Today we’d like to introduce you to Shar Davis.
Thank you so much Shar, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to LA seven years ago and landed a great job in the corporate world. The money was great but I wasn’t passionate about the industry so I naturally started to give my attention to something else. I dived deep into the beauty industry, I found an 8-week makeup course that I could do on the weekends, during this time, my boss called me into his office and let me know that my work was slacking and asked if I still wanted to be at this company, of course, I said yes and ensured him that my work would improve. That was a lie because it got worse and I eventually got laid off along with eight other people.
Although I was initially bummed; being paid weekly has it perks. It ultimately worked out for the best because I was able to get unemployment and then take freelance makeup gigs. I soon began working on music videos and eventually got booked for a TV series. It happened so fast that I wish I had done it sooner. But you know the saying, “our salary is the bribe they pay you to forget your dreams.” Being fired was the best thing that could have happened to propel my career in the beauty industry.
I eventually went to esthetician school, I figured if I was licensed, I could ask for a higher day rate onset. It would also show that I took this career path very serious. There’s a lot of amazing self-taught people in this industry but putting the credentials behind your name can help set you apart.
During this time, I went to get my lashes done for a trip to Miami, the manager of the beauty bar was great, we connected right away and she asked me if I wanted to work there once I was done with school. So, the week after I obtained my license, I started working as a lash tech, within the same week my unemployment ran out (talk about Gods timing) even though the pay difference was massive in comparison to my corporate job, I knew that if I stayed dedicated, I would get to the other side of sacrifice and build something worthy to celebrate.
I worked extremely hard to build my clientele, came in early- left late. Less than a year later I had enough clientele to leave said company and work for solely myself. The opportunity to leave literally came knocking at my door, the owner of another salon called me and said “I really like my friends lashes that you did, you should rent out my suite – you’ll make a lot of money” I initially rejected the idea– I didn’t feel confident enough, the thought of having more overhead made me feel more comfortable making my minimal wages. I was scared of the unknown, nervous, and had terrible anxiety but I prayed about it and God gave me a peace that I could not deny so I put in my 2-week notice and on to this new venture I went.
On my first day of working for myself, I made $600 – which was basically my rent for the space. I sat in my beauty suite and cried. It didn’t even feel real. That was the moment when I saw the beauty in my struggle.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No road is smooth, if you know of one let me know in the comments below lol I had many struggles along the way. Following your passion is truly an investment, it’s time consuming, frustrating, I’ve never worked so hard in my life and some days I question my “why”.
But I’d rather work 80 hours for myself than to work 40 hours for someone else. I’m in the beginning stages of building something that my future self will thank me for. So far, I have @selfiebysk and @brown.girls.trippin (a travel group I started for women of color who want to explore the world with other like-minded women). I’m passionate about beauty and travel and one day, I will focus on bridging the gap between the two.
Whatever it is that your soul desires, I encourage you to start now, and don’t worry about how long it will take to get to your destination the time will pass anyway. Spend it investing in yourself.
Please tell us about Selfie by SK.
Selfie by SK is a beauty bar that I own with my business partner in Burbank, CA. We provide luxury lash extensions, we also offer ombré powder brows, waxing, facials, lash lifts and more.
I’m extremely proud of what we’re doing, two brown girls coming together and bossing up in the beauty industry. We took a play on the term “selfie” and tied it into our brand by promoting self-care, self-love, and self-preservation because you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Some will say this industry is overly saturated, but what industry isn’t? The quality of our work and overall luxury experience is what sets us apart. We’re more focused on inner beauty but will, of course, have you looking stunning when you leave our salon.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts or other resources that you’ve benefited from using?
Myleik Teele is my favorite. She has a podcast that is so essential for every woman, especially her target audience the black woman.
The beauty biz by Lori Crete is also an awesome podcast for people in the beauty industry.
And because I like to keep God in everything that I do, you can’t go wrong with the Woman Evolve podcast by Sarah Jakes Roberts. She’s also extremely funny – a good laugh never hurt anybody.
Pricing:
- Classic Full Set – 150
- Hybrid Full Set- 175
- Volume Full Set- 200
- Ombré powder brows -$299
- Lash Training – Starting at $699
- We also have first-time client specials. Check out our website to book your appointment www.selfiebysk.com
Contact Info:
- Website: www.selfiebysk.com
- Phone: 818.859.7076
- Email: selfiebysk@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/selfiebysk/
Image Credit:
@willaminaswork
Willamina Lanell
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