Today we’d like to introduce you to Shala Hughes.
Shala, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My journey in the beauty industry all began in 2018 I was coming out of an abusive relationship my sister had just passed form breast cancer and I had just recently learned I was pregnant. This was such an overwhelming time in my life and I truly had no direction of where I wanted to go or who I wanted to be. My friend from elementary school (Shailah) had been doing lashes and I kept seeing her post on IG so I messaged her one day on a whim asking if she was offering classes. She was very busy and heavy into her craft so I didn’t think much of it when she didn’t get back to me right away. Weeks went by and she reached out saying “I woke up today and God told me that I need to teach 3 girls how to do lash extensions!” It was random I had completely forgotten that I had even messaged her and as we talked more she said I wont charge you, I just need you to buy your own supplies. From that moment forward I made perfecting my craft my direction in life, which in turn gave me purpose. I like to think of it as divine intervention because me and this particular friend hadn’t talked in years, but were best friend in elementary and middle school! She ended up teaching three of us but she stated months down the line that I was the only one who took it serious. She hadn’t really heard from the other 2 girls since the class. From there I went to beauty school DURING COVID, which was a challenge in itself trying to learn facials and other services that heavily depended on skin to skin contact was grueling. After graduating I was determined to become a medical esthetician so I went and got laser certified, but never followed through with the application process. Since then Ive worked at semi med spas, full med spas, hair salons, waxing centers and eventually got my laser and medical assistant certifications …but the most significant part of my career was being hired at a Lash Studio where I was taking 5-6 clients a day it really helped me hone my skills and get all of the practice and sharpness I have today, which allows me to specialize in Natural Lash sets. Recently I have moved into my very own suite and its a huge accomplishment for me. This is actually my 4th solo suite but I have so much more knowledge and understanding of running a business and not to mention so much more confidence than I did with the first three.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Looking back I don’t like to think of things as challenges but growth opportunities that allowed me to become the confident woman I am today. Sure there were financial obstacles, domestic disputes, not having the support of my family members, struggles to gain clientle, struggles to balance being a mom keeping a job and pursuing my career those are struggles most can relate to and I’m no different BUT the biggest “challenge” Ive had is believing in myself and not letting other people define me. Not allowing other people to taint the vision I have for myself and also believing that Im worthy of my dreams, all of the things I desire and the recognition because I am great at what I do and more than deserving! The internal battle of also not allowing myself to convince myself Im not worthy has been the biggest challenge I’ve faced but it gets easier and easier every day.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a licensed esthetician since 2020 and I specialize in Natural Lash extensions but I also full body waxing brow tinting facial services and lash 1 on 1 classes
Do you have recommendations for books, apps, blogs, etc?
Tik Tok is my favorite app to use.. Im a very visual person so it is very helpful and makes my career a lot easier because I am able to look up information quickly and stay on top of current trends by using this app
Pricing:
- New Lash Clients $100 Fullsets
- Underarm + Brazilian are $45 every Wednesday
Contact Info:
- Website: https://estieshay.com
- Instagram: estiehsay
- Other: TikTok: estieshay
Image Credits
Makeup and Photos by Jacqueline Delaney IG @blackdiamond_mua
