Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sarah Shepard. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Sarah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Parents play a huge role in our development as youngsters and sometimes that impact follows us into adulthood and into our lives and careers. Looking back, what’s something you think you parents did right?

I was raised by two very good people. My father who worked hard for the city of Los Angeles for 37 years and my mother who is so well rounded, she showed and taught us if you can read you can do anything. They inspire me to do things right and with integrity.

I admire my father for so many reasons. He is a very hard working man. For my whole life he was there for important moments to cheer me on and support me. I watched his thoughtfulness, the efforts put in to dinner every night and the care he put in to making us know we were loved. He has shown my mother love with every holiday and celebrated her year after year. He adores her. He is a great father and man and I am who I am because he is who he is.

My mother is my go to person for almost everything. She is incredibly smart and I trust her for any advice or direction when I’m unsure about my next steps. She has so much will power and accomplishes everything she puts her mind to. “If you can read you can do anything.” She taught us that and I believe it, she lives it, I am so grateful that she has passed down those traits to me.

I couldn’t ask for better people to be my parents. They have such amazing qualities and taught me to do the right thing, even when it’s hard. Although I didn’t always know or understand how great they are, I am so glad I have grown to be able to appreciate them for the wonderful people they are.

Sarah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I was about 8-10 I used to pretend to be a barber. My dad would give me his comb, I would fill a cup with water and dip the comb into it and brush his hair over and over. About the same age my mom bought me a braiding book so I could learn. I practiced on my Barbie’s for hours.

In the 4th grade I had to start doing my hair but I didn’t really know how, my hair was curly and fluffy like a lions mane. My dad tried to help me pony tail my hair but it wasn’t to my liking, I knew then I had to learn. My mom could braid but didn’t wear makeup or do her hair, she embraced her natural curl. My dad told me to brush my hair 100xs every night for it to be healthy and shiny. I would put a headband in and learned to ponytail it. Little did I know that brushing curly hair only makes it bigger. By middle school I could braid very well, do corn rows and Dutch braids. It was so useful when I played sports. I was coloring my hair at 12 with koolaid and cutting hair by their time I was 14.

I was a young mom and was unsure of what I wanted to do as a career. But the knowledge I had about hair was helpful for me to take care of my kids. I was about 23 when I finally enrolled in barber-stylist school. We were a military family living in Hawaii and I could not have asked for a better place to learn. I have worked on all hair types and learned almost all services that can be performed. I do photo shoots, makeup, weddings. I am able to help with difficult hair and I understand how much better you feel with the right cut, products and plan that address your individual needs.

Later I took cosmetology and am dual licensed in California. And during Covid I took the opportunity to learn Permanent Makeup. I love all things beauty. I feel I have a good understanding of face shapes, colors, chemistry, angles and symmetry that help me with all aspects of my career. I want to help. I know that when you look good you feel good. I have finally gotten to a place where I have my own studio for hair and Permanent makeup in San Dimas.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

After leaving an 18year marriage/relationship I was pretty lost. Everything I had sacrificed and loved was changing. I didn’t know if I could continue to hair and afford to live a life on my own. I had started college and was looking into new careers. I had never supported myself and didn’t have the means or know how. It took time but after the years spent in court for the divorce and working a second job everything finally settled and I knew that hair was what I loved and was passionate about. I just had to be patient and let the dust settle.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

I will be the first to admit my social media skills are mediocre. I don’t filter my pictures and I try to be as realistic as possible. I just want to display what I can do for those that want to know. I am not trying to be popular. I just love what I do. I’ve noticed that word of mouth is my best avenue to reach new clients. Someone sharing their first hand experience with friends or colleagues is the best advertisement.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Instagram.com/sarah4beauty
• Facebook: Facebook.com/sarah4beauty
• Yelp: https://s.yelp.com/oUXl7jjqoM