We had the good fortune of connecting with Chakina C.C. The Great Watkins and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chakina C.C. the Great, how does your business help the community?
Through Next Level Cosmetology and Barbering for Kids, I’m changing my community—and the world—by creating opportunities where none existed before. We’re the world’s first after-school cosmetology program for children, introducing young people from elementary to high school to hair, nails, barbering, entrepreneurship, and life skills like financial literacy and safety. By teaching college and career readiness early, we help kids see themselves as future professionals and leaders. From Fort Worth to Kuwait, we’re not just teaching beauty skills—we’re building confidence, creating jobs, and inspiring the next generation to dream bigger.

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?
Next Level Cosmetology and Barbering for Kids is more than a business—it’s a movement. We’re the world’s first after-school cosmetology and barbering program designed specifically for kids, from elementary through high school. What sets us apart is that we’re not just teaching hair and nails; we’re teaching confidence, leadership, entrepreneurship, and real-world skills that help students envision a future beyond the classroom.

I’m most proud of seeing students who once doubted themselves now call themselves “young CEOs” and future cosmetologists. Watching them walk a runway in our kids’ hair show or seeing their work featured on TV—those moments remind me why I started. I’m also proud that we’re now international, with our program expanding to Kuwait.

How did I get here? Honestly, it wasn’t easy. I built this from a vision, with no blueprint. I’ve faced self-doubt, funding challenges, and people questioning whether kids should even be learning these skills. But I kept showing up. I trusted that what God gave me was bigger than the fear that tried to stop me.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that purpose doesn’t require permission. If you know your calling, follow it—even when it’s uncomfortable. Consistency, community partnerships, and staying true to why I started have kept me going.

What do I want the world to know? Next Level isn’t just about beauty—it’s about legacy. We’re preparing the next generation not just to work jobs, but to own businesses, create change, and lead with confidence. My story proves that when you serve with passion, impact follows. Visit www.ccthegreat.com or linktr.ee/ccthegreat or email wchakina84@gmail.com to learn more about who we are.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend came to visit Fort Worth, I’d make sure they experienced the city the way I see it—full of culture, flavor, and community. Here’s how we’d spend the week:

Day 1:
We’d start downtown in Sundance Square for brunch at Yolk or Little Red Wasp, then explore the local shops. In the evening, we’d hit up the Water Gardens for a peaceful vibe before dinner at Ellerbe Fine Foods—farm-to-table at its best.

Day 2:
A full Stockyards day! We’d watch the cattle drive, grab lunch at Joe T. Garcia’s for legendary Tex-Mex, and maybe ride a mechanical bull for fun. At night, line dancing at Billy Bob’s Texas would be a must.

Day 3:
Art and history day—visiting the Kimbell Art Museum and the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. Lunch at Righteous Foods (clean eats but delicious), then shopping at The Shops at Clearfork. Dinner? Del Frisco’s Grille for steak lovers.

Day 4:
We’d spend this day exploring the Fort Worth Zoo (ranked one of the top in the nation). Lunch from a local food truck, then relax at Trinity Park or rent bikes along the Trinity Trails. That night, catch a show at Bass Performance Hall.

Day 5:
I’d take them to support Black-owned businesses—grab brunch at Black Coffee Fort Worth, then visit shops like Ms. V’s Southern Cuisine or The Dock Bookshop. For dinner, we’d go to Twilite Lounge for good vibes and cocktails.

Day 6:
This would be “my world” day—I’d take them to see one of my Next Level Cosmetology camps, letting them meet the kids and see the work I’m passionate about. Lunch could be a casual spot like Panther City BBQ, and then a relaxing spa evening at Hiatus Spa + Retreat.

Day 7:
Wrap up with Sunday brunch at B&B Butchers rooftop, a visit to The Museum of Science and History, and a casual walk through Fort Worth Botanic Garden to reflect on the week.

Along the way, we’d meet some of the city’s most passionate creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders—because what makes Fort Worth special isn’t just the places; it’s the people.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mother Patrice Carroll and my mentor Yvette, Chris Nettles, Tyrone Brown the Barber, Andre McEwing, Campus Drive United Methodist Church.

Website: https://Www.ccthegreat.com

Instagram: Cc_thegreat

Linkedin: Chakina Watkins

Facebook: C.C. Watkins

Other: https://Linktr.ee/ccthegreat

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