Today we’d like to introduce you to Shalonda Harris.
Hi Shalonda, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I began my hand in hair & makeup when I was 12 years old. I worked in my mother’s salon throughout high school and college. In 2005, I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from High Point University.
In 2006, I became an investigator as a contractor for the U.S Government and later, pursued my dream career as an Intelligence Analyst with the Department of Justice. I worked both full-time in the Government and part-time in my mother’s salon as I built my clientele as an artist and stylist, as this was my true passion.
In 2015, I resigned from the Government to become a full-time hairstylist and Bridal makeup artist and obtained my cosmetology license 2015. In late 2021, I became certified as a Cranial Prosthesis Specialist to help aid men, women and children obtain Prosthetic hairpieces due to medically induced hair loss.
I currently service Washington DC, Maryland, and Northern, VA in my salon suite.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It wasn’t necessarily a smooth road but rather obstacles I endured. As I was a new wife and a new mom, I tried to find a balance between motherhood, family obligations, and juggling my full-time job In the Government and a part-time job at the salon. This ultimately led me to resign and embark on my journey to become an entrepreneur full-time. It gave me “time” freedom and the ability to be home and enjoy my family without the hustle and bustle.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hair and makeup artist, specializing in Bridal Hair & makeup. Bridal makeup has been a niche’ I’ve grown to love and adore! It’s a chance to showcase not only my skills but being a part of the journey leading up to one of the most important days in people’s lives. It’s absolutely magical! I am proud of myself for my customer relations skills.
It’s not about how many clients I can book in one day or how much money I can make, but actually making a person feel special just by pampering or providing a relaxed atmosphere for my clients. It’s about listening to my clients and giving them confidence, laughter, and space to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to relate to my client’s needs by providing them with an atmosphere where they know that I care about the integrity of my client’s hair and overall being.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I am all for taking risks within reason. As mentioned previously, I took a huge risk leaving the Federal Government to embark on my journey as a full-time entrepreneur. I feel as though you will never grow if you do not step out of your comfort zone.
If one does not take the risk, then one becomes stagnant and stale. There’s no upward mobility and that goes for both business-wise and personal.
Contact Info:
- Email: info@shalondanichole.com
- Website: www.ShalondaNichole.com
- Instagram: @shalondanicholemua
- Facebook: shalondanicholemua
Image Credits
Antwon Maxwell @antwonmaxwellphotography
