Conversations with Shanice Fields

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanice Fields.

Hi Shanice, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my career after beauty school assisting a celebrity hair stylist in a high end salon on the upper east side of Manhattan in NY. Our clientele was made up of successful women of color from all walks of life from models and actresses, to lawyers and doctors. We would work together on magazine shoots and fashion week events as a salon team as well on occasion. I loved the salon life but I always knew I wanted more of that rush I felt on set and backstage. When I interviewed for my second salon in Soho, NY, I made it known that I would need to be available for editorial work etc. And so I serviced my own clients at the salon while taking freelance jobs as they came. I did hair for Elle and Harpers Bazaar video at Hearst Studios and later assisted celebrity hair stylist Jimmy Paul backstage for NYFW and on set/location for Elle and W magazine. Before I knew it, one job had tumbled into another into another and I hadn’t worked in the salon for months. I was a full-time freelance hair stylist. I’ve been a freelance hair stylist for about 8 years.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. I struggled sometimes because I was coming into my womanhood in my impressionable early twenties, in the midst of an industry that will tell you who you are if you don’t tell it first. I definitely found at times, that I assumed the identity that people gave me because it didn’t rock the boat.

I’ve been in rooms with some insanely talented artists with 25+ years in the industry so the standard is high! I’m pretty hard on myself when it comes to meeting my own personal standard. The goal post is always moving.

The industry isn’t always glamorous. It can be a lot of early call times and late nights. Working a high stakes job under high pressure with like no time and no room for error can be stressful, although invigorating!

Being a black woman has its life challenges. Working in fashion and beauty has its triggers because so much of the discrimination we’ve faced has had to do with how we look – the color of our skin and the texture of our hair.

I’m often underestimated until after I’ve proven myself.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a freelance session hair stylist working in beauty and fashion as well as with my own private clientele around the world. I specialize in seamlessly blending hair extensions, using varying techniques, into various styles for a natural look.

I’m proud that I’ve been able to achieve versatility and freedom in my career. No two days are the same. I’ve worked on movie sets, tv, red carpet, etc. I’m proud of my contribution to an industry that I love.

I believe what sets me apart is my attention to small details. I am super meticulous, thanks in part to my salon origins but also to the eagle eye I developed working behind the camera!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://hairbyshanicefonline.com
• Instagram: styledbyshanicef