Meet Makala Washington | Political Candidate & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Makala, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I realized I wasn’t getting paid what I deserved, and I felt like I was stuck in a role that wasn’t going anywhere. Plus, I couldn’t get on board with how they treated customers—it was all about the numbers, not the people. So I decided to take matters into my own hands and become my own boss. It was the best way to show everyone that I could do it, even if they didn’t believe in me.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Of all my businesses, one of my favorites is helping young men transform into individuals who command respect and feel confident about who they are. I love giving advice to these young guys, but I also cherish learning from them and hearing their stories. There’s something truly rewarding about helping someone gain self-confidence and giving them a safe outlet to express themselves.

I started this journey because there were people who didn’t believe in me. It wasn’t an easy road—I actually began this business while living in a hotel. But my business gave me a way to find stability and, eventually, a place to call home.

What I’ve learned along the way is that starting a business takes a lot more than just an idea. It requires time, effort, and a clear understanding of the costs involved. Running a business is much more demanding than clocking in at a regular job, but the hard work pays off. Ultimately, you get out of your business what you put into it. And in this journey, I’ve realized how crucial it is to embrace our differences and recognize that everyone has something unique to offer. It’s important to know your value and never let anyone limit you.

When you’re providing a service, personality is key. You need to maintain a positive attitude and a spirit of giving. That’s what makes people feel valued. At the Loc Lounge, I work with men who have locs, and I’m passionate about challenging the stereotypes that often come with that hairstyle. Locs don’t define a person’s character, and I help the men who sit in my chair maintain their locs while also reminding them that their hair is just one part of who they are. My goal is to create a space where everyone feels seen and respected.

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 out to visit this what a day would look like:

To kick off the day, we’d start with a hearty brunch at Fairview Farmers, where I always get a refreshing cup of matcha. After that, we’d head to the Allen Outlet Mall to browse through some of our favorite stores. It’s a great place to find some good deals and just enjoy a relaxed shopping experience.

Next up, we’d grab lunch at Big Ray BBQ in Allen, because their food is just amazing. Once we’re done with lunch, we’d catch a movie at iPic. I love this theater because of the comfy blankets they give you, and I always get an ice-cold Pepsi, popcorn with jalapeños, and a box of peanut M&Ms.

After the movie, we’d take a stroll through Nebraska Furniture Mart—especially the clearance store. It’s such a fun place to explore, and you can even walk around with a glass of wine. Before we leave, we’d grab some See’s Candies, because who doesn’t love a sweet treat?

The next stop would be Cigar International for a cigar and a chance to relax by the fire-pit on the patio with my favorites the Tatiana Groovy Blue cigar paired with a New York Sour whiskey cocktail . Since you can bring food, we’d bring some food from Velvet Taco. It’s a perfect spot to enjoy some R&B music and catch a football game.

To wrap up the day, we’d hang out at The Star in Frisco. It’s always lively, with plenty to do and see. Plus, you can’t go wrong with a Friday night Allen High School football game or any local festivals happening around town.

If you’re up for some more entertainment, The Comedy Arena in downtown McKinney is a great choice, and Gather in downtown McKinney often has different events worth checking out. And for sports fans, Allen hockey games and Texas Legends basketball games are always a blast.

For happy hour, I’d suggest Goat & Vine—it’s a fantastic spot. And if you love shopping and eating, you have to visit The Village at Allen. I always like to pop into Ross, HomeGoods, Target, Kirkland’s, Top Shelf, 5 Below, and Dollar Tree. There’s something for everyone, and it’s a great way to end the day on a high note.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to my incredible great grandmother, Lovie Mae Kazee. She was such an amazing influence in my life, teaching me the importance of caring for others, treating everyone with respect, and instilling strong values of faith and service. She wore many hats, working in the service industry, being deeply involved in her church, and even starting her own business with a turban line. On top of all that, she was a wonderful homemaker, passing down invaluable skills like cooking and cleaning, and teaching me about grace and dignity.

I’m also incredibly grateful for my brother, who stepped up as a father figure for my mother, sister, and me. Despite the challenges we faced growing up separated, both my siblings showed incredible resilience. And I can’t forget to thank my children, who have taught me so much about life—especially about unconditional love and the importance of sacrifice. They’re my greatest teachers.

Website: https://makala4texas.com

Instagram: @makala4texas

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