Daily Inspiration: Meet Shanel McGriff

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanel McGriff. 

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started doing my family and friends’ hair very young like 11 or 12 years old. I would do my cousin and school members’ hair. I would also assist my aunt at the salon sometimes. I was always fascinated with how my aunt did hair and could mimic almost everything she did to my own hair, mom, and grandma’s hair. I wanted to go to cosmetology school in high school but the program got shut down the year I went to my high school. I set my sites on becoming a travel agent because that’s the program I picked after learning the cosmetology program was no longer available. My last year in high school I got a job with American Express Travel (government travel) that was very exciting. I love doing travel and even had the opportunity to help with the planning of my class trip. After graduating high school, I was working and the job was paying for me to attend college. Shortly after enrolling in community college and working I found out the program I was in at my job was being cut due to contract negotiations. I didn’t have the money to continue to pay for college myself. I was very disappointed and did really know what to do. I talk to my mom who encouraged me to enroll in cosmetology school since I was so good at doing hair and I really enjoyed doing so. I told my mom there wasn’t a lot of money in cosmetology as a career. My mom told me I should have a conversation with my aunt who had been in the industry for some time. My Aunt also encouraged me to enroll in cosmetology school, she told me it would be great for me because it came naturally to me and I love to do hair and make people feel good about themselves. I did enroll at Dudley beauty college and I enjoy every minute of school. I soon started working in salons and had many mentors and people to encourage me to expand my business. I am now a commissioned stylish at American Hair company salon, in Greenbelt, MD. I believe in hair care, and educating women and men on how to take care of their hair. I also enjoy doing makeup for my client’s special occasions. I have become a wig maker. when I have time to do so. I believe in continuing education as things do change in the beauty industry. I love cut and color. I believe a good haircut and color can be very life-changing. Color is great for change but must be maintained probably. Haircare is always a must with any hair decision. 

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?
No, the road has not always been smooth, you have to prepare for the slow weeks. Learning how to market yourself and keeping your business growing can be a challenge. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I specialize in hair care, weaves, wig, cut, color, Locs, natural hair, and protective styling. I think of hair as an accessory you can switch up and do all types of styling to your hair as long as you are getting your trims, deep conditioning, and hair treatments that are needed. Have fun with your hair! What sets me apart for others is I won’t to popular hairstyling to the hair if the client won’t agree to a healthy hair regimen. 

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is defined by how what you are doing for living makes you feel! Money is great, I believe you have to get up every day and enjoy what you do. 

Contact Info:

• Email: Inthegirlfriendzone@gmail.com
• Website: Americanhairco.com
• Instagram: TheBeauty__Mayvenn
• Facebook: The Beauty Mayvenn Hair
• Twitter: DaBeautyMayvenn