Meet Shauntoria Craver | Self-Taught Loctician & Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shauntoria, what is the most important factor behind your success?
If I had to sum it up in one word I would say “consistency”. Consistency is what has helped me build my clientele. Consistency is what has helped me stay focused on excelling in this industry. Consistency has helped me make myself more noticeable on social media. I never worried about who was going to support me. I knew that I owed it to myself to be consistent and that if I were, it would take me to the places that I am trying to go.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What sets me apart from others is that hair has always been that hidden talent I ran from. I never realized the impact that I could have on others through doing locs. I put passion and love into every set of locs I start or retwist and it shows in my work. I’m excited about attending cosmetology school. Although a license isn’t required to do locs, I feel it’s necessary to gain as much knowledge as possible. I got to where I am by simply just being me. I knew what I was capable of. I built myself to be my own boss and I haven’t looked back. It’s not easy to just step out and believe in yourself. You’re constantly worried about struggling and what others might say. I stayed focused because I believed in me and most importantly God. Every step I take is a sign and confirmation from the Most High. I do not travel this journey alone and I make sure I show gratitude daily. Lessons I’ve learned along the way is to just stay hungry, focused, and creative. It can be a million people doing what you do but no one can do you like you! I want people to know that believing in yourself can take you places you wouldn’t even fathom. Don’t worry about who’s going to support you. Find what you love to do and let your love shine thru. I started doing locs to instill the attributes of what they represent to me in me, which are discipline, patience, and commitment. To be an entrepreneur these factors are important. When it’s all said and done, I want my brand to redefine the stereotypes of what locs are and represent. We should all be happy to be nappy. If I can get you to embrace that, then my impact has been made.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The Filling Station has been one of my new favorites. It’s an Italian American place with amazing food, a great ambience, and great drinks. Marty’s is a cool after hours spot. It’s very diverse and cool with great food as well. Railroad park is my favorite hangout. Whether you’re throwing frisbees, riding bikes, or having a picnic, it’s a cool spot to hangout to be one with nature

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
My mom Shonda most definitely. I couldn’t do half of what I do if it wasn’t for her support. My girls, Skylar and Serenity, they are my driving force to building wealth for our family. Shoutout to my sister Shauntai, who has been my biggest cheerleader, no matter what I sought out to do. My boyfriend Michael, who’s my logical voice of reason and also aided me in finding my niche & sticking to it. The owner of the shop I work in, Devan Woods. Without her opening her doors to me and encouraging me to take a leap of faith, I wouldn’t be where I am today. All of my Facebook friends…to be honest, it’s too many to name. No matter what I do, they show so much love and support. They make me feel inspirational and important on and off social media.

Website: StyleSeat.com/booknappynow

Instagram: @The Nappy Naturalist

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booknappynow/