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

Alright, Shelley thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the hair industry when I was a full time student in college but most of my time was spent doing my fellow class mates and friends hair in be tween classes. I always had a natural yearning to service others, but it was the stories my father told me of when I was younger of how I would attempt to style the hair of kids my age my age everywhere we would go. From the play ground, to airports, and school.

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.

Im a hair braider that truly takes pride in the pivotal work that I do. My main focus is providing a safe space for women of color to not only receive professional braiding services but to unlock their confidence and acceptance of their natural hair. I started by completely immersing myself in any and everything I could get my hands on regarding hair. I dedicated myself to reading books and magazines, practicing on myself and others, and taking assistant jobs and apprenticeships where ever I was accepted, along with multiple cosmetology schools. I began to realize that in order for me to truly succeed I needed to be disciplined and take my craft seriously. So after getting fired from one of my many odd jobs, this one in particular at a spa at the Lowes hotel in Hollywood, my mentor at the time insisted that I go full throttle on my dreams. So I did. I began by braiding hair and then focused on building relationship and mastering my craft. I now offer healthy hair care services to kids, who are my main focus, particularliy young black girls who were just like me wanting to love and appreciate their hair. I also offer extensions, care for natural hair, braids, and trending styles for special events, and women and men who are dedicated to starting their healthy hair journey. I believe I help my clients understand the importance of taking care of their hair and helping them fall in love with their hair again. Having the responsibility of unleashing confidence in a person is what Im most proud of. I want potential clients to know that with me, its not just another hair appointment, its a one of a kind experience in the hands of someone who truly cares.

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

For me, the most rewarding experience of being a braider is seeing my clients confidence increase, not only during the service but once the service is complete. I have been given the ultimate non monetary currency from my clients during their service. I have experienced some of the most remarkable break throughs during our hair sessions. Some times we dive deep into to our insecurities, goals, challenges, injustices, and life experiences that it sometimes feels like the most amazing therapy sessions. Another rewarding aspect of being a hair stylist is seeing my work on some of the most influential women who take my art to amazing places. Knowing that I had the honor of having the responsibility of styling my clients on various very important or life changing days is so rewarding.Whats most rewarding is being able to give back. I recently volunteered at a middle school, not too far from where I grew up giving young kids braid services. It was a full circle moment that I am most proud of.

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

I can remember early on in my journey I wanted to work as a celebrity hair stylist so bad, I actually earned an opportunity to work with one and it was one of the most challenging times of my life. I would take 2 busses from home during the summer to work along side him for 12 hours some time less, but for most time with no pay. I just wanted so badly to learn I was willing to just volunteer my time. I can remember being so green and embarrassed most of the time from my lack of knowledge it truly challenged me in a way that tested my esteem, tenacity, moral, and self worth. It taught me resliance and built me up In a way that later I needed to be able to run my business. He later hired me as his full time assistant and gave me opportunities to work in Hollywood doing what I loved.

Contact Info:

• Website: styleseat./hairbyshellsp
• Instagram: shellspea
• Facebook: HairByShellsp
• Linkedin: Shelley Poingsett

Image Credits
Kipp Academy Volunteering My Mane Problem Television Show Baby girl Blake Dana