We had the good fortune of connecting with Cedricka Ross and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Cedricka, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
1. Passion For My Craft – “ Hair has always been more than just a job for me. To me it’s a ART! Formed in a way to help people feel confident in their own skin. I knew early on that I didn’t just want to style hair – I wanted to create experiences”.
2. Seeing The Gaps – “ Working from any and everywhere I could, I started noticing that things could be better – whether it was lack of personal connection or limited creativity. I desired more freedom to truly take care of my clients as they deserved”.
3. Vision For Something More – “ I kept imagining a space that wasn’t just about hair – but about comfort , self expression and trust. Somewhere where clients could feel heard, seen and leave feeling like their best selves”.
4. The Turning Points – “ There came a point when I realized I had the skills, the vision and the drive – and the only thing left was to bet on myself. Starting my own business was about stepping into my power and creating a brand that reflects on who I am as a stylist and overall a person”.
5. Building a Brand with Purpose – “ My goal isn’t just to do great hair – it’s to build a community, empower client’s and set a new standard in how we approach beauty and care”.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My hairstyling journey has been anything but easy—but it’s been worth every step.
What sets me apart isn’t just the styles I create—it’s the experience I offer. For me, it’s about connection, confidence, and care. I take pride in really listening to my clients, understanding their vision, and helping them express who they are through their hair. Whether it’s a bold transformation or just keeping things fresh, every client leaves my chair feeling like their best self.

Getting to where I am today took grit, faith, and hustle.
I started with a dream, a few tools, and a lot of heart. There were days I doubted myself, moments when things didn’t go as planned, and seasons that felt overwhelming—but I kept showing up. I leaned on God, kept refining my craft, and never stopped learning. Every challenge taught me something new, whether it was about business, resilience, or simply staying true to my purpose.

What I’m most proud of is the growth—not just of my business, but of who I’ve become.
There’s nothing like seeing clients light up after a fresh style or watching them return because they trust not just my hands, but my heart. That kind of impact means everything to me.

What I want the world to know is this:
This isn’t just a business—it’s a calling. I’m here to create beauty, build confidence, and pour into every person who sits in my chair. My brand is built on faith, authenticity, and excellence. And I’m just getting started.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend came to visit, here’s how I’d show them the BEST time in the city:

Day 1 – Welcome to Wynwood
We’d kick things off in my favorite neighborhood—Wynwood. First stop: a walk through Wynwood Walls, snapping pics with the murals, soaking in all the color and creativity. Then we’d grab lunch at KYU—their wood-fired dishes are unmatched. After that, we’d hit Wynwood Marketplace or 1-800-Lucky for drinks, music, and that local vibe. We’d wrap the night at Dante’s HiFi—a vinyl bar that’s got soul and a whole vibe.

Day 2 – Beach Day & Chill
We’d head over to South Beach for a classic Miami moment—sun, waves, and people-watching. Lunch at Joia Beach or The Local House—somewhere where the views and the menu are both giving. Later, maybe a rooftop drink at Serena at the Moxy, then a laid-back dinner at Mandolin Aegean Bistro in the Design District.

Day 3 – Art, Style, and Shopping
We’d hit the Miami Design District—walk around, window shop high fashion, stop into ICA Miami for a dose of modern art. We’d grab an espresso at Pura Vida and then lunch at Swan. That night, we’d get dressed up for dinner at Komodo—amazing food, stunning design, and a little bit of glam.

Day 4 – Little Havana & Culture Day
We’d spend the day in Little Havana—starting with Cuban coffee at Versailles, exploring Calle Ocho, and catching some live music or a domino game at Domino Park. Then maybe hit up Ball & Chain for dancing, mojitos, and that classic Miami energy.

Day 5 – Self-Care & Luxury Vibes
Mid-week reset: spa day at The Standard Spa or Lapis Spa in the Fontainebleau. After that, brunch at The Rusty Pelican in Key Biscayne for those insane water views. At night, we’d do sushi and cocktails at Zuma.

Day 6 – Local Gems & Hidden Spots
We’d go explore more off-the-beaten path: brunch in Coconut Grove, a nature walk at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, and sunset views from South Pointe Park Pier. Dinner at Glass & Vine, then maybe a cool speakeasy like The Anderson or Mini Bar in South Beach.

Day 7 – Full Circle Back to Wynwood
We’d close the trip where we started—with coffee at Panther Coffee, street tacos at Coyo Taco, and last-minute shopping at local boutiques and art pop-ups. Maybe a final rooftop toast at No. 3 Social or a chill wine-down moment at Lagniappe.

Some of my favorite things about this city:
The art, the culture, the way you can go from beach to gallery to rooftop in a single day. And the people—bold, stylish, creative, and full of hustle. Just like myself.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
All glory to God.
None of this would’ve been possible without His guidance, strength, and favor. Every step of my journey in hairstyling—every lesson, every breakthrough, every client that sat in my chair—was ordered by Him. When things felt uncertain, He gave me clarity. When I felt tired, He gave me strength. And when I doubted myself, He reminded me of the calling on my life.

This success isn’t just mine—it’s a reflection of God’s grace and faithfulness. I’m just walking in the purpose He laid out for me.

Thank You, God, for being my foundation every step of the way.

Instagram: ShellzBeautyBar

Twitter: @_akcirdec

Facebook: Dricka Ross

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shellzbeautybar?si=leOt5LcjvnlqA1nc

Other: TikTok: _shellzbeautybar

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