Conversations with Shawon Gullette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shawon Gullette.

Hi Shawon , it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My journey began over 35 years ago in the beauty industry as a hairstylist with a passion for helping women look and feel their best. What started as a love for hairstyling gradually evolved into a deeper calling as I began encountering women struggling with hair loss, scalp disorders, and the emotional challenges that often accompany them.

There came a point in my career when I realized that what I had learned behind the styling chair was no longer enough. I was seeing women experiencing thinning hair, excessive shedding, breakage, and scalp conditions. Although I could improve the appearance of their hair, I couldn’t always explain what was causing their problems.

I began asking myself some important questions: Why are these women losing their hair? What is happening internally? And why are we focusing so much on covering up the problem instead of understanding its cause?

That realization became a turning point in my career. I knew that if I truly wanted to help women, I had to go beyond traditional cosmetology and develop a deeper understanding of the science behind hair loss.

That curiosity led me to pursue advanced education in trichology, naturopathic medicine, and functional health. I wanted to connect the dots between hair loss, nutrition, hormonal changes, underlying health conditions, and overall wellness. More importantly, I wanted women to have a place where their concerns would be taken seriously and where they could receive education, compassionate care, and individualized solutions.

Today, I am a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, an I.A.T. Clinical Trichologist, and the founder of Dayton Trichology Hair Loss Control Clinic and Cincinnati Trichology Hair Loss Control Clinic. Through my practices, I specialize in helping women understand the connection between their internal health, scalp conditions, and hair loss. My expertise has also led to opportunities to collaborate with dermatologists in the co-management of hair loss cases, bringing a complementary perspective that connects scalp health, internal wellness, and individualized care.

My journey has also expanded beyond working directly with clients. I am passionate about educating beauty and wellness professionals, mentoring aspiring trichologists, developing educational programs, and helping elevate the standards of the hair loss industry. I believe that when we educate professionals, we have the opportunity to positively impact countless lives beyond those who walk through our own doors.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is witnessing the transformation that happens when a woman finally begins to understand what is happening to her body. Sometimes the greatest transformation isn’t just the improvement in her hair; it’s the confidence, relief, and hope she experiences when she realizes that someone is listening and taking her concerns seriously.

What began as a career behind the styling chair has evolved into a mission of education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Looking back, I never imagined that my love for hair would lead me down a path connecting beauty, science, and wellness. Every challenge, every client, and every educational experience has helped shape the professional and woman I am today.

And while I am proud of what I’ve built, I don’t consider this the finish line. I am still learning, still growing, and still creating opportunities to make a greater impact.

My goal has never been simply to restore hair. It has always been to restore understanding, confidence, and hope.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not! My journey has been rewarding, but it has certainly not been a smooth road. Like many entrepreneurs, I have experienced challenges, setbacks, moments of uncertainty, and situations that tested not only my commitment to my profession but also my belief in myself.

One of my greatest challenges was transitioning from being a successful hairstylist to establishing myself in a field that many people didn’t fully understand. When I began pursuing trichology, hair loss was often viewed primarily as a cosmetic concern rather than something that could be connected to a person’s overall health. I had to educate not only myself but also my clients and community about the importance of looking beyond the surface.

Another challenge was building a business in a specialized industry where there wasn’t always a clear roadmap to follow. I had to navigate the responsibilities of entrepreneurship while continuing my education, investing in advanced training, purchasing specialized equipment, and developing services that reflected my vision. Much of what I have accomplished required stepping outside my comfort zone and figuring things out along the way.

One of the hardest lessons I’ve learned is that being passionate about what you do doesn’t automatically make running a business easy. You can be excellent at your craft and still have to learn financial management, leadership, marketing, business operations, and how to make difficult decisions. There have been times when I had to wear every hat in my business, make personal sacrifices, and continue moving forward even when the results weren’t immediately visible.

Expanding from one clinic to two locations brought another level of responsibility. Growth is exciting, but it also requires discipline, organization, financial commitment, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. I’ve learned that every new level of success comes with a new level of accountability.

I’ve also had to learn the importance of trusting my own vision. When you’re building something that doesn’t necessarily fit the traditional mold, not everyone will understand what you’re trying to accomplish. I’ve learned that I don’t need everyone to see the vision as long as I’m willing to do the work required to bring it to life.

Perhaps one of my greatest personal challenges has been learning to balance my ambition with giving myself permission to enjoy the life I’m working so hard to build. I love what I do, but I’ve come to understand that success should also include personal growth, meaningful relationships, new experiences, and taking care of myself.

Through it all, I’ve learned that obstacles aren’t always signs that you’re on the wrong path. Sometimes they’re the very experiences that prepare you for the next chapter.

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that resilience is just as important as knowledge, passion, and talent.

I am proud of the woman I’ve become through the challenges, not just the businesses I’ve built. Every obstacle has taught me something about perseverance, leadership, faith in my vision, and the importance of continuing to evolve.

My road hasn’t been smooth, but I wouldn’t trade the lessons. They have helped shape my purpose and strengthened my determination to keep moving forward.

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?
My work is centered around something that I am deeply passionate about: helping women understand the connection between their hair, scalp, and overall health. After more than 35 years in the beauty industry, my career has evolved from traditional hairstyling into a specialized practice that combines trichology, naturopathic medicine, functional health, education, and advocacy.

Today, I am a Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine, an I.A.T. Clinical Trichologist, and the founder of Dayton Trichology Hair Loss Control Clinic and Cincinnati Trichology Hair Loss Control Clinic. I specialize in women’s hair loss, scalp disorders, and identifying the underlying factors that may contribute to changes in hair growth and scalp health.

What sets my work apart is that I don’t believe hair loss should be approached as a one-size-fits-all condition. Two women can experience similar patterns of hair loss for completely different reasons. My approach involves looking beyond the visible symptoms and exploring factors such as nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, stress, medical history, and other internal health concerns that may influence hair and scalp health.

Through comprehensive consultations, detailed scalp examinations, advanced imaging, and individualized hair and scalp care programs, I work to help women better understand their conditions and the options available to them. I believe education is one of the most powerful tools we can offer a client. When women understand what may be contributing to their hair loss, they can become more informed and empowered participants in their care.

I am particularly passionate about working with women who have spent years searching for answers, trying countless products, or feeling discouraged because their concerns have been dismissed. Hair loss can affect a woman’s confidence, identity, and emotional well-being in ways that are often underestimated. Being able to provide a space where women feel heard, respected, and supported is one of the most meaningful parts of my work.

However, my professional mission extends far beyond the walls of my clinics.

Education has become an important part of my legacy. I mentor and train beauty and wellness professionals who want to expand their knowledge of hair loss and scalp disorders. Through clinical training, educational programs, workshops, and professional presentations, I share the knowledge and experience I’ve gained throughout my career. My goal is to help bridge the gap between cosmetology, trichology, and a broader understanding of health.

I’m also proud that my work has created opportunities to collaborate with organizations and participate in professional research initiatives focused on hair and scalp health. These experiences have allowed me to contribute my clinical perspective beyond my own practice and continue growing professionally. I’ve spoke about hair loss all across the country.

One of my proudest accomplishments is expanding my vision from one clinic to two locations. Building Dayton Trichology and Cincinnati Trichology represents much more than business growth. It represents years of education, sacrifice, determination, and a commitment to making specialized hair loss services more accessible.

I’m equally proud of the Hope for Hair Foundation, an initiative dedicated to supporting women experiencing hair loss during cancer treatment by helping provide wigs and restoring a sense of dignity and confidence during an incredibly difficult time. For me, this work has always been about more than hair.

If you ask what I want to be known for, it isn’t necessarily the titles I’ve earned, the businesses I’ve built, or the number of people I’ve served. I want to be known as someone who helped change the conversation surrounding women’s hair loss. I want women to understand that their concerns deserve attention, that their hair can provide important clues about their overall well-being, and that they should never feel embarrassed about seeking answers.

I also want to inspire other beauty professionals to recognize that their careers can evolve beyond the traditional styling chair. There are opportunities to become educators, specialists, researchers, entrepreneurs, and advocates while continuing to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

What sets me apart is the combination of my extensive experience behind the chair, my continued pursuit of education, and my commitment to understanding the whole person rather than focusing solely on the hair.

I’m most proud that I’ve been able to turn decades of experience into a purpose-driven career that allows me to educate, empower, and create opportunities for others.

I often say that my career started with helping women look beautiful, but today, my work is about helping them understand what’s happening beneath the surface.

And to me, that is where the real transformation begins.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I consider myself someone who truly enjoys life, embraces new experiences, and believes that personal growth should never stop, regardless of age or where you are in your journey.

Things I Love:

I have a genuine love for traveling, exploring new destinations, experiencing different cultures, and creating meaningful memories. Whether it’s an international adventure or a spontaneous weekend getaway, I enjoy experiences that broaden my perspective and allow me to appreciate life beyond my everyday routine.

I’m also passionate about art, live music, good food, and meaningful conversations. I enjoy visiting museums, attending concerts, discovering unique restaurants, and sharing experiences with friends and family.

Reading is another passion of mine. I’m part of a women’s book club, Read Between the Wines, Dayton , where we explore literature, exchange perspectives, and build friendships. I also enjoy bringing women together through social gatherings and experiences that encourage connection, laughter, and community.

I’ve recently developed an interest in golf, which has reminded me how exciting it can be to step outside my comfort zone and learn something completely new.

Professionally, I love learning, teaching, mentoring, and finding ways to challenge myself. I’m naturally curious and enjoy discovering how things work, particularly when it comes to health, science, and human behavior.

Above all, I love spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren, and creating memories with the people who matter most.

Things I Dislike:

I have very little patience for dishonesty, unnecessary negativity, or people who intentionally create obstacles for others. I believe in treating people with respect, being accountable for your actions, and allowing your work and character to speak for themselves.

I also dislike complacency. I believe there’s always something new to learn, somewhere new to explore, and another opportunity to grow. I never want to become so comfortable that I stop challenging myself.

I’m not particularly fond of wasted time, missed opportunities, or situations where people underestimate themselves and their potential.

If I had to sum myself up, I would say I’m a woman who values purpose, authenticity, meaningful relationships, and a life filled with experiences.

I work hard, but I also believe in enjoying the life I’m building. At this stage of my journey, I’m especially intentional about making memories, trying new things, and reminding myself that there is still so much life left to experience.

My philosophy is simple: Never become so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.

Pricing:

• Comprehensive Consultation 500.00

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.Cincinnatitrichology.com