Ladies, if it is one thing we want for the summer, it is to ‘slay’ in every shape and form. Healthy, glowing skin, full glossy lips, hair and edges done to perfection. The latter is extremely vital to our well-being and in this ‘naturalista’ climate, we not only need poppin’ hairstyles but those that are protective and will actually leave edges behind. Rest assured, as this bright, driven and innovative young entrepreneur has the remedy to slay the summer. 

18-year-old Wolmer’s Girls student Shae-Shinel Stewart successfully launched her hair business, Style By Shae on February 11, 2018. When asked where the idea came from to dabble in this area, she expressed how her penchant for entrepreneurship had always been a part of who she was as a person. In her younger years, she started selling sky juice, more popularly known as ‘suck-sucks’, to quench the thirst of the children during the summer holiday. Hot sun and playing around all day was bound to make anyone thirsty, and charged with initiative she saw the potential to capitalize on this.

She elaborated that just her overall love and appreciation for hair, often practicing on her mother was a catalyst for Stewart to move to a new level. For her, it is not just about a new hairstyle but she emphasizes on protective styles. “Often times the styles we get are not done to protect our edges or scalps, which become more fragile overtime due to the constant pulling on them. Eventually, hair growth is hindered” she stated. As such, she wanted Style by Shae to not just be trendy, beautiful styles but those that do your scalp and edges justice, and actually leave your hair on your head for another appointment. Makes sense, doesn’t it? 

There is care, passion and precision applied to every style of faux locs, box braids, passion twists, Senegalese twists, crrochet braids and wigs, and all the services offered at very affordable prices. However, it is her faux locs and crochet wigs that attract everyone – they have become her signature styles. Frankly, no one can succeed in life without support, and for this young prodigy, her friends and family have been pillars of strength: encouraging, motivating and endorsing her every step of the way; which in turn fuels the momentum to curate excellence in each new head of hair.

Nevertheless, her journey comes with its fair share of fears and challenges, which is normal for anyone. One fear she had was that she could not attain a steady clientele, and comparing herself to other stalwarts in the industry.  Presently, this girl boss has put those fears to bed as she realized that her art and skill had positive impacts on people, that it was only through confidence and self-belief that she would become as successful and independent as she desired to become.

Additionally, though her challenges faced stem from being frequently fatigued and the reality of how strenuous it can be to have your own business dawned upon her, she has not been perturbed by this, and has been learning to cope. She has gotten much better, and this is commendable. Balancing school and a company is no easy feat, and for her there may be no meticulously crafted plan, but she manages to allocate just enough time to her studies and to the company by simply taking it one step at a time with passion and fervor. Simply beauty and brains! 

Moreover, Shae-Shinel sees her business as a long term venture, branding and marketing but also showing her potential in other trades she has -to be as diverse and unique. Never forgetting the importance other academic career as this is equally important to her. Perhaps, in a couple of years she will be styling Cardi B’s hair?  For this young queen, the possibilities are endless.

Shae-Shinel Stewart is the epitome of passion, natural-born talent and confidence, which is evident in her work and the satisfaction of her customers. So with graduation, summer holidays, work or even just for a self-care day, a quick DM and follow on Instagram @Styled.by.Shae or WhatsApp/Call at 876-820-1127 will do the trick.