup: Jemi of Au Touche Makeup Artistry