We recently connected with Shanice Morales and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Shanice thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I took a life changing risk July of 2021. I decided to take a leap in faith and leave the job that I loved. I was so nervous and anxiety was at an all time high. I kept thinking, what if I was unable to provide for my family? What if I failed? I had so much encouragement from my family and words of support from everyone around me. Life is so short and deep down inside I had always knew this day would come. Afterall, is this not what I went to school for? To follow my purpose. At this time I was 1 year and a few months working part time as a hairstylist at Salon LaVales. I realized behind the chair was my happy place and thats where I wanted to be all the time. Five months after quitting my full time job and living my purpose, I found the perfect location to open my own Salon. Beauty Bee’s has now successfully been open for 7 months and I thank God everyday!

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a 34 year old mother of 2 who loves hair and creating beautiful things with it. When I was a young child my mother would ask my to play with her hair to relax her mind. One day I decided to get creative and I made shoelace knots all over her head. It was at that moment she said, “I am going to teach you how to twist and braid.” I fell in love. At the age of 8 I knew what I wanted to be, a Hairstylist. I was braiding and twisting anyone and everyone who allowed me to. I noticed as the years went by that not many people had healthy hair. I would touch or brush it and it would snap. I knew early on as a kid that learning healthy hair would be my mission and with that I would be able to help others.

The name Beauty Bees came from my first born Leah B. Whenever she felt down about herself I would call her my Beauty Bee to remind her that she is beautiful. The name of the salon was a no brainer to me.

I am now a healthy hair stylist. I like to call myself the maintenance check in who just so happens to know how to style. Check in with me every 6-8 weeks for your trims and treatments. I do offer a lot of natural styles such as braids, locs, twists and curls. I do believe what sets me apart from others is the level of intimacy I provide for them. I like my clients to feel calm, relaxed and at ease when they step into the salon. The aesthetics of the salon is very calming and welcoming. I book by appointment only so all my attention is on one individual client at a time. I do allow duo sessions for those who want to use getting their hair done as a bonding moment with someone else.

The thing I am most proud of is that I was able to get my cosmetology license, mentor underneath one of the greatest stylists for a year and a half and open my dream salon. 5 years ago, I would have never imagined id be where I am today.

I want my potential clients, followers, fans to know that once you sit in my chair, you are officially a Beauty Bee and it is more than just an appointment. It truly is an experience. I promise to always deliver my best to every guest.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being a creative is being able to see my work of art on different people and knowing that I had something to do with their smile. I can literally see the energy shift on my clients from the time they come in, to the moment they are getting ready to leave. Look good, feel good. A lot of my appointments end with a hug or a smile from ear to ear, and I love that. The amazing reviews I get always leave me emotional.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I think to support an artist you can leave reviews, purchase something from them, recommend a friend, like and share their work.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.beautybeesbysm@gmail.com
• Instagram: 8eauty8ees
• Facebook: Beauty Bees

Image Credits
Jarred Johnson Photography