Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanea Elizondo.
Shanea, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Houston. I have seven siblings, huge family! And my mom essentially raised us on her own, so she raised us to be very independent. I actually moved out of her house when I 17 and had to work two part-time jobs when I was a senior in high school, it was tough, I barely slept, but graduating was the only option for me. I knew I wanted to be a hairstylist, so I started cosmetology school like a month after graduation, still working full time and only getting like 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night (needless to say, I truly value sleep now). I started my career when I was 19. I’ve worked at a few really great salons where I was able to strengthen my craft and grow my skills behind the chair, it’s been a great eight years full of growth and experience. I’ve made great clients, I’ve been able to travel and I have made great friendships along the way. In 2016, I was blessed with the opportunity to become an educator through Wella Professionals, it was a dream come true and it’s actually what inspired me to go into business for myself. Being an educator caused me to realize that helping others grow is much more rewarding than just always worrying about yourself and what you need. What I definitely look forward to in the future is growing my business and having a staff I can pour into. One that’s connected and engaged in this industry.
Has it been a smooth road?
Absolutely not, I think it’s very important to separate your circumstance from your potential and you’ll understand that you can create any life you want for yourself. I did mention that I moved out when I was 17, I didn’t have any money, so sometimes I would go a full day or two without eating, thank God for the free lunch program in high school, it saved me. I didn’t have a car until I was like 20 and had to catch the bus very early in the morning and sometimes late at night. I remember having to lug around my huge 50 lb tool kit back and forth to cosmetology school every day on the bus. It wasn’t fun, but it had to be done. I had to work a lot of hours and days over the years to move forward and have some sort of decent life. I started from the very bottom, sometimes I honestly had no idea how I was going to make it. I spent a lot of time in prayer and I only surrounded myself with people who were uplifting and encouraging. I also made it a choice to have a positive outlook and to be optimistic with those around me. I think the best advice is to know what you want and set goals, be grateful and don’t be afraid to let people help you. People want to help! I’ve had so much help along the way it’s unreal!
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
I am a Hair Stylist and a Brand Educator. I work full time at my studio and I also teach classes to other artists. As far as craft is concerned, I’m a color specialist and I love styling hair. Ultimately, though the hair industry is catered to the art of human connection. I have such a heart for others and how we are all different. I love that my clients come from all walks of life and how they have each helped me grow as a person over the years. I would say what sets me apart from others is the fact that I focus more on quality over quantity and I love helping others excel in their craft. I think sharing knowledge and providing great service is what helps our industry grow and gives us a more positive light.
Do you have a lesson or advice you’d like to share with young women just starting out?
Stay focused and don’t be discouraged. We live in an age of instant gratification, but all good things come to those who wait. Don’t rush into things and realize you have options, be assertive and stick to your boundaries.
Contact Info:
- Address: 14520 Memorial dr suite 20 room 3
Houston, TX 77079 - Phone: 8326866101
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Shea_eliz
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/pg/sheaeliz
Image Credit:
Black and white photo: Alondra Martinez
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
