Today we’d like to introduce you to Shyne Edwards.
Shyne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey began long before entrepreneurship—it started with survival, resilience, and learning how to make something out of very little.
I was raised by a single mother of six children, and financial struggle was a constant. Some years, I had only one pair of shoes and clothes from thrift stores, which I didn’t mind. I learned early not to ask for more because I knew my mother would give her last. Watching her sacrifice shaped my discipline, empathy, and work ethic. She taught me that if I wanted something, it was my responsibility to make it happen.
By age 12, I was already finding ways to earn money. I wrote poetry, songs, and raps, won a poetry contest, and gave my mom the $150 prize. By 13 , I was doing hair, nails, makeup, selling wigs, going door-to-door selling newspaper subscriptions, shoveling snow by 14 while being exposed to the streets and my environment I started selling drugs. In 2017, I was incarcerated. That experience forced me to reflect deeply, when I came home in 2018, I made the decision to change my life.
After coming home, I officially launched Get Nailed On The Go, my luxury mobile beauty business. In 2019, I created a smart nail sticker that could be applied to the nail, covered with polish or acrylic, programmed with any link, and shared by tapping it to the back of a phone. When clients asked for a longer-lasting option, I innovated again—creating press-on nails with the smart chip embedded, making the technology permanent. As demand grew, men began asking for a version they could use, which pushed me to think bigger and more universally.
That’s when the idea for a smart keychain was born—something anyone could use that would last forever. Although the concept came early, I doubted myself and didn’t launch it until 2024. While I don’t regret the timing, I do wish I had believed in myself sooner.
That evolution became Noir—a brand and movement built to help entrepreneurs elevate together. Through smart technology, branding tools, and mentorship, Noir helps business owners network seamlessly and show up professionally.
Today, from a challenging childhood to incarceration to innovation and features on platforms like WMAR 2 News Baltimore and WBAL-TV Channel 11, I am living proof that your past does not disqualify you. I do this for every hustler and dreamer who needs to see what’s possible. Noir is just getting started.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t been a smooth road at all—but nothing worth building ever is. My journey has been filled with obstacles, from overcoming past incarceration to rebuilding my life and proving I was more than my mistakes. Starting over wasn’t the hardest part; staying disciplined, earning trust, and remaining committed to my vision when things felt uncertain was.
As an entrepreneur, I’ve faced financial strain, self-doubt, and moments where I questioned if I was on the right path. When I launched Get Nailed On The Go, I had to hustle relentlessly to build a client base and establish credibility in a highly competitive industry. I didn’t have a blueprint or safety net—I taught myself everything from marketing to business management through trial, error, and consistency.
Creating Noir introduced a different set of challenges. I wasn’t just selling a product—I was introducing a solution people didn’t yet know they needed. Educating customers on the value of smart networking technology, marketing it effectively, and sustaining momentum during slow periods required patience, adaptability, and faith in the long-term vision.
One of the more unexpected struggles came through partnerships. We connected with content creators for collaborations and an ambassador program, believing they aligned with our mission and genuinely supported the brand. Unfortunately, some didn’t follow through on their commitment(s). That was discouraging—not just because of lost time, but because belief and trust matter when you’re building something meaningful. That experience taught me an important lesson: moving forward, I’m intentional about working only with creators and partners who truly believe in the mission and are willing to grow with us-Support each other !
Beyond business, I’ve also navigated the realities of being a Black woman entrepreneur—especially in tech—where I’ve often had to work twice as hard, prove my value in unfamiliar spaces, and push past doubt from others. Instead of letting that discourage me, I use it as fuel.
The road hasn’t been easy, but I wouldn’t change it. Every challenge sharpened me, strengthened my mindset, and prepared me for what I’m building now. Noir isn’t just a brand—it’s proof that you can turn struggle into purpose and create the life you deserve.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Noir?
Noir isn’t just a brand—it’s a movement. I created Noir to help entrepreneurs elevate their businesses through innovation and smart networking. One of our signature products, the Noir Smart Keychain, is a game-changer. It allows business owners to share their information instantly with just a tap on the top back of any phone and it’ll appear on the screen (unlimited link changes)—no paper business cards needed, no hassle.
What sets Noir apart is that it’s built from real experience. I’ve been and still am in the position of hustling to get my name out there, struggling with branding, and trying to connect with the right people. That’s why Noir is more than just a product—it’s a tool for success. Whether you’re a professional, content creator, entrepreneur, or small business owner, our products are designed to make networking easier, more professional, and more effective so even if it’s another brand that have the same or similar ,This brand is created by a real entrepreneur that’s still in the thick of it!
Beyond the tech, Noir is also about empowerment and community. We have an ambassador program that allows entrepreneurs and influencers to monetize their influence while promoting a brand that aligns with their grind. Noir is about creating opportunities—not just for me but for others who want to build, grow, and elevate together.
I’m most proud that Noir is helping people show up as their best selves. The inspiration that comes from seeing someone who turned their past into power, Noir represents hustle, elevation, and transformation.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that Noir is for the hustlers, the dreamers, and the ones who refuse to settle. It’s about making connections, and making moves. If you’re about that life, Noir was made for you.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Resilience and adaptability have been the most important qualities in my success. My journey—from past struggles, including incarceration, to building multiple businesses—has taught me that setbacks don’t define you; how you rise from them does.
In business, especially as an entrepreneur, things don’t always go as planned. Noir wasn’t built overnight,. I had to learn, pivot, and keep pushing forward even when things got tough. Whether it was navigating challenges, dealing with doubt (from myself or others), or figuring out how to elevate my brand, I refused to let obstacles stop me.
Another key trait is my hustler’s mindset. I don’t wait for opportunities—I create them. From promoting Noir in public, connecting with influencers, and putting my brand in front of the right people, I stay proactive. That’s the difference between being in the game and watching from the sidelines.
Most importantly, I believe in my brand and my purpose. I created Noir to help entrepreneurs grow and elevate together, and that mission keeps me going every single day. Success isn’t just about making money; it’s about creating impact, opening doors, and showing others what’s possible. That’s what drives me, and that’s why I won’t stop.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Www.WeAreNoir.com
- Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/we_are_noir
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BttpZkJTo/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wearenoir?trk=contact-info
- Twitter: https://share.google/OnYfL6rDpiYpIhfyI
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@wearenoirr?si=sUMxp384HAbX5Jgd
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@we_are_noir
