Photo courtesy: Leshaun
Shayna Leshaun, a gifted hairstylist, has been leaving a trail of stunning hairstyles and satisfied clients in her wake. She makes the most of her artistic vision and technical expertise.
Over the years, Leshaun has proven her mettle in the hairstyling arena, but her biggest challenge came unexpectedly in the form of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The biggest challenge I had to face was COVID,” Shayna said. “Everything shut down, and instead of going to the salon to do hair, I ended up having to do hair from home,” Leshaun said.
As the world grappled with uncertainty, Leshaun had to adapt her approach to ensure her clients’ safety while delivering the same level of excellence they had come to expect.
Despite the odds, Leshaun managed to navigate through the crisis, highlighting her determination and commitment to her craft. She went from working at the Tallahassee salon to having to do hair in her house because of COVID.
Reflecting on her journey, Leshaun shared a pivotal moment that had a significant impact on her career.
“When I first started doing hair, I worked at one of the largest salons in Tallahassee under one of the most well-known stylists in the area. She trained me and mentored me, and to this day, we still have a good bond” Leshaun said.
This mentorship not only honed Leshaun’s technical skills but also instilled in her the value of fostering relationships with clients. It taught her that hairstyling is not just about cutting hair; it is about connecting with people, understanding their desires and transforming those visions into reality. This approach has set her apart from others and earned her a loyal clientele.
“Changing with time has been one of the obstacles I had to face,” Leshaun said.
Hairstyling trends, techniques and products have evolved significantly, and Leshaun has had to stay on top of these changes to deliver the best to her clients.
Adaptability has been the key to Leshaun’s longevity in the industry. By attending workshops, keeping herself updated with the latest trends, and continuously improving her skills, she has remained at the forefront of hairstyling, earning her a reputation in her field.
Khristen Johnson, the office manager at the Meek-Eaton Black Archives & Museums at FAMU, has been impressed by Leshaun’s work.
As an African American herself, Leshaun is committed to empowering her clients, especially young adults, to embrace their cultural heritage and celebrate their uniqueness, Johnson said.
“I love to help and motivate the students to be successful, especially when it comes to our African American students,” Johnson said.
“Seeing the problems that we face with young adults; I play a vital role in keeping students motivated and helping them understand the importance of education,” Johnson said.
Leshaun’s guidance goes beyond the chair; she helps young individuals discover their strengths and find their true passion. By imparting life skills and instilling a sense of self-worth, Leshaun empowers her clients to break barriers and reach new heights.
Leshaun’s journey from a talented hairstylist to a community influencer highlights the power of passion, dedication and adaptability.
As the ever-evolving world of hairstyling continues to change, Leshaun remains steadfast, her artistic vision intact. With each hairstyle she creates and every life she touches, Leshaun leaves an indelible mark on her community and the hairstyling industry.