Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Shelton.
Courtney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey really started long before I ever thought about it as a “career.” I grew up around the beauty industry my mom was a cosmetologist for over 20 years and my dad is a barber so the salon environment was always a part of my life. By the time I was 14, I was already doing hair, not just as a hobby but as something I genuinely loved.
As I got older, life expanded. I became a full-time professional in finance, a homeowner, and most importantly, a mother of two boys. As a single parent, doing hair became more than something I enjoyed it became a way for me to earn extra income to take care of my children and make sure they had everything they needed. But over time, what started as a way to make a living turned into something much deeper. It became a true passion.
Going through the challenges I faced gave me a different perspective. It pushed me to see the bigger picture and to realize that I was capable of more than I had ever imagined. I’ve always done what I had to do for my kids, but this became something I genuinely wanted to do for myself too. That shift allowed me to pour more energy, focus, and intention into my craft and in return, I began to grow beyond what I thought was possible.
Balancing a full-time career, raising my children, and continuing to build in the beauty industry hasn’t always been easy, but it’s been intentional. I went from renting a booth, to opening my own salon suite, and eventually reached a point where I knew I wanted more.
I took a leap of faith, completed cosmetology school, and fully invested in myself and my vision. Now, after putting in the work and recently completing renovations, I’m preparing to open my very own salon this June.
Everything I’ve built has come from consistency, faith, and a commitment to doing things the right way both as a mother and as a businesswoman. This journey is about more than beauty for me it’s about creating a legacy for my children and building something that empowers other women to step out on faith and build for themselves too
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most journeys, there have been moments of uncertainty, setbacks, and a lot of behind-the-scenes challenges that people don’t always see. There were times where things didn’t go as planned, where I had to pivot, figure things out on the fly, and keep moving forward without having all the answers.
One of the biggest challenges was learning to trust myself and push past fear. Growth requires stepping into the unknown, and that can be uncomfortable. There were also moments of self-doubt, questioning if I was ready for the next step or if I was doing things the “right” way.
I’ve also had to develop discipline and consistency in a way that goes beyond motivation. Not every day feels good or easy, but showing up anyway is what makes the difference. There were sacrifices, long days, and times where I had to stay focused on the bigger picture instead of immediate comfort.
At the same time, those challenges were necessary. They built resilience, sharpened my mindset, and helped me grow not just professionally, but personally. Looking back, every obstacle played a role in strengthening me and preparing me for the opportunities I have now.
We’ve been impressed with Humane Hair , but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My brand is rooted in more than just hair, and that’s reflected in my slogan: “HuMane Hair- where hair and humanity meet.” For me, that isn’t just a catchy phrase it’s the foundation of everything I do. It represents the idea that while I care deeply about healthy hair and beauty, I care just as much about the people sitting in my chair. It’s about connection, compassion, and creating a space where clients feel respected, heard, and valued.
That same mindset carries into the work I do outside of the salon. I’m very intentional about being involved in my community whether that’s teaching families about healthy hair care, helping bridge gaps in knowledge, or simply showing up and giving back wherever I’m needed. A lot of people don’t have access to proper education when it comes to caring for their hair, and I want to be a resource in that way.
For me, it’s important to not just build a business, but to build impact. I believe in volunteering, being present, and using my platform to pour into others. Whether it’s through education, service, or just creating a positive environment, I want people to know that they matter.
At the end of the day, what I do goes far beyond styling hair. It’s about uplifting people, building confidence, and creating real connections. That’s what “where hair and humanity meet” truly means to me.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
I wouldn’t say luck has played a major role in my journey good or bad. For me, everything has really come down to consistency, faith, and the decisions I’ve made along the way.
Of course, there have been moments that people might call “luck” being in the right place at the right time, meeting certain people, or opportunities presenting themselves but I believe those moments came from putting myself in position. I’ve been intentional about showing up, doing the work, and staying ready, so when opportunities came, I was able to take advantage of them.
If anything, what others might see as bad luck were really just challenges or redirections. Not everything worked out the way I expected, but those moments helped shape me, sharpen my focus, and push me toward something better.
So I don’t rely on luck, I rely on discipline, preparation, and trusting the process. I believe when you stay consistent and keep working toward your goals, the right opportunities will find you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.humanehair.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humanehaircharlottesville
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18ka2TPgYo/
