Biography
Petula Skeete is one of the most reputable celebrity hairstylists in the industry, best known for creating signature looks for Robin Roberts of Good Morning America. Her work has taken her around the world, from The White House to the Oscars, South Africa, Beijing, and London for the Royal Wedding, the Great Wall of China, the Berlin Wall, and the Special Olympics. Petula is the proud daughter of Bernicea Barrett and Winston Skeete. She was born in St. Kitts but spent her childhood on the sister island of Nevis, which she considers home.
Petula quickly learned that she did not fit the accepted standard of beauty. Her grade-school peers repeatedly reminded her that, in the eyes of society, she was too dark and too tall, her hair was too kinky, and her feet were big. She was just “too” everything and not enough of anything. That painful experience was the spark that ignited Petula’s search for beauty. After arriving in the United States in the late 90s, she completed her last year of high school, and then enrolled in Wilfred Beauty Academy. Petula was led to believe that beauty could be purchased in a box filled with bleaching cream, makeup, and hair extensions.
However, she had an aha moment at Wilfred, realizing that beauty is not a color and does not come in a sealed package with labels. Even though years of cruel teasing robbed Petula of her childhood, she eventually learned to embrace and appreciate her God-given beauty. That innocent search has transformed into an illustrious career and a lifelong passion to bring out the best in others. In addition to Robin Roberts, many other famous faces have graced Petula’s chair, from First Ladies Hillary Clinton and Michelle Obama to former Miss America Debbye Turner and Gayle King, to name a few. Despite her high-profile clientele, she believes everyone is a star. She works with women from all walks of life and says, “The trick is to know how to let your inner star shine”. Petula has been a cosmetologist for more than 20 years. She studied with some of the most respected professionals in the beauty industry at New York’s Wilfred Beauty Academy, Dudley University, Louis Licari, and Pivot Point International.
In 2017, Petula created the nonprofit Uplifting You, an organization committed to providing a foundation for underserved members of our community through empowerment events, youth outreach, and Community Support.
Petula is also the founder of the #beautyFULL campaign. She defines #beautyFULL is a customized look or feeling that varies among individuals. Her goal is to inspire and empower everyone to share their #beautyFULL stories as a form of releasing their inner beauty.