Today we’d like to introduce you to Khandilyn “Shae” Carver.
Khandilyn, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
WHEW! Where to start? I guess maybe when I was a child… I grew up knowing not that I was better but DIFFERENT. I naturally had a positive perspective about life and understood very early on that whatever my desire was, I could have it if I worked hard. The beauty industry was introduced to me as a child and there was something about transforming in the chair that resonated with my soul. I fell in love with the saying “If you look good, you feel good!” I noticed that when I walked into a beauty salon, I was more intrigued by the smell of products that I didn’t really care how I ended up leaving, even though I was always flawless. After getting through most of my high school years, I met a Master Cosmetologist who completely read me MY LIFE! She saw something that I had not quite realized in myself, which was that God had a calling on my life to be more than just a typical beauty professional. I finished up my senior year early and went straight to Cosmetology school. I finished school and had my first salon position the week I completed. I’ve worked as everything from an assistant, a commission stylist, an independent contractor, the only black girl at an all-white salon, to now being a successful licensed instructor and salon owner. My journey has been far from perfect but a testament that God orders your steps and that the GRIND DONT STOP. I’m 24 years young and I’m just getting started!!
Has it been a smooth road?
In a perfect world, NO it still will not be easy. Entrepreneurship has taught me that if you don’t know your self and what you bring to the table that you deal with so much confusion and doubt. And most of it comes when you’re by yourself. BUT, once taking the time to get to know yourself, the journey does get easier. It’s always rewarding. but never easy boo!
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of.
Currently, I’d like to think my mindset is what sets me apart from my peers. Im always told that I have an old soul which now I know it just means that I’m wise beyond my years. I take pride in putting myself in a position to make an impact on those around me. Not in a way where I’m encouraging others to be in the beauty industry, but for sure pushing the motive that whatever you feel called to do, DO IT! According to my clients, I’m best known for my Extension services, Natural Haircare, Haircuts/Hair color, and most importantly hair education. I’m most proud of my journey and where God has positioned me a 24. I’m a young BLACK woman beating the statistics.
Do you have any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general? What has worked well for you?
FIND A MENTOR. Everyone needs guidance, if not you’re holding yourself back. Each individual needs either someone or a group of like-minded people to push them to excel onto the next level of their lives. Granted their some people who naturally boost themselves, but they’d be lying if they thought “No One Helped Me Get Here.” What has worked for me is always challenging myself. Always creating conversations that will elevate my initial perspective.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3415 Old 41 Hwy, Suite 760 Acworth, GA 30144
- Website: www.iconicallysheabeautybar.com
- Phone: 678-882-2510
- Email: iconicallysheabeautybar@gmail.com
- Instagram: iconicshearz_
- Facebook: iConicallySHEA Beauty Bar
- Twitter: iconicallyshea
Image Credit:
LevelsofSarahtonin (Photographer), ShotBySed (Photographer), Charles Dante (Photographer)
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
