From Brooklyn Roots to the Beauty Chair: Shana on Healthy Hair, Self-Expression, and Building on Her Own Terms

For Brooklyn-based hairstylist Shana, hair has always been personal. What began as a childhood act of self-reclamation - taking control of her own look after years of feeling overlooked - grew into something far bigger: a calling rooted in confidence, creativity, and care. Long before she became officially licensed in 2019, Shana spent five years learning the craft from the ground up, assisting and absorbing everything the industry had to offer. That foundation, built quietly and deliberately, is what sets her apart today.

Over the course of her career, Shana has moved fluidly across salon environments - from blow-dry bars to natural hair spaces - and has brought her skills to fashion week productions, editorial shoots, jewelry campaigns, and a music video in 2024. She has worked with celebrity clients through personal referrals, appeared as a guest on a beauty-focused podcast, and continued to grow her reputation as a stylist who brings both technical versatility and a grounded, intentional presence to every project.

At the heart of her work is a specialization in healthy hair and natural styles - wash-and-gos, two-strand twists, precision cuts, trims, and color - though her adaptability extends well beyond any single technique or hair type. What ties it all together is her philosophy: that every client deserves to feel safe, seen, and genuinely empowered by the time they leave the chair.

Born and raised in Brooklyn and proudly Guyanese, Shana draws inspiration from wellness, holistic health, and an active lifestyle. She is currently in a season of intentional refinement - building a sustainable, aligned career at her salon, Serenity and Style, while expanding into products and education. We sat down with her to talk about where it all began, what she has learned building a business entirely on her own, and what she is working toward next.

What inspired you to found {business}, and what were the main challenges you faced?

My inspiration really started in childhood. My grandmother used to do my hair, and while I’m grateful for that, I didn’t always have the trendy styles other kids had—and I got teased for it. I was already a bit of an awkward child trying to find my place, so I decided to take matters into my own hands. Hair became my way of reclaiming confidence and self-expression.The biggest challenges I faced were internal—building confidence in myself, trusting my work, and truly understanding my worth. Once I started strengthening that foundation, everything else began to align.

Did you start the venture alone?

Yes, I did. I built everything from the ground up on my own, which taught me resilience, discipline, and how to trust my vision.

What’s your business model, and how have you grown your revenue?

My business is rooted in providing intentional, high-quality hair services, with a strong focus on healthy hair and long-term results. I prioritize client experience, education, and trust—so my clients aren’t just booking a service; they’re investing in a relationship with their hair.I’ve grown my revenue through a mix of consistent client retention, word-of-mouth referrals, and strategic use of social media to showcase transformations and educate my audience. I’m also expanding into products and virtual/in-person classes to create additional income streams beyond working behind the chair.