Check Out Ramdasha Bikceem’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ramdasha Bikceem.

Hi Ramdasha, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I moved to LA six years ago with a small inkling that I might want to pursue going to barber school. A year and a half later a friend encouraged me to get the full cosmetology license. I was advised not to go to expensive program. I went to Pasadena Community college. While I was in school, I started working as assistant on set. I also started volunteering at Project Q doing free haircuts once a month. They are salon and community program for primarily Black & Brown street involved LGBTQI Youth. After I graduated, I worked at the Project Q salon and continued to assist as a set hairstylist for various artists. Now today years later, I no longer work In the salon and just freelance as a set hairstylist.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I have been very blessed to have been mentored by some very talented artists. I have had my struggles with self-doubt at times. I have experienced and witnessed the harsh realities of life in the beauty industry in Los Angeles. I have seen and experienced a lot of racist micro aggressions. It’s hard because it’s not always wise to speak up. You have to play your cards right. These jobs can be physically taxing with long hours and last minute scheduling. For this type of work, you need a lot of stamina. Overall things have happened really fast for me and I have had a lot of doors opened for me.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize in working with all textures of hair. I love the avante grade looks, I come from a punk and “Club Kid” background and these aesthetics influence my artistry now. What sets me apart from a lot of people in this industry is I’m not invested in White Supremacist hierarchies of beauty. What I aim to bring to the table is my commitment to decolonize the beauty industry in my own way. I am proud of my ability navigate many different kinds of spaces with people who don’t expect a person like me to excel in.

What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Los Angeles is a city that fascinates me with its many layers. I appreciate how much nature you can experience In such close proximity. I love the winters in LA when it gets green and cool at night. I love all the old signage that still exists. You can feel the ghosts of the past. My least favorite things about LA is how segregated it is and the lack of efficient public transportation. It’s a lonely city in some ways too because of this.

Contact Info:

• Email: Ramdasha@gmail.com
• Website: www.Ramdasha.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Ramdasha

Image Credits
Ramdash Bikceem Yana Yatsuk Ahmad K. Smith