We recently connected with Shandilin King and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Shandilin, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Alright, so imagine me as your friendly neighborhood hair stylist and makeup artist, specializing in black hair and makeup. Now, let me give you the lowdown on how I got where I am and what I could’ve done to speed things up!

So, first off, learning the ropes involved a mix of formal training and diving into the real deal with clients. If I could go back, I’d probably focus even more on getting down and dirty with the specific needs of black hair textures and skin tones right from the get-go. You know, like really honing in on those specialized courses and finding a mentor who’s been in the game.

And speaking of hands-on experience, man, that’s where the magic happens! The more heads I could’ve practiced on, the better. Like, imagine having a diverse lineup of clients with all kinds of hair textures and skin tones to work my magic on! Plus, building up a killer portfolio showing off my skills would’ve been a game-changer for attracting more clients.

But hey, it’s not all about just getting my hands dirty. Keeping up with the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world is key. I wish I had jumped into more workshops and industry events focused on black hair care and makeup. There’s always something new to learn, right?

And let’s not forget about connecting with fellow beauty pros! Networking and collaborating with others in the industry, especially those who specialize in black hair and makeup, would’ve been like adding rocket fuel to my career. It’s all about sharing insights, getting advice, and maybe even teaming up on cool projects!

Now, onto the obstacles. Picture this: limited access to top-notch training materials and products specifically for black hair and makeup. It’s like trying to paint a masterpiece with only half the colors on your palette, you know? And then there’s the whole deal with biases and discrimination in the beauty world. Sometimes, people just don’t get how important it is to be an expert in black hair and makeup.

But hey, despite the challenges, I’m here, doing what I love and making people feel fabulous. And you better believe I’m always ready to learn, grow, and perfect my craft, one curl and contour at a time!

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

Hey there! Let me introduce myself and my brand, Beauty by Shandilin, to those who are new to my story. I’m all about hair and makeup, but my journey into this world started in high school, believe it or not. Back then, I was all about rocking the latest styles, but I couldn’t exactly splash out on fancy salon visits—I was busy working at the movies to make ends meet.

So, what did I do? I started experimenting with my own hair, trying out different looks and techniques. Soon enough, friends started noticing and asking me to work my magic on their hair too. Before I knew it, I was unofficially the go-to stylist among my peers.

Fast forward to college, and I found myself juggling classes and clients. It was during this time that I had my own little one. Parenthood really shifted my perspective—I wanted to be there for my child, but I also craved independence. That’s when the lightbulb went off—I decided to be my own boss.

But it wasn’t just about setting my own hours; it was about doing something that truly fulfilled me. See, during those postpartum days, I struggled. Hair and makeup became my therapy—they were the little things that made me feel good when everything else seemed overwhelming.

And that’s how Beauty by Shandilin really took off. Word spread like wildfire—people were looking for someone who not only knew their stuff when it came to hair and makeup but also understood the unique needs of different hair textures and skin tones. That’s where I came in.

Nowadays, Beauty by Shandilin offers a range of services, from cutting and styling hair to glamming up faces with killer makeup looks. But it’s more than just a job for me—it’s about making people feel confident, beautiful, and empowered.

What sets Beauty by Shandilin apart? It’s the personal touch. I don’t just see clients; I see individuals with their own stories, struggles, and triumphs. I take the time to understand their needs and tailor my services accordingly. Plus, I’m always staying ahead of the curve, constantly learning and growing to give my clients the best possible experience.

And here’s the kicker—I’m not just a stylist; I’m also the founder of Beauty by Shandilin, where I offer my own line of hair care products and hair extensions. It’s all about providing a complete beauty experience, from the salon chair to your home.

What am I most proud of? It’s the journey—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Building a successful business and owning a salon from scratch while being a devoted parent to my two boys hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.

So, to all the potential clients, followers, and fans out there, here’s what you need to know about Beauty by Shandilin: It’s not just about styling hair and applying makeup; it’s about making you feel like the best version of yourself. And I can’t wait to embark on this beauty journey with you!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

You know, the best part of being a hairstylist and makeup artist is getting to let your creativity run wild while making people feel amazing. It’s like being a magician with brushes and combs!

Picture this: you’re working on a client, giving them a fresh hairstyle or a flawless makeup look, and then bam! You see that big smile on their face as they look in the mirror—it’s priceless. That boost of confidence and that twinkle in their eye? That’s what it’s all about.

But it’s not just about the glitz and glam. It’s about connecting with people, helping them feel like the best version of themselves. Whether it’s a sleek new hairstyle or a killer makeup look, it’s about empowering clients to own their beauty and strut their stuff.

And let me tell you, being a hairstylist and makeup artist is like being on a never-ending adventure. Every client is a new canvas, a new opportunity to experiment and try out something fresh. It’s a journey of constant growth and discovery, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Plus, being part of the beauty community is like having a built-in support system. We’re all in this together, sharing tips, tricks, and laughs along the way. It’s like having a squad of fellow beauty enthusiasts cheering you on.

So yeah, the most rewarding part? It’s the smiles, the confidence boosts, and the connections made along the way. It’s about spreading a little bit of beauty and joy, one hairstyle and makeup look at a time. And let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like it.

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

Let me tell you about a time when life threw me a curveball that I never saw coming. I was in a serious accident that nearly took my life. It was a moment that turned my whole world upside down in an instant.

I underwent multiple surgeries and had to fight my way through a long and grueling recovery process. There were days when the pain felt unbearable, and the road ahead seemed impossibly daunting. I had to learn to walk again, to rebuild my strength, and to reclaim my independence.

But you know what? I refused to let that accident define me. Despite the setbacks and the challenges, I held onto my passion for hairstyling and makeup like a lifeline. Even when I was at my lowest, doing hair and makeup gave me a sense of purpose and joy that kept me going.

It wasn’t easy. There were times when I doubted whether I’d ever be able to get back to my craft, whether I’d ever be able to wield a brush or a comb with the same skill and confidence as before. But deep down, I knew that my love for what I do was stronger than any obstacle in my way.

Slowly but surely, I started to rebuild my strength and my skills. It wasn’t a smooth journey—there were setbacks and frustrations along the way. But with each small victory, each brushstroke and curl, I felt myself coming back to life.

Today, I’m proud to say that I’m back doing what I love. I’m back to creating beautiful hairstyles and makeup looks that make people feel amazing. And you know what? That accident, as devastating as it was, taught me something invaluable—it taught me the true meaning of resilience.

It taught me that no matter how tough things get, no matter how many obstacles stand in your way, you can always find the strength to keep going. And for me, that’s what being resilient is all about—finding the courage to pursue your passion, even when the odds are stacked against you. And let me tell you, there’s nothing more rewarding than that.

Contact Info:

• Website: shandilinhaircare.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beautybyshandilin/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beautybyshandilin
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beauty-by-shandilin-santa-clarita