Today we’d like to introduce you to Shatavia Simon
Hi Shatavia, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
The start of my story begins when I made the bold decision to enroll in cosmetology school. For over 10 years, I had been braiding hair, perfecting my craft, and building a loyal client base. It was something I was incredibly passionate about, but I had always been asked the same question: “Why don’t you have your cosmetology license?” To be honest, I had never really given it much thought. I was comfortable with my skills, and in many ways, I didn’t see the need for the formal certification. I was doing what I loved, and that was enough for me.
But as time passed, I started to realize there were so many benefits to having my license—doors that would open, new opportunities that could arise, and a deeper sense of professionalism that could elevate my work. That’s when the idea started to take root, and I decided to take the leap.
Along the way, my current partner has played such an instrumental role in my journey. He’s not only supported me but has pushed me to be the best version of myself—both personally and professionally. There were moments when I doubted myself, when the long hours of studying or the balancing act of life felt overwhelming, but he was always there, encouraging me to keep going, reminding me of why I started.
I like to think that my story is still being written—every day, there are new lessons, new challenges, and new victories. The journey isn’t over, and I’m so excited to share it with everyone who’s been a part of it. From the early days of braiding hair in my living room to stepping into the world of cosmetology school, this path has been filled with growth, self-discovery, and endless possibilities. I can’t wait to see what the future holds and how this story will unfold as I continue to chase my dreams.
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?
Being a business owner and a full-time mom definitely comes with its challenges, especially when it comes to time management. There are days when it feels like I’m juggling a million things at once—managing my salon, taking care of my family, and making sure I don’t drop the ball on anything. It’s like having two full-time jobs that require my attention all the time. Sometimes it feels overwhelming, trying to balance the needs of my clients with the demands of being present for my kids. It takes a lot of planning, prioritizing, and, most importantly, flexibility. There are times when things don’t go as planned, and I have to pivot, but that’s just part of the journey.
On top of all this, I recently had ACL and meniscus surgery, which has temporarily slowed the growth of my salon. It’s been a bit of a setback, as I’ve had to focus more on recovery and less on the day-to-day operations of the business. However, through it all, I’ve learned to embrace the challenge and remain grateful. It’s a reminder that even setbacks can lead to growth, and sometimes slowing down is necessary to come back stronger.
I’m truly thankful for the support I’ve received from my family, my team, and all the clients who’ve stood by me during this time. Their encouragement has meant the world to me. I’m excited for what’s ahead and can’t wait to share the progress with everyone who has been part of this journey. With all the lessons I’ve learned along the way, I’m more determined than ever to keep pushing forward and reach new heights in both my business and personal life. I’m looking forward to what the future holds, and I’m grateful for every step, every challenge, and every moment of support.
As you know, we’re big fans of A-List Hair Studios LLC. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
My name Shatavia Simon, born and raised in Houston, Texas. I’m the proud owner of A-List Hair Studios, located in the heart of Third Ward. As much as I love my business, I’m also a full-time mom to two amazing kids—a 12-year-old and a 1-year-old who’s about to turn 2—and I’m soaking up every precious moment with them. Balancing motherhood and running a salon is a journey, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything! Right now, I’m on the lookout for talented stylists to join the A-List Hair Studios family. If you’re a stylist in the Houston area looking for a home, I’d love to hear from you! Let’s connect and create something amazing together.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I haven’t found a mentor just yet, but I’m actively working on it, and I’m excited about the process. Right now, the internet has been an invaluable resource for me. There’s such a vast amount of information available, and I’ve spent hours digging into different areas of business, learning from articles, podcasts, videos, and more. Honestly, it’s been like having an endless library at my fingertips. If you’re an entrepreneur or business owner, I can’t stress enough how important it is to do your homework and take advantage of all the knowledge out there. It’s empowering to realize how much you can learn on your own.
That said, I know the power of mentorship, and there are a few people I really admire and would love to approach. They’ve achieved things I aspire to, and I believe their guidance could take my business and personal growth to the next level. One of my main goals this year is to reach out to these individuals, build those connections, and hopefully establish a mentor-mentee relationship. I’m not rushing the process, but I’m intentionally putting myself out there, making it a priority. I’m confident that finding the right mentor will be a game-changer, and I can’t wait to see how it accelerates my growth. So, this year, I’m all in – learning, connecting, and growing!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: officialalhs
- Other: https://book.heygoldie.com/ALHS
