Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanta Robinson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I remember being a little girl around 7/8 and taking some scissors and cutting off my oldest sister’s hair, my mom was so mad! This was probably the starting point for me. Growing up, I didn’t have the best relationship with my mom. I’ve always craved that close mother-daughter relationship, but it never happened. We bumped heads so much that I couldn’t stand to be around her. I never heard anything positive such as, “I’m proud of you, I believe in you, or good job!” I really was a good kid, but my mom thought differently because everything that I’ve earned and achieved was shut down with a negative remark. This is what geared me to move out of state, so after graduating from McNair High School in Atlanta, GA, I decided to continue my education in Nashville, TN.
There, I attended Tennessee State University, go blue! My major was Biology to become a Crime Scene Investigator, at least that’s what I thought. After about 2.5 years of college, I ended up sitting out a semester and worked full time. While slaving at this establishment, I quickly learned that working at a job you do not love and enjoy is MISERABLE, I felt confined. So, I had a talk with a very close friend and she told me to go to cosmetology school, her advice stuck with me. At the time, I had never considered this line of business because it was just a hobby for me. I would do some of the student’s hair on campus but never thought about making it my actual career. I prayed, then a few days later, I went to enroll and was accepted into beauty school!! One of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I dropped down to part-time at my job and attended school full-time.
There were times I would get discouraged and even overwhelmed with the hectic schedule, but I knew that the bigger picture was obtainable, so I kept striving through the process. I finally received my cosmetology license in 2013. I was super excited about my accomplishment and knew I wanted to continue this journey as an entrepreneur. So, I moved back home for two years and while living there, I worked part-time and became a mobile hairstylist. I loved my freedom and flexibility, but I knew I wanted to live somewhere else because Atlanta will always be home for me. After some research, I decided to pack up my car and move to Houston, Texas to change sceneries and to really jump start my career in 2015. I worked as an assistant for about six months and switched over to a hairstylist after I got the swing of things. I was presented with an amazing opportunity to travel to Europe for 30 days and without much thought, I took it! This was my first time traveling out of the country and it really opened my eyes and mind to other possibilities.
Within the first week of me being away from the salon, I received a letter of termination, yes I got fired on my day off! No worries, I knew God had something better for me. I continued to enjoy my trip and stayed positive. After the trip, I landed back in Houston and started my very own business “IAMSHANTA”, no overhead, just me! Established on August 1, 2016 this journey continues…
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road, but definitely worth all the struggles, dips, and potholes. They’ve all taught me different lessons that I can apply to life… struggle builds character. My advice for other young women who are starting out would be through any journey you will encounter some type of hardship, but they don’t last always. Some of the most successful people have fallen on hard times and had challenges, it’s inevitable, embrace it. These challenges offer you so much more value than any other time in your life. Maintain a positive attitude, self-disciple, and have the ability to put your goal before your own needs.
What do you do, what do you specialize in, what are you known for, etc. What are you most proud of? What sets you apart from others?
At first, I use to cater to all hair types, but as of lately my clients have slowly transitioned me into becoming a natural hair stylist who caters to hair growth and retaining length. I am most proud of the before and after HAIR GROWTH transformations achieved in the salon. The best results come from consistency! I encourage my clients that this is a built-in relationship and we have to stick together to reach those healthy hair goals. The most important thing that sets me apart is the simple fact I actually take pride in maintaining the health of your natural hair, that’s HUGE in the industry.
Who do you look up to? How have they inspired you?
Honestly, if I had to choose someone it would be my oldest sister Sharita. She was born totally blind and watching her while growing up has taught me the true definition of “walking by faith and not by sight.” My sister is so brave and she doesn’t let anyone or anything get in the way of what she has placed in her mind to accomplish. She amazes me every day from her daily routines. She’s not afraid to do anything. So, when I’m feeling like I can’t do something or scared to go after a goal that’s placed on my heart, she’s the one I think about. If you want to really change your life, you must take that leap of faith.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 678.408.0053
- Email: naturaltalent12@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.intsgram.com/_iamshanta
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/Iamshanta
Image Credit:
Rachelle & Crystal
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