Meet Shaunell Davis | Licensed Cosmetologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaunell Davis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaunell, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
When I first started my business, my thought process was to create myself a job. Any time I worked for a corporation I would be successful and feel like I was somehow drowning at the same time. I needed control over the environment I wanted to work in, what my hours looked like, the services I could offer and how I could be of service to my clients in the best way. It was important that my customers feel welcome as well as to reflect my creative personality. I literally created a vision board with ideas to decorate and spent time mapping out my space that would flow and function for existing clients while at the same time be inviting for new cleints.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
If I had to choose a word that sets me apart in my industry its “consistency”! While I think talent and in this time social media can take you places, consistency paired with reliability, brings my people back. I take pride in giving my clients consistent results. If I’m being honest that consistency is apart of my personality. I’m a perfectionist and I think doing something over and over is the way to achieve lasting results represenr my business. My clients know I’m going to show up and they know what kind of environment to expect when they do. I take pride in my work and I want every person who sits in my chair to feel like they are leaving the salon on their way out. Was it always easy , no! But I have stayed steady in my commitment to quality service and it has reflected in clients following me to a new city as I relocated from the salon I previously worked in for 10 years straight. As a perfectionist I can be a person who ruminates, which in a lot of instances may not be a good thing. But, if something isn’t up to my standards when it comes to my business I have to fix it. Over the past 5 years or so I’ve realized that focusing on solutions rather than the problem is most likely the best outcome. As a brand I like to say “I’m all things beauty, with a side of life!” To know me personally, is to realize just how tru that is. From hair to makeup to fashion. In my salon I cover it all consistently.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I’m new to my area, Greenville SC! But so far some of my favorite places have been Bridgeway Station in Simpsonville. They have shops and restaurants for every tastebud. They host events that support different cultures in our area and it’s a gathering spot for ppl from all walks of life. If you’re in town during the fall you definitely don’t want to miss “fall for Greenville”. It’s like a little taste of everything from every corner of this city. You’re walking up and down the streets of downtown listening to bands, trying food from local restaurants of different cultures. Fall for Greenville, is my kind of thing, good food and a little walking definitely gets the heart going however you want to look at it. Now since I don’t know much more to suggest in Greenville I would have to say taking a day trip to Columbia,Sc will not disappoint. The Metro this is where I grew up, so first and foremost, I would suggest you spend a Saturday morning downtown on Main Street to experience “Soda city”. The music, food trucks and shopping will have you feeling like you’re in a much bigger city. I love Columbia simply bc of the culture. A few of my favorite places to go just in general in Columbia would be, “Cafe Strudel “ they have the best brunch hands down ! I would recommend the “hangover hash browns” or the “salmon and grits!” While you’re there you have to try a fresh squeezed mimosa, That’s a one of a kind experience. There is a restaurant called “Black rooster” right off of the Gervias street bridge which is French inspired! The drinks are strong and worth the price. One of my favorite perks about this place is them having the best view in the city (imo) ! And depending on your taste buds “Bourbon” for good drinks and food which is New Orleans inspired and “Champagne” which has an amazing brunch and an atmosphere to follow! Both you can check out during the day or hit them up for a night cap! Either way you can’t miss. And lets note, there is no shortage of black owned restaurants that you can go for breakfast, brunch, Date night or just a drink. Champagne is one of them. To be honest there are so many hidden gems in Columbia I could go on and on !

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The success of my business goes to my Mother, Monica ! She was the first of my immediate family to create a sustainable business. She started from a small salon that held her and one other person (me as a highschool braider lol) and has expanded as her journey unfolded. She’s hard working, she stands on business, takes joy in what she does, and truly loves her clientele. Sometimes this business can get overwhelming when life is hitting you left and right because some clients still expect you to show up. But watching her on this journey I’ve seen her ups and downs, and never lose the love of the business. I’ve watched her show up and give well as times when her clients have shown up for her and given back when she was in need. That lets me know all the hard work isn’t in vain and being in this industry, we truly make a difference in this life.

Instagram: @nellzringsbellz

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1BbErzRwkC/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@nellzringzbells?si=ureGZdtc3tyY5MSk

Other: Tik tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@amoureb.shaunell?_r=1&_t=ZT-97LruZRYjVO

Image Credits
Terrance “A Big T Flick” Pickett