Meet Shelly Gudim of Nomadic Beauty & Wellness in Historic Downtown Buford

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shelly Gudim.

Shelly, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Cosmetology was honestly not on my radar at all! Playing with my hair and my friends was just something I did for fun, surely it couldn’t be a career, or could it?? That mentality all changed after a close friend encouraged me to tour the Aveda Institute in Minneapolis. As soon as I walked through the front doors, I was greeted with that Aveda signature smell, saw all these cool looking stylists walking around, and thought, “oh yeah, this is where I belong!” I enrolled right then and there. I spent a solid 12 yrs working for a corporate style salon growing my craft. I loved being creative, but what I loved more was connecting to my clients.

When I left corporate, I decided to slow things down and get into concierge’s hair. I went into my client’s homes and beautified them in their kitchen, bathroom, or back patio if the weather allowed it! I did this for about 7 yrs and loved every minute of it. Over time the traveling did begin to wear on me, and the desire to have a home base got me looking for a unique space to call me own. As luck and timing would have it, I found exactly what I was looking for on the 4th floor of the Tannery in historic downtown Buford.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Ummmm, you could say I have had a few struggles along the way! Looking back, I can see that I struggled because I was afraid of failure. What if I try to have my own business and I FAIL IN FRONT OF EVERYONE??! I was such a perfectionist that it kept me from moving forward and TRYING to succeed. Then, one day I decided to turn it over to a higher power. I said, “Show me the way. Lead me to where it is I belong and give me the confidence to go for it!” Finding my studio at the Tannery was no mistake. I believe with everything in me. It was my answered prayers, and more! When I finally stepped out of my way and changed the way I viewed and said things, everything fell into place.

Please tell us about Nomadic Beauty & Wellness.
Nomadic Beauty & Wellness is a place for beauty from the inside out. It is a salon first and foremost, but it’s also a place to go and get away from it all. Nestled upon the 4th floor, we are tucked away from the grind of daily life. It will always just be you and I in the room so you can fully let your guard down and relax. I am absolutely in love with blondes and short women’s cuts! I predominantly work with foils and foiliage (which is balayage in a foil) for my blonding techniques but have a few other techniques up my sleeve. I have a passion for fine hair and helping every client with it have the fullest and most manageable style possible. Honestly, I am most proud of following my dream and opening up my own studio. Having a beautiful space to be creative and connect with my clients is an absolute dream come true! Nomadic stands out on several levels!
1- the location. Chic boho loft-style vibe will have you instantly relaxed the moment you cross the threshold. This building was built in 1880 and hasn’t lost a bit of its character.
2- I have an AMAZING esthetician next to me that you can get pampered by before you see me for an amazing cut and color! Stephanie at Casalini Skin and Body with have you glowing all the way into my chair.
3- there’s a bar downstairs. Tell the bartender you’re going up to the salon on the 4th floor and they’ll give you a to-go cup so you can bring a drink up for your appt! You’re welcome.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Yes and no. Yes, I would have loved to have jumped straight into being a business owner after leaving the corporate salon and avoided several years of self-doubt and fear. BUT, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today had I not gone through all the growth I went through. The success is sweeter because I earned it!

Pricing:

• Women’s cuts $65
• Single process clr starts at $75
• Foils start at $95
• Keratin straightening start at $200

Contact Info:

• Address: 554 W. Main st
  Suite 480 Buford, GA 30518
• Website: Nomadicbeautyandwellness.com
• Phone: 678-343-3215
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Nomadicbeautyandwellness
• Facebook: Nomadicbeautyandwellness

Image Credit:
Kathleen Bowie Photography

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