Today we’d like to introduce you to Shamere Lee.
Hi Shamere, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
At the young age of 16yrs old I found myself doing my hair in different updos and flat twist styles. I absolutely loved doing my hair! it just came natural no one taught me plus we didn’t have youtube. Unfortunately I didn’t go to school for cosmetology until wayyy later.
Fast forward to 2016 I found myself in a standard size salon suite starting a new chapter in my life as a licensed hairstylist, business owner, & mother of two daughters.
Starting with no clientele and from scratch was a struggle. I wanted to give up during my first year but a good friend kept motivating me to not give up to keep pushing.
Over time through marketing on Craigslist & coming up with other ways of getting clients things did pick up. My clientele grew also from lots of referrals from friends who I really appreciate. So I ended up working in my first suite for 3yrs then I eventually moved to a bigger suite and stayed there for 3yrs. So imagine 6yrs in a salon suite my clientele was huge by that point! I started thinking hmm I need more space because I am growing out of this suite.
I started looking online trying to see what spaces I could find and see what I could afford. The place I applied that was in Buford was great but it was gonna be a lot of work. I did my application/paperwork but I did not get that space. I remember being extremely disappointed, it took me a few days to get over the disappointment.
I can’t remember how much time passed but a friend slash suite neighbor told me about the place she moved to that had an available space. I checked it out in person…thinking this would be a great space. It was big, very roomy, and had plenty of potential. I did mseey application/paperwork and I was approved. It was a very simple process so I knew it was God who blessed me with the space. I was super excited and so were my clients.
So now I’ve been in my beautiful space for 3 & 1/2 years. I’m still very happy at my location and I love. I celebrated 10yrs as a licensed hairstylist.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No, throughout the years it hasn’t been an easy journey at all. I had a plan to move in the space and get settled then start hiring an assistant and stylists to fill up the rooms I had that were available if I made a few changes.
Later I moved some salon equipment around and slowly started buying stations/salon chairs. I eventually hired the people I needed to start growing a salon team. Over time I did have stylists that I needed but some worked out for a little while and some didn’t. We know in life some things change people may decide to switch careers etc. I feel like hiring and keeping stylists has been a challenge but it’s getting better. There’s 5 of us who currentlywork at the salon..
We’ve been impressed with The Curl. Bar Salon, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Curl Bar Salon specializes in natural, curly, textured hair of all ethnicities. We are a multicultural salon with clients from all over the world. We help them reach their hair goals by listening to what their needs are.
Our most popular services are curls defined, curly cuts, two strand twists, silk presses, knotless braids, and locs just to name a few.
What sets our salon apart is that we pride ourselves on running the salon with no long wait or overbooking. We keep the salon clean plus we’re a kid-friendly salon making sure that our kids are comfortable. We play kid movies or shows during their salon visits.
I also support my clients by attending their games, ballet recitals, dance shows etc. I always feel like its great to support the people that support you. I really appreciate everyone so much!
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
Throughout the years I’ve learned to never give up or quit when things get hard. Although I couldn’t see what the other side looked like I knew things would get better with time. Also remembering to just start…whatever idea it is or goal that I have I don’t need to sit on it. As we see time waits for no one!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thecurlbarsalon.com
- Instagram: Thecurlbarsalon
