Exploring Life & Business with Christina and Obrinden Martin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina and Obrinden Martin.

Hi Christina and Obrinden, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Chops and Locs started in 2014. I’m a licensed cosmetologist since 2009 but I’ve been doing hair my whole life. I started out doing braids. My niece and I used to tag-team braiding clients like the Africans. We had a full clientele in high school! I loved doing hair. From that, I started doing quick weaves, locs, twists, relaxers, press, and curls, you name it I was doing it.

Out of everything, the type of hair I like doing the most is natural hair, specifically locs. After doing all types of hair for years, I decided in 2014 to focus solely on specializing in locs and natural hair. My husband has a passion for cutting hair. He started out practicing with our oldest son and other family members. After realizing he had a talent for cutting, he went to barber school in 2013. He came up with the name Chops and Locs. He’s the chops, I’m the locs. Together we make an awesome team. We give our clients an intimate, one-of-a-kind experience, from our private, home-based salon.

Besides owning a salon we also own a trucking company. My husband has always loved driving so he decided to make a career out of it. He went to school and obtained his Commercial Drivers License in 2015. Last year, he purchased his first truck, starting Martin Dynasty Trucking. He now transports all types of freight to anywhere within a 600 miles radius from Memphis.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
(Smiles) Blood. Sweat. Tears. Literally! We started out really young in a small two-bedroom apartment in the projects where we struggled to pay $325 a month for rent. This situation made us realize we wanted better.

After being evicted my husband enrolled in a Commercial Drivers License course in hopes of securing steady employment. After obtaining his license in 2015 the vision was clear. He saw how lucrative a truck driving business could be.

We set goals to one day own our own company. In 2021, we purchased our first big rig and Martin Dynasty Trucking was born. Hard? Yes. A struggle? Hell yes!! But we wouldn’t change anything. To whom much is given much is required.

Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Chopsandlocs and Martin Dynasty Trucking?
Chops and Locs is a beauty and barber salon specializing in natural hair, locs, and precision cuts.

BCB Hair and scalp oil was created in 2020. During the pandemic there was a shortage on the hair oil I was using at the time so I decided to make my own. Through trail and error I created BCB Hair and scalp oil. Infused with lemongrass, geranium, and herbs which combat dandruff, hair fall, and itchy scalp, BCB Oil is great for all your hair care needs. I’ve found It’s a great cuticle oil, and massage oil as well. It can be purchased online at Chopsandlocs.com

Our clients love the intimate, private experience they receive at our home-based salon. I believe gels, waxes, and pomades shouldn’t be used in locs, so I developed a “no product retwist” method of retwisting locs. This eliminates the chances of product buildup which is a common problem with locs. Our skills, attention to detail, and customer service are what attract new clients and keep people coming back.

Martin Dynasty Trucking is a freight transport company. We are one of the few black-owned trucking companies in Memphis, TN with an intermodal division. We transport freight of all kinds anywhere within a 600-mile radius of Memphis. As a driver and the owner of the company I’m honest, I’m upfront about what I can and can’t do, and I’m prompt.

That’s what my clients love about Martin Dynasty Trucking.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
(Obrinden Martin) Going to the barbershop on Saturdays with my dad and uncle.

(Christina Martin) Going to outings on weekends with my dad and brothers. Weekends were the best. I made a lot of good memories cooking with my mom and stepmom as well.

Contact Info:

• Email: Chopsandlocs@gmail.con
• Website: Chopsandlocs.com
• Instagram: @Chopsandlocs
• Facebook: @Chopsandlocs

Image Credits
Cassandra House, Vee Beats, and Mona Leesa Braids