Meet Josephine Akom | 100% Glueless wig maker

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

Hi Josephine, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
For those of you who don’t know me, allow me to introduce myself My name is Josephine and I am the owner of Unit‘Sixty8By Jo, formerly known as “ Wign It By Jo “. The name change was not only needed but also inspired by my mom. I am 22 years old, and I love wigs I love everything about them! Never once did I think I would be creating a business and producing a product to even sell. I started making wigs in 2018, I created my FIRST wig on a wig cap. You know the caps you’re supposed to put on BEFORE the actual wig? Yes that one 🤣 LMAO! I had no idea what I was doing but then at the same time I got the hang of it real quick, I made that wig on a styrofoam mannequin that I took from my moms closet, and made it in my lap, on my bed, using just a STRAIGHT needle and thread!! Not even the curved one, it hurt my thumbs sooo bad 😂 !! “ knowing damn well I wanted to stop 😂 but I finally finished it and shocked myself! That was September 8th, 2018 @1:59am I finished that wig put a flatiron through it, and babaayyyyyyy I was ready to take some orders!! 🤣

Fast forward, I was offering $20-$25 wig constructions, at the time I felt like it was just something to do I never thought I would grow to love it. Seriously
Throughout my early years in school I always wore braids, my mom used to be a braider so that’s really all I ever wore I’ve probably had about 3 sew ins as long as I’ve been living. And honestlyyy, wigs are the best decision I’ve made. Like ever. I started doing one of my friends wigs and my sister wigs. But I was never ready to actually start taking clients. January 7th, 2020 I had my very first client, for $20. I was hype af! So from January 2020 up until August 2020 I was actively making wigs, going to school and working. A lot has happened since then part of which caused me to stop, take a pause and better myself and my craft. I took a lot of time off to figure out what I really wanted to see out of this brand, the experience I want to give as well as what I have to offer. I’ve rebranded EVERYTHING. And I can’t wait to finally share. There are NO more hand made wigs! I’ve taken the time to just better my craft and only produce the BEST. On top of the fact they will be 100% glue-less, which will save you time from glueing down you’re units. A more convenient way to book, alot more techniques, and so much more. Thank you all for sticking with me this long. Never give up on your dreams, if you want to do something, do it! Keep going. It gets better. I would also like to give a HUGE thank you to shoutout dfw for reaching out to me and giving me the opportunity to share my story and hopefully inspire someone else to go for what they want in life! Nothing but blessings

You’re Custom Glue-Less Wig Maker, Josephine
Owner of Unit‘Sixty8 💜

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create 100% glueless wigs on a sewing machine, i create personable relationships with my supporters that way their not afraid to ask questions or ask for help. I put myself in a position of “ what if i was the customer, how would i want to view things” It took a lot to get to where i am today just to be able to teach myself and find out what i really want to do, but never give up! It’s only the beginning

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love going to hookah lounges! Any lit spot in Dallas is always the move i just love good vibes!

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?
I would like to shoutout my sisters for always letting me try new things on them letting me just create and wearing hairstyles that I’ve done proudly even if it wasn’t all that! Always motivating me and pushing me to do better and investing in me any chance they get.

Website: Unitsixty8byjo.as.me

Instagram: Unitsixty8.byjo & itzjo.duh

Twitter: Joseephinnee_

Facebook: Josephine Akom