Today we’d like to introduce you to Shataya James
Hi Shataya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey has been deeply rooted in faith, and I truly couldn’t have come this far without my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It all started in 2019 when I launched Shaped by Shay, a business that was built on my passion for creativity, beauty, and helping others feel confident. I was blessed with the opportunity to bring my vision to life and provide high-quality nail services focused on self-care and luxury.
As I continued to grow, my faith guided me toward new opportunities. In 2021, I expanded into merch with Staccd Up, a line that reflected my style and entrepreneurial spirit. Then, in 2024, I launched Luxe Lab Nails & Co., offering premium press-on nails that allow people to express themselves in fun and creative ways.
While the journey has had its ups and downs, I’ve been sustained by my faith and the belief that God has a purpose for everything I do. Being a content creator and social media influencer has allowed me to connect with even more people, and I feel blessed to use my platform to inspire others in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle.
Looking back, I can say that every success I’ve had is a result of hard work, determination, and the strength I receive from my relationship with Christ. I’m grateful for the growth, the lessons, and the opportunities that have come my way.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey has definitely not been a smooth road, but I believe that every obstacle has strengthened me and brought me closer to God’s plan for my life. There have been plenty of moments filled with uncertainty, sleepless nights, and even doubts about whether I was on the right path. Balancing multiple businesses while trying to finish college and trying to stay true to my vision hasn’t been easy.
One of the biggest challenges was launching Shaped by Shay in 2019. Being a new entrepreneur, I faced a lot of adversity, from navigating financial hurdles to figuring out how to get my name out there in a competitive industry. I was trying to start my business while still in school, working as a retail manager, and a President of an organization on my campus. There were countless nights when I was up late, trying to handle the logistics of running a business and staying creative at the same time.
When I started Staccd Up in 2021 and later Luxe Lab Nails & Co. in 2024, those same challenges showed up again but in different forms. I had to learn new skills, deal with production delays, and figure out how to keep my brands growing. There were moments of fear—wondering if I was doing enough, or if all the hard work would pay off. But through it all, my faith in God was my anchor. Whenever I felt overwhelmed, I turned to prayer, and each time, He gave me the strength to keep going.
Facing adversity has taught me perseverance and the importance of trusting God’s timing. I’ve learned that struggles are a part of the process, and while the road hasn’t always been easy, the blessings have always been greater than the challenges. Every sleepless night and moment of doubt has been worth it because it’s brought me closer to where I’m meant to be.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
My business journey is still growing and evolving, but it has been an exciting ride so far. Shaped by Shay is celebrating its 5-year anniversary this October, which is a milestone I’m incredibly proud of. What started as a passion for delivering quality nail services has turned into a full-fledged brand that specializes in luxury and creative nail experiences. Over the years, I’ve expanded into offering press-on nail collections through Luxe Lab Nails & Co., where I provide beautifully crafted, premium sets that make self-expression through nails accessible to everyone.
What sets my brands apart is the dedication to high-quality, curated products and services that feel personal and luxurious. Whether it’s custom designs for nails or the signature collections in my press-on nail line, I put my heart into everything I create. My clientele continues to grow, and so does the community around my business. Through social media, networking at events, and consistent engagement, I’ve been able to build relationships that go beyond just transactions.
I’m also proud to say that I’m deeply committed to building an inclusive brand—one that celebrates creativity, individuality, and beauty. I want readers to know that my offerings are made with love and attention to detail. From custom nail designs to our limited-edition collections, every product is meant to give clients a luxury experience, whether they’re visiting me in person or ordering from my online shop. And with Staccd Up—my merch line—I’ve been able to offer wearable pieces that reflect my brand’s unique style and flair.
As my business continues to grow, I remain excited about what’s to come. I know that with God’s grace, hard work, and the support of my clients and community, there’s no limit to where we can go.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
There are several resources that help me stay motivated and do my best, both in business and in life. My go-to podcasts are a big part of my routine. I love “In Totality” with Megan Ashley—it’s a faith-based podcast that helps me stay grounded and reminds me to keep God at the center of everything I do. I’m also a huge music lover, so the “R&B Money Podcast” with Tank & J Valentine is always inspiring—it fuels my creativity. For business and financial insights, “Earn Your Leisure” is a must; it’s been a game-changer in understanding entrepreneurship and wealth-building.
When it comes to books, the Holy Bible is my number one source of inspiration and guidance. I also find motivation in “How Successful People Think” by John C. Maxwell, which has taught me valuable lessons on mindset and leadership. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz has helped me with personal growth, while “Ladies Get Paid” by Claire Wasserman is great for navigating the world of business as a woman.
As a business owner and content creator, apps like CapCut, Canva, Pinterest, and ChatGPT are essential tools in my day-to-day workflow. CapCut helps me with video editing, Canva allows me to design graphics for my brand, Pinterest is a source of endless inspiration, and ChatGPT has been a huge help with brainstorming and planning content. These tools make running multiple businesses and staying creative so much more manageable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://luxelabnailsco.myshopify.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shapeddbyshay
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaped.shay/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYHgeOiCbLFTIlNBRnWj_IQ
- Other: https://linktr.ee/shaystaccs
Image Credits
Khadijah Cantrell | Khandid Productions
