Meet Berwyn’s Entrepreneurs: Quinessa Solomon of Always on Q

Name:  Quinessa T. Solomon affectionately known as “Q”

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Current Residence: Berwyn, IL

I was born Quinessa T. Solomon, but once you know me, you’ll just call me “Q”. I’m a mother of two -12 year old daughter, Kaydence, and 2.5 year old son, Kadé. My lifetime partner and my children’s father, Kris, and I celebrated our wedding anniversary in July. We are a music and fashion-loving family. I was born and raised on the west side of Chicago before making my way to Berwyn.  I turn to anything fashion related for solace. I can hardly tell a story without referring to a song lyric or movie line. When I’m not working or writing, I’m laughing, eating, or watching anything crime related on TV.  I admire originality, am attracted to authenticity and I’m always looking for what’s next in life.

I offer a myriad of style and fashion services as part of my business, Always on Q. I am also an independent Fashion Stylist for a designer women’s clothing brand called Cabi. I have loved fashion as long as I can remember. I never wanted to follow trends. I just wanted to be myself. I found that one can express themselves through their clothes and I wanted to show other women how to do just what I did. Be comfortable with who you are, express themselves through their clothes and feel great when they look in the mirror. I’ve always been a person of service. I took my love of fashion, empowering women and service and rolled it up into the business now known as “Always on Q.”

Banana: I’m good for you and can bring you many benefits, but you won’t know it just by looking on the outside. You’ll realize it once you peel back the layer and get to know what’s inside.

Unpredictable: You never know what you’ll get with me! I’m always growing and evolving. From my outer appearance to my inner thoughts, I can surprise you.

Non-Traditional: There are many things that I’ve changed or altered as an adult that differs from my upbringing. That’s the beautiful thing about being an adult-you can make the decisions you want. Its OK to have your own mind and not just “go with the flow.”

I am mostly inspired by anyone that is comfortable being themselves and who excel in life because of it. If you think of anyone you love, you admire, chances are they did something admirable, pushed through some type of adversity and came out on the other side a better person because of it. I am always inspired by those type of stories and I’m always reminded that if they can do, I can do it too.

As much as I love music, I don’t know how to dance…and I’m so ashamed. I love all types of music and the best I can do is bob my head and throw my hands in the air.

I love the diversity in Berwyn. All different types of people. My business caters to all people so what a great place to do business.

Africa. I went as a teenager as part of my high school’s Summer Opportunity of a Lifetime. I learned so much about the culture, the people, the traditions. It was an amazing experience. As a teenager, I only knew what I saw on television, which was mostly starved and poor children and people. I was so glad I was able to go see for myself that this continent was rich and offered way more than what was shown on infomercials. I’ll always remember being shocked when I saw a BMW upon arrival!

Tupac Shakur. As a lover of rap music, I have always loved Tupac. While he may have been portrayed as a thug or a rebel, he was very influential, wise and had so many leadership qualities. I’d love to hear some of his deepest thoughts-the ones that may not have been expressed in the music. I’d love to get his perspective on many things going on in the world today.

Ironically, the movie of my life would be all of the above. I’ve encountered so many things in life and have already had so many experiences which would reflect all genres. And I still have so much living to do.

Jaden Smith-Icon. I mean, this is Will Smith’s son. It just seems weird to like this song because I’ve never had any interest in even hearing his music. But music is music and if it sounds good…but shhhh don’t tell anyone, OK?

Business cards. When in business, you never know who you’re going to encounter. You never know when a business opportunity will present itself. I once met a woman and did not have a business card and she told me, “Never leave home without your business cards.” And since then, I never have.

Website: https://alwaysonq.com