Meet Shunita Wynne

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shunita Wynne.

Shunita, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
Like most little girls playing dress up and styling my dolls hair was fun to me. Some things just come naturally to people and that is me with hair. My mom specialized in ponytails, lol so my aunties where mainly responsible for doing my sister and I hair. I would sit and watch them and shockingly I hated getting my hair done. I would cry and be the main person in the mirror swinging my barrettes. By the age of 11, I was doing my sister and I hair, as well as friends. Sometime in 2007, my sister had a boyfriend that expressed he wanted a cut. So I said I can do it, although I never cut anyone’s hair before. Let’s just say I messed him up lol. However, what I did not know, is that I planted a seed that would later grow. Fast forward, I moved to Florida in 2010 to attend graduate school. I completed my Master’s degree in Entertainment Business and began my career in radio. Throughout my time, I would always switch my hairstyles up and this started making people interested in me doing their hair. Although that was fun, that still wasn’t what I desired. Finally in 2013, I enrolled in cosmetology school and found a passion for the barbering side. Although I was good at doing women’s hair, I loved the challenge of providing men’s grooming services. I honestly can say, I withdrew from hair school three times before I took this seriously. I allowed my own thoughts and others to make me think this wasn’t a good career choice. Also that I should just get a 9-5 with benefits. After working years in corporate, I seen that I was truly unhappy. I started researching women in the barbering industry and started studying them. I watched YouTube videos and followed many Instagram barbers. That’s when I knew this was the industry for me. I signed up for barbering school and my journey began. I officially took my state board exam August 2019 and have been licensed for one year now. I have learned so much and I’m so excited to grow in this industry. I have met so many people and have grew as a person in my faith, my skills and my career.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road to being a female barber has definitely not been easy. When I first started out in this industry many barbershop owners would not respond to my inquiries about working in their shop. It frustrated me but I kept applying. I also had challenges with men not believing I could do the services, and finding ways to make consistent money to survive. Although those challenges were hard I kept fighting. It took time for me to find my niche and how I could stand out, but everyday I am building my confidence everyday. Whew, not to mention everything happening with COVID-19 this year, It really knocked me down.

Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
The Beat Barber was developed by my best friend Sherae and I. I loved makeup and wanted to stand out in the industry as a girly girl. So she said, why don’t you call yourself, “The Beat Barber”! Beat stood for, “I keep my face beat to the Gods” lol. I am most proud that I kept my brand consistent and never compromised my values or customer service. My goal was to let people know that they are getting an experience, not just a haircut. I’m blessed to have both men and women clients. My specialty is big-chops, cuts, colors and natural styles. I love making people feel their best with every cut. What you can expect coming soon is styling products for my clients including beard oils, moisturizer for hair and curl enhancement products.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would like to thank my mentor Paulette, my mom Ronza, my sister Shannon, my best friend Sherae, family and a host of friends for believing in me. So many times, I have been unsure and they have pushed and prayed for me. I have walked away from jobs to pursue this dream and so many have helped me. I have been supported financially, mentally and emotionally from my inner circle. I appreciate my sister and best friend for allowing me to cut their son’s hair. I really did a bad job, but they encouraged me and now I see the growth. Also I appreciate the feedback from many barbers in the industry today, that took time to answer my DM’s or give me advice to make my cuts better. Lastly, I appreciate my Pastor Derrick L. McRae/Lady Taja MaRae and The Experience Christian Center for the seeds they sowed and prayers. I am nothing without my team.

Contact Info:

• Email: thebeatbarber@gmail.com
• Instagram: The Beat Barber
• Facebook: The Beat Barber

Image Credit:
Graphics: Sherae Butler – company 81AVE
T-shirt: TshirtChefs

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