Onward & Upward: Ep. 4 with Wankaya Hinkson
One Such Accomplished Woman is Wankaya Hinkson, Celebrity Hairstylist & CEO of ONE by Wankaya. Thanks so much to Annita for joining us for Season One of Onward & Upward with Leslie E. Royal, brought to you by Ashro.
Watch Episode 4: In the VIP Hair Suite with Wankaya Hinkson now:
What does Onward & Upward Mean to you?
“Keep pushing forward. You’re going to get obstacles put in front of you. That’s the way life is set up. Keep pushing forward. Keep moving onward, keep going upward. I love that saying,” – Wankaya Hinkson
Wankaya Hinkson is the epitome of inspiration with a large dose of excellence to accompany her remarkable skills. The leading hairstylist, creative director, and business owner undeniably revamped what hair care, beauty, and entrepreneurship looks like. Born in Bronx, New York to Jamaican parents, Wankaya’s mother moved her and her siblings to Lithonia, Georgia to create a better life for her children. Wankaya connected with hairstyling as a child, who would watch with intense interest as her mother styled and nurtured her and her siblings’ hair.
Wankaya would eventually begin to style her hair because she was drawn into the love of hair and to help her mother cut down on the time it took to do all of their hair. Wankaya is the proud mother of twins, a loving sister, daughter, aunt, and friend, along with being an astute leader in the beauty industry.
Wankaya’s first major opportunity in the hair industry would come while working at a salon in Downtown Atlanta when the owner, Moe Cole, extended her the chance to work on a new Tyler Perry project. Since that first opportunity over a decade ago, she has graced countless television and film sets and created astonishing looks for stars such as Gabrielle Union, Jill Scott, Essence Atkins, Lynn Whitfield, Robin Givens, Russell Brand, Nicole Beharie, Loretta Devine, John David Washington, and many more.
Wankaya has since become a staple hair care expert in Atlanta and around the country. As one of the only African American hairstylists to hold a Local 706 and 798 dual hair union card in the film, television, and print industry, she has fought to balance a hectic career with family life and running her own business.
Wankaya curated ONE by Wankaya (“ONE”) hair care line as a solution to everyday issues many men and women constantly experienced with their hair. The ONE product line includes a Rosemary and Tea Tree Shampoo, Rosemary and Avocado Conditioner, Growth Serum, Hair Smoothies, and a Rice Water Hair Treatment, to name just a few products from her ever-expanding brand.
Wankaya never loses sight of what her calling is and what is yet to come for her. Wankaya believes God has carefully guided her path and blessings. She is aware that everything she does is for the benefit of others, as she is confident that one of her purposes in life is to create a hair care line that helps women, men, and children embrace both their outer and inner beauty. Wankaya’s nurturing hands and innovative mind is limitless in bringing the world an abundance of gorgeous transformations, which she intends to do – ONE creation at a time.
Thank you for inspiring us, Wankaya!
Would you like to be featured in future episodes? Or do you know someone who has made a significant impact on the Black community? Email us today!
Ashro Brand Ambassador Leslie E. Royal is also an author, international freelance writer, product review expert, and global travel journalist. Her articles have appeared in numerous publications including: Medium, ESSENCE, Black Enterprise, FORTUNE.com, AAA Southern Traveler, Upscale, Upscale Living, and The Ashro Blog. She is the creator of the Leslie’s Lane consumer information blog and author of two books. Visit her Instagram and Amazon Author page
