Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Hyler.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Shauna. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I have been in the beauty industry for ten years now. This day in age staying in a position, heck even in the same industry for ten years is rare. I am so happy to have found something that I have been passionate about for such a long time. I worked in an upscale salon in the Milwaukee area for nine years following my year long beauty school attendance. Once my second daughter was born, I couldn’t shake this feeling that it was time for me to broaden my horizons, challenge myself and see where I could really go in the industry. So, I decided not to return to my salon following my maternity leave and instead started my own business. Once I had kids it because really important to me that the time that I spend away from them be worth it. If I am spending hours away from them making a living, it better be doing something that feeds my soul. It’s is also really important to me that they see me having a career, and a thriving one at that, but also I am present as their mom. It is a really tricky thing to try to find some level of balance, especially as a working mom, but I knew the move into becoming my own boss was the first thing I needed to do if I was ever going to get close to the elusive work-life balance (which in my opinion does not truly exist). The timing just seemed right for me after my second babe was earthside, and I honestly was having sort of a “now or never” moment. I currently rent a space and operate out of Eve + Co in Milwaukee, just outside of Wauwatosa. When I am not in the salon, you can find lugging my kit around the greater Milwaukee area for on-location work which I have found a serious love for now that I have had the chance to spread my wings.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It’s not a smooth road. If it was everyone would do it right? The hardest part is that first step. I nearly had a panic attack when I went to get my tools from my old salon for the last time. There WILL be people who don’t wish you well, who want you to fail, truly. Don’t let that stop you. They are too scared to try and too jealous to admit it. If you don’t step out of your comfort zone there is no room for growth. My biggest realization was just that I didn’t want to just contribute to making someone else’s dream a success, I wanted to make my dream happen. When you get that fire, don’t snuff it out and continue to be a worker bee if you truly aren’t happy, explore those feelings and see if this dream is something you can really make work. Have a good support system in place, and surround yourself with people who are rooting for you and encouraging you because entrepreneurship can get really lonely.
Please tell us about Hair By Shauna Hyler.
I have a passion for all my curly girls! I take my time with them and really try to figure out what their hair goals are, growing out old texture treatments, getting a new shape, just getting a handle on their texture in general, product recommendations, smoothing treatments, all the things. Behind the chair I pride myself on delivery happy, healthy, natural looking hair that has an effortless grow out, being cut or color. I am certified in Keratin Smoothing Treatments and have had a generous amount of post trade school training in Makeup Design. As much as a love my time behind the chair in the salon being out and about performing services is a big love of mine. Weddings are such a special time in peoples lives, I love the energy and of course the styling and makeup! It is always a pleasure to be invited to be a part of a sacred moment in someone’s life.
Were there people and/or experiences you had in your childhood that you feel laid the foundation for your success?
Surprisingly I was not the little girl cutting her dolls hair as you hear from most hairdressers. I actually was all set to choose my classes in a traditional college setting here in Milwaukee and attend school for journalism. But, after all of my placement testing something was still pulling me towards cosmetology, So, I went and toured a few area schools and fell in love. It is a short program at just under a year if you attend full time and I thought, why not? I knew that I really would have lost much aside from my tuition if I hated it and I would have a degree that could make me some good money if I decided to go back to school for journalism after. My parents also never pressured me one way or the other or said anything negative about going into a trade. I think the attitude that you can succeed in whichever field you choose even without education in the more traditional sense is so important. Neither my husband or I took that path, and we are both thriving in careers that are based in the trades.
Pricing:
- Women’s Cut and Finish $50
- Women’s Curly Hair Redefining Cut $65
- Keratin Smoothing Treatment $275
- Keratin Express Blow Out $150
- Consultation for EasiHair Extensions $25
- Consultation for Cut or Color Services $25
- All Over Color from $90
- Highlights from $90
Contact Info:
- Address: 124 N 76th St
Milwaukee, WI 53213 - Website: shaunahyler.com
- Phone: 414-241-1892
- Email: hairbyshaunahyler@gmail.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/shaunahyler
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HairByShaunaHyler/
- Other: instagram.com/hairbyshaunahyler
Image Credit:
Christopher Hyler Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageChicago is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
