One to Watch: SuperDope Q

Who's Midwestern born, Southern-influenced, has East Coast flavor and tatted all over? The answer is one fascinating celebrity stylist ready to turn their reality television fame into a megabrand.

Quinton Shotwell or better known by his alias SuperDope Q is an entrepreneur who knows how to build it from the ground up. Q always knew he had an affinity for fashion. Fashion came naturally for him as his peers and elders would consult him for advice on their look regularly. Social Media star turned actress Lala Milan introduced Q to Black Ink CEO Ceaser when he was looking for a new stylist. That opportunity led to a role on the popular VH1 show that has run for nearly a decade and inspired two spinoffs.


Q makes it a point to collaborate and utilize up and coming designers when styling notables like Good Morning America's Keke Palmer. "I don't want new designers to feel like they don't have a chance because people are so focused on the other thing." Focusing on creating trends rather than following them has kept his approach to fashion fresh and exhilarating.
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Top trends Q is gravitating towards right now are stacked pants, ruched details, two-piece suits, and 1950s headscarves ala Old Hollywood. In pure fashionista form, the Milwaukee bred businessman is still dressing to the nines - quarantine or not. "I can't do anything looking like I've been sitting in a quarantine," expressed Q.

This entrepreneur is exceptionally savvy, expanding his reach to a genderless skincare line, unisex fragrance Carmae, a new mixtape released in May and his clothing line SuperDope fashion line. Not to mention he owns a salon, nail shop, and clothing boutique hybrid in Wisconsin. "It's a one-stop-shop to get fly," said Shotwell. Recognizing a need and audience for specific products has kept Q ahead of the curve.

Q is recognizable by his ever-changing hair color. It has been red, blue, silver, white and currently black. Since afro/kinky hair texture requires additional TLC when dyeing it - Q created a hair coloring kit to target those needs. "They don't currently have anything for us on the market." It is sold in the most significant beauty store in America - released soon.

The Black Ink cast member's motivation is to make his mark on the industry and inspire creatives in the process.

Check out the Black Ink Crew season Finale tonight on Vh1 8/7c.