We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shanae Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shanae below.

Shanae, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later?

If I could go back in time, I would have started my business sooner. I literally would have started it straight out of high school. I graduated high school in 2011, at that time the only thing my peers and I were exposed to, was the importance of getting a college education. Don’t get me wrong, going to college is a major flex! It’s usually the most common way out of poverty, or life in the inner city for many. College gives hope and motivation to so many people. The way we are led to think, is that if we work hard and do our very best in school, that it will eventually pay off, and afford us a life where we will be able to provide for our families and live stable lives. This is true and accessible for many. However, in my opinion, college ultimately teaches you to be an exceptional employee who takes what you’re given, rather than a successful boss who pushes the limits of expectation. I decided to go to nail school in my final semester of college. At this time, I was working for the department of education as administration. This was a major accomplishment for a 25-year-old black female in Brooklyn, NY. However, I was unhappy, over-worked, underpaid, and burnt-out. I took a leap of faith and decided to resign from my job and open my nail salon. After months of preparation, fasting, and praying. I set the date for my grand opening. March 21,2020. I had no idea that Covid-19 was on the rise, and would have the impact that it did. On this very day, the world began a mandatory quarantine with no end in sight. Had I known or been exposed to trades or entrepreneurship at an earlier age, I know that I would be more refined and established in my career at this age. That fact doesn’t take away from my accomplishments in any way. I’ve accomplished so many great things in such a short amount of time. The sky’s the limit for me. I believe that if I had more exposure to trades, and been taught that trades are respectable and lucrative jobs, that would have changed a lot. I also believe that I am exactly where I am supposed to be in this moment and that god’s timing is perfect! I can only get better from here.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers?

Cotton Candi Colors LLC is more than just a nail and skin care brand. It’s a community staple. Since the closure of the salon, I still make it my duty to service my regular clients as well as all of their referrals. We don’t practice classism at Cotton Candi Colors. What this means is that each and every client will get pampered while getting beautiful nail services. Over the last year I’ve had the pleasure of servicing a fleet of individuals in the entertainment industry, as well as a few house-hold names. Ultimately, I’ve decided to slightly shift the focus of the brand from providing luxury services to all, and begin to hone in on the importance of nail and skin care from an educational standpoint. Cotton Candi Colors LLC is making strides to converting from community nail salon to an educational campus by way of a full-service cosmetology institution by the year 2023/24. Although we currently provide nail and skin care services to celebrity and editorial clients, educational workshops and lessons based on licensing exams in New York State have been where I’ve seen the greatest impact on my community and youths searching for their niche. Cotton Candi Colors LLC is will also be relaunched “Skin” by Definition Echelon in 2023. Definition Echelon is an all organic handmade and wild-crafted skin care line for all skin types. What sets us apart from other companies has to be our motive. We are driven by giving back and building up our youth and the community. We do this by offering skills and knowledge. The status quo may be good for many, but what happens to those who think differently and are fueled by creativity. We need a place to grow and Cotton Candi Colors LLC is that place. I’m most proud of the impact that my brand has on others. I didn’t realize the amount of people I’ve inspired and motivated to chase their dreams since I launched Cotton Candi Colors in 2020. One thing I’d like for potential clients and readers to take away from this, is that no matter how hard things may seem or how many obstacles and/or road blocks you see ahead. Buckle up, put on the full armor of god and go chase your dreams! He will provide a way!

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

The closing of my salon is a major part of my journey that speaks volumes to my resilience. When I made the sound decision to close the salon. So many people were against my choice. I even battled with the possibilities for months. However, what makes a great business person is knowing when to cut your losses. This doesn’t mean you give up and never try again. This is the time you use to rebuild, restructure, and implement all the lessons you’ve learned the first time around. I watched my father open and close 3 restaurants. Some were more successful than others, but watching his journey taught me great management skills at an early age. Being resilient can only become a trait that you possess when you continue to try, again and again. Many looked at the closing of the salon as the end, a final resting place for Cotton Candi Colors. In actuality it’s the re-birth. We’re going from nail salon to an international cosmetology institution by God’s grace and mercy. Such a move, such a shift in perspective will take so much work, faith, and pure resilience.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

How I initially funded Cotton Candi Colors was by using all my savings, and surviving off of half my paychecks for a few months. I did this so that I could use the other half to fund the start-up. Another major thing that contributed to my business capital was a very generous donation from my daughter’s grandmother Edris Cust. Through all the ups and downs, twists and turns I’ve experienced in life thus far. Ms. Cust has always poured into me and my daughter. Without her help. It would have been very hard to accomplish everything I needed to accomplish in the time frame I had. Whether she realizes it or not, Ms. Cust not only planted seeds in me as a young woman who needed guidance, or a young first-time mother. The seeds she planted in me coupled with God’s grace, and my work ethic allowed me to grow into a successful business woman who will accomplish more than the expected.

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.definitionechelon.com
• Instagram: @cottoncandicolorsnailspa
• Twitter: @cottoncandicolorsnailspa
• Other: Tik Toc @cottoncandicolorsnailspa

Image Credits
@cottoncandicolorsnailspa