Faces of A Stylist…

Shawanna  HairStylist

Queen of Wink

159-10b Hillside Ave

Jamaica, NY  11432

RYG: What inspired you to be a stylist? How and when did you get started?  SA:The people who inspired me to become a hair stylist were my eldest sister, Camile, and our family beautician, Amy. I started braiding (cornrows) at the age of 7!  I had one favorite toy which was a horse, who had hair on its back. I would practice on that horse every chance I got. Growing up, I’ve always had a deep interest and passion for doing hair. It didn’t matter how I was feeling, as soon as my hand touched someone’s hair to service them, I fell in my comfort zone. The best part was the client’s reaction when I did a job well done and they felt much better about themselves. As a female, self-esteem is very important and to be able to boost the way one feels about them-self is awesome. The expression on their faces – priceless! 

shawanna3I went to college and completed three years and it was that moment I realized I was doing something I would regret. I’ve always done things to make my family and others happy and I wasn’t happy at all. So, I left after my third year of college and pursued my dream, becoming a Professional Hairstylist, in 2008. And currently, I travel back to MD once a month for a week to service my clientele out there.

RYG: Do you specialize in certain styles or techniques? SA: I specialized in weaves and short cuts, but I also do other services. I love to step out the box and get creative! I always allow my clients to be themselves, but sometimes I do give suggestions on how to still maintain their “look”, and still get a little funky. shawanna2

RYG:What is the typical hair care experience like for one of your customers? SA: The typical hair care experience for one of my customers is a shampoo and conditioner, followed by a treatment, which I give to ALL my clients, whether it’s one that requires heat or not. If a trim is necessary, I let them know when they need it. I also have heavy concern about my clients’ edges! I am edge friendly and I will always protect your edges/hairline. Every product will not work for my clientele. I use a heat protectant on their hair and weaves. So, I choose the best product for each client based on their hair type/texture and style they are going to receive

RYG: What is your vision for where want your business to be in the next 5 years?SA:  My vision for my business within the next 5 years, is to own my Beauty and Hair salon. I also would love to do Hair on Wheels for the sick and shut in, disable and the less fortunate. I would also love to become a platform artist. 

shawanna1RYG: What advice would you give aspiring stylist? SA: The advice I would give for anyone who would like to become a stylist is first, always keep God first and stay prayed up, never give up, always do your best and always realize that you are dealing with a lot of different personalities., So you cannot treat everyone the same.

If this is something you don’t love, don’t do it. There will be bumps and hills and valleys along the way and you will feel like you want to give up. Stay determined, no matter what people may say, prove them wrong! I’ve cried many nights because of how I thought people may view me. But I had to have that “not give a damn” attitude and press forward. Looking back now, all I can do is smile because God brought me through a very rough time in my life and without Him I would have failed. I stuck through everything and I came out on top and you can to!

Represent with yo Presence…

One thought on “Faces of A Stylist…

  1. I love what i do and it shows! God is too good and He paves the way for me each and every day! There’s nothing He cant do!!

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