Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawna Shiekh.
Hi Shawna, 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?
Hi, I’m Ashley better known as Shawna Shiekh. I’m actually from California, but Katy, TX has been home the last 9 nines this July. I Moved to texas at 23 years olds, wanting to focus and find my passion. I enrolled In Ogle School Of Hair, Skin & Nails in Stafford/Houston. A year after living here, best decision I ever made. Working part time Saturday and Sundays from 6pm-6am in warehouse in Sealy, Tx and then going straight to school Monday -Friday 9am-5pm. Ultimately, I earned valedictorian of the class of 2017, but it would not have been possible without My Wife & instructors that served as a strong and encouraging support system through it all.
Six months into my course, life came to intervene, and I was rear ended on my way to school. I had never been in an accident before so I was shaken up. My whole world was spinning out of control, but the only thing keeping me focused and giving me purpose was school. I attended physical therapy before class and I would fight through the pain of standing with three hemorrhaging disks for hours to ensure my clients had an amazing experience while in my chair. I stayed late nights and came in early and extra days to ensure I stayed on track to finish on time. My instructors believed in me and kept my spirits high during this time. They could see my genuine love for my clients and this industry, so they pushed me passed my limits believing I had what it took to become a high caliber beauty professional.
I went back and became two grad, received my Instructor license during the pandemic lockdown. Little less than a year later, I went full time in my Salon Suite. I specialize in healthy Hair of all textures. I even recently started my natural hair journey again, by shaving my head when my and my wife came back from Egypt. Oh yeah, we love to travel, being able to make my own schedule has definitely help my start prioritizing myself, when it come to the gym and datenights. starting your own business is more than just hard its draining. Everything I do matters and everything I don’t matters. But I’m finding my way and I can say I’m so thankful for what gods as presented to me all already and what’s still waiting on me.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely a struggle uphill, because I’m not going backwards. I just learning and researching along the way. Noticing if something doesn’t go had and remove because I don’t need to ask anyone else for permission. Some of the struggles right off the back knowing my worth as a hairstylist. I opened my suite in April 2021 and I was working as full time instructor 9am-5pm and then head to my shop to take one to two clients during the work week. Let’s talk about No days off, I just started giving myself whole days off as of March 2022. right before my one-year mark.
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’m known for educating my clients, when they sit in my chair. I’m a teacher and learner by nature. I’m always going to learn something, just who I am. I specialize in Natural Hair, all textured. I specialize in getting people to love the hair again. Encourage them to let go of unhealthy hair and try new styles,
Recently I was able to go do my first New York Fashion week, For Tia Adeola. I researched out to this incredible artist/creative/hairstylist/make up artist T. Cooper. three days before the show and told her I could be in New York In two days. Long story, short she said yes and I was there!!!! So now I have some New Art work to put in my salon suite.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
Man, I don’t think most people know I’m shy. Like, being a hairstylist pushes me out my bubble daily. And I’m so thankful for that, because being shy doesn’t help. No ONE .lol And that I have literally shaved my head at least five times in my life.
Pricing:
- Silk Press starting at $85
- Silk Press+ Deep Co + haircut S/A $125
- Knotless Medium braids starting at $325
- Knotless large braids starting at $240
- Loc retwist/maintenance starting at $80
Contact Info:
- Website: styleseat.com/shawnashiekh
- Instagram: @shawnashiekh.thestylist
