Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Simon.
Hi Shelby, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
This is always a tough one for me. It’s always the generic question or tells me your story, how it started, who you are. But my story is just beginning and always changing. My name is Shelby Simon, and I am a 24-year-old hairstylist from Houston, TX. At a very young age growing up, I always found myself having a passion to help and care for others. I knew I wanted to pursue this. That being said, I did not know at that time.
I thought of being a teacher to bring education to children. I thought of being a paramedic to be the first one on the scene that could make a difference, I thought about nursing, but I also thought about cosmetology to help others feel good in their skin. That being said, come in high school, I had the opportunity to pursue cosmetology classes, so I did.
Once I graduated, I wasn’t sure if cosmetology was fulfilling me in the way I needed, so I decided to go to school for nursing. After doing 4 years of nursing school, I realized that wasn’t me, and my true passion was art, doing hair, and creating something beautiful. So I turned around and came home and enrolled myself at Paul Mitchell.
Since graduating, I accepted my dream job at Saint Rose, where I started my career and have continued to grow. Saint Rose has brought me opportunities, adventures, and relationships I never thought I’d have. I look forward to the future and what’s to come.
I look forward to making all the hair dreams come true. Come along on the ride with me.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I wouldn’t necessarily say I had a smooth or rough road. I have had my fair share of bumps in the road, but nothing stopped me from getting to where I am today. I struggled with self-image and how others perceived me at a young age. I struggled with being accepted by others. There was always something for someone to pick on. The world we live in revolves so much around social media that it makes it hard not to have certain feelings or opinions of yourself.
While struggling with image issues, I also struggled with other mental health issues. Instead of letting those hold me back, I used them to push me further. If nothing else on my person felt right, but my hair was done, I felt as though I could persevere, and who cares what people thought? My hair was always something that I, in a way, relied on to help me feel good about myself.
I am a stylist now because I help my clients in such a way. It took me a lot to realize that it doesn’t matter what others think, that’s their opinion, and at the end of the day, if you feel good and love yourself, nothing else matters. If I could tell my younger self one thing, it’s never to give up and keep pushing because whenever you think you’re down bad, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. You’re never alone, and you always have yourself.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a hairstylist in the Montrose area of Houston. I specialize in all color services (all-over color, blonding, vivids, grey blending, etc.), simplistic cutting, and extensions. When a client sits in my chair, I want them to feel comfortable and know I am going to take care of them and that they have a safe space here to be free and relax.
I enjoy working with each of my clients, that being me teaching them, them teaching me, us helping each other, and most importantly, creating the hair of their dreams. The smile and reaction from a client at the end of each service fuels me and brings me joy. When you walk into Saint Rose, we want you to feel like your home away from home.
What’s next?
In the future, I strive to grow as a stylist and as a person. I look forward to continuing my education and broadening my skill set. I want to continue to meet more amazing clients and work with them to create their hair dreams.
Aside from being a stylist, I want to grow by putting myself first and not allowing anything to come between me and my end goal. I look forward to the years to come and to what is in store for my clients and me.
Contact Info:
- Website: http://www.hairbysaintrose.com
- Instagram: @straightupstylin
Image Credits
Jose Rodriguez (@myeyesadjust)
