Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelby Harlan.
Hi Shelby, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I knew I wasn’t cut out for regular collage and always had so much fun doing my hair and hair for cheerleading competitions or braiding my friends hair during class. So at 18 years old when kids set off to college I set off to hair school. I worked full time as a waitress then switched to retail before and after school and attended Regency Beauty Institute and graduated in 10 months with 1500 hours of curriculum. In September of 2015 i became a licensed cosmetologist in the state of ohio. One of the first in my family to go a trade school. I already had a job lined up with a new salon. I started out in a brand new salon with no clients in a city an hour away after 3 months the owner said I should go find more training and she couldn’t afford to pay me. I thought my world would end and I stopped doing hair before I even got started. In March of 2016 I started my first and only commission based Paul Mitchell focus salon. 5 days a week I was there open to close watching, waiting, and anticipating any client that walked through the door. I started helping and learning in any way I could slowly but surely after about 2.5 years of consistently showing up i started to build a wonderful clientele that was all mine. In 2021 I became interested in hair extensions and got certified. I fell in love with the way you could make such a huge transformation. I shifted my focus to take on more extension clients. I grew a great cliente and in 2022 I welcomed my baby boy into this world! I decided I needed a change a fresh start so after 6 and a half years I decided to take a leap of faith and start working as an independent contractor for my current salon! I’ve currently been at Salon Halo and Spa for almost 3 years. In those 3 years I’ve regained a passion for this industry like no other. I’ve learned so many new products and ways of doing things. I’ve slowed down and really enjoyed life behind the chair. I do focus on color and hair extension but I do offer cuts, colors and Eyebrow waxes as well. When I had my son I took a step back from behind the chair and now I work Wednesday, Thursday and every other Saturday. I stay relevant and fresh on the latest trends and products. This year I will be licensed 10 years in the industry and I don’t see any sign of slowing down! I have such an amazing clientele I want them to know without their support I would not be where I am today. And same goes for my friends and family’s support though these last 10 years. My husband has encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and believe in myself to become independent. I am forever grateful to Lynn and the women at Salon Halo for welcoming me with wide open arms. The atmosphere in the salon is what makes me thrive.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being behind the chair has not been easy. Building a clientele in the wake of social media has not been easy. Advertising on social media just became a thing when I started doing hair. But I was able to utilize it and push myself out there and welcome clients to my chair. I have had to rebuild my clientele a few times due to having a child, having major knee surgery and moving salons. When I left my commission salon all I knew was the paul mitchell color line. I didn’t have to learn a new color line but it was so fun exploring all these products I had never had to chance to use before! Now I have a rhythm and grove I know what I love and what I don’t!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a great clientele of hair extensions and it’s what I really love to do. But I also really do love doing a nice highlight foil! There’s just something so soothing about the rhythm of doing traditional highlights. I have a great balance of beautiful brunettes as well. I am most proud that I have gone from a student who passed state boards and knew nothing to a 10 year and counting career behind the chair. I think what sets me apart from others is my bubbily and bright personality and my ability to understand my client and their needs. I really try to connect with them and deliver what they need.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was a wild, spunky, energetic, loud very tom-boy child. But I also loved anything sparkly, bright and crazy! Infact the more glitter the better. I also loved playing barbies and fixing their hair. Some days you couldn’t even get me inside because we were always running through the trees and playing in the mud. Riding bikes and just being outside whenever I could. Until I was in Jr high and I started cheerleading and I became obsessed with the glitz and glamour behind it.
Pricing:
- Sew in wefts per row $125
- Full highlight + cut $165
- Partial foil + cut $115
- All over color + cut $115
- Shampoo, cut and style $45
Contact Info:
- Website: https://shelbydoesyourhair.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelbslainesmith?utm_source=qr&igsh=MW0zMjFwdWkzcmRjcA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Shelbydoesyourhair?mibextid=ZbWKwL
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shelbydoesyourhair?_t=ZT-8w05K3cImtf&_r=1
