Today we’d like to introduce you to Shajuana “Shashi” Nibblett.
Hi Shajuana “Shashi”, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Hello, my name is Shajuana, known as “Shashi,” in the industry and to my friends & family.
My story began as a young girl that was born in South Central, Los Angeles. Growing up in a poverty area there were not any role models that I aspired to be. I had a decent working-class family that raised me well and kept me involved in many different activities. As a hobby, I would style my neighbor’s hair for fun or for special occasions. By the time I was 12 I was now living on the Westside of Los Angeles, attending Orville Wright Middle School. This is where my exposure to diversity began, I started meeting new friends from different backgrounds and overall, the culture of the community was just different, and I fell in love with it! I quickly became fascinated with named brand clothing, luxury cars, and the lifestyle of what we know to be the rich & famous! I was like this is what I want in life, and I am going to get it!
I have always had my own sense of style; I loved wearing wild hairstyles & creative designed nails to match my outfits. This was my thing! It was deemed ghetto to my peers at the time, but now it’s a worldwide trend! My motto: Never fitting in, because I was created to stand out.
In 2001, my junior year in high school I enrolled in an afterschool Cosmetology Program, Not knowing this was the start of a career that would change my life
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely not! “The good ole road to success “As we know some pavements are smooth & others are completely rough and rocky!
I’ve faced many challenges throughout my journey of being a cosmetologist. In my earlier years of pursuing this career, I became so indecisive, which was totally normal for a 17-year-old. Being a teenager, you have so many dreams & aspirations, ideas, and influences in life & how you expect life to be as an early adult. I changed my mind, dropped out, and continued on to graduating high school now focusing on being an Actress. That dream quickly fell through! Flash forward!!!
In this industry, you must have thick skin from the start, or you will not make it. Although I’ve had an incredible journey throughout my career, I’ve had many humbling days, nights, and experiences. In the beginning, there were several days where my chair was empty. I was paying booth rent without making a profit. I was eager to work, so I went from behind the chair to assisting, and even becoming a salon receptionist all as a licensed cosmetologist. Tough journey, right? I am now glad to say I paid my dues!
Even now, building my Brand (HBS) which stands for Hair by Shashi, as a top-paid Hair Colorist & Healthy Hair Care Specialist, is not easy. I still have to put in the footwork, and after-hour times of consistently educating myself on the salon business aspect, and learning new techniques behind the chair, it takes a lot of willpower, determination, revamping, and consistency.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an Entrepreneur. I am currently operating two businesses. I own my event styling company which I started in 2021: The Perfect Storii Co. and I also work as a Celebrity Hair Artist at Chateau Beauty Bar. As an event stylist, I pride myself on being a creator with an aesthetically pleasing vision/delivery. My clients express their desires and I bring it to full fruition. I host luxurious beach picnics, chic birthday parties, day/night dates, hotel setups for special occasions, and intimate picnics within the comfort of my clients’ own setting.
As a Celebrity Hair Artist, I work in the salon as a Hair Colorist, Healthy Haircare Specialist, and Silk Press queen! I work on set as well, which allows me to display my creativity as a wig stylist.,I auditioned for my current position as a Hair Stylist for Chateau Beauty Bar in Jan 2022, which is known to be a textured hair salon in Santa Monica, owned by Cordell Broadus, son of Snoop Dogg, and managed by his sister Cori Broadus.
I believe what sets me apart from others is that I embody a spirit that is unmatched. I exemplify discipline in more than one way. I am a Brand working within a Brand. My expertise is that I service all hair types. I am diverse. From Natural to Straight hair, Cuts & Color, Silk Press to Round Brush Blowouts. I don’t limit myself.
I am professional, I’m a businesswoman, I am creative and innovative, I am a risk-taker, I am trustworthy, and I am relatable! I have a strong work ethic, I believe in myself, and I encourage others to do the same. I’m optimistic, when doubt arrives in my mind or in someone around me, I shut it down & out! It’s about changing the narrative. You have to train your brain. Life really is about programming, once you master this you can achieve anything.
I am proud of myself for never giving up on myself despite experiencing life-altering challenges such as tragically losing my fiancé in Jan 2020, while having just birthed our newborn baby three months prior. I am proud that I persevered through the many hard days, long nights and hours of sacrificing my personal life to make my dreams a reality. Last but not least I am proud of my many accomplishments as a Celebrity Hair Stylist in this industry. I have worked for large production companies to name a few: Nickelodeon, Hulu, BET, The Grammys (Headliner Hair Stylist), many music videos, editorial shoots (Essence Magazine), and countless celebrities (private). Also, I landed a job on a major film project during the pandemic in Jan 2021, and today I am elated to say I received my first movie credit as a “Hair Stylist” in April of this year!!!
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I would like to express a few words of encouragement. Please understand that in the darkest times, there’s always a light shining. Sometimes the light may become dim, but as long as you give it the energy it will continue to shine. That light is you! Single mothers, you can do it! Young girls with a dream, you can do it! I am a prime example of making what looks & seems impossible, possible, Keep going! Never fear failure, because if you do you’ve already defeated yourself! God first!
Pricing:
- HBS Silk Press & Curl ~$130
- HBS Lux Lather Shampoo & Go ~$200
- HBS Lux Lather, Cut, & Style ~$175
- Blissful Breeze Picnic ~$500
- Romantic Rendezvous ~$600
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vagaro.com/chateaubeautybar & www.theperfectstorii.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/hairbyshashi & www.instagram.com/theperfectstoriico
