Meet Shay P. | Business Owner/Entrepreneur

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

Hi Shay, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I have ever had to make was being put in a position to having to make a life or death decision. In 2022, my big brother suffered a hemorrhagic stroke that unfortunately placed him on life support. The doctor’s came in and stated that he was not responding to the medications or any of the efforts to saving his life. Life hit me hard that day. My parents, neither was in a emotional state to make the necessary decision. My brother’s girlfriend was stunned, traumatized and unable to make the decision as well, because she is not family. The decision then fell upon me and I had to make the decision right away. No time to think, pray, consult….NOTHING! I was hurt, scared, yet I had to remain calm to make the right decision. I was told if I left him on life support, he’d been moved to hospice where he’d be a vegetable. While in hospice, it would just be a waiting game where we’d just be keeping him comfortable. In that moment, I looked around and saw the pain in my momma and knew I couldn’t do it. I told the doctor to wait; that we’d just wait it out. I couldn’t take my brother off life support. I couldn’t give up on him. I struggled everyday if I made the right decision. Although, he did pull through, its been a beautiful uphill struggle for the past 2 years. He’s made so many strides and improvement. I would never wish being put in that situation on anyone. It’s a hurtful feeling.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a entrepreneur, you have to figure out how to be creative to set yourself apart from others in your field. That’s why I have developed a strong love and enjoyment for creative directing. When I did my first photo shoot, I did the usual all white shoot that most hair companies do. To me that was typical and too much in the box for me. I like to step out of the box and be a bit different. I’ve never really been one of those people who follow trends. I love to come up with different concepts, things you don’t really see on social media for a hair brand. As stressful as it is to do photo shoots, I absolutely love it! I often have to be reeled in by my team, because they feel like I go overboard lol, but that’s just me and it’s my happy place. The hardest or most challenging part are all the moving parts, setting a budget, convincing my team that I am not crazy and that the outcome will be amazing. I’ve learned to plan ahead, make sure you’re thorough with your concepts and budget and stand on business when it comes to what YOU want. I want the world to know that I am resilient and a fighter. despite all odds, I will always push through.

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?
As creative as I am, I am very much a home body and introvert. My best friend (God Rest His Soul) knew that, however we always enjoyed the drive in, a good tailgate party and comedy show. Lord, this is so Atlanta, but we’d eat at JJ’s Fish or American Deli, Dugan’s Bar when it was open, and Karaoke or Painted Pin. Honestly, I’m not the best person to ask the most fun or interesting lol. I’m love my house and I’d stay there all day everyday if I could. Still, any rooftop bar or restaurant here in Atlanta is a good time or the different festivals or shows that happen in the park. It’s a lot to do in the city. It’s not hard to find something to do, trust me. I just depends on what you’re into.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to thank and shout out my former manager Tiffany Duncan. She believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. Also, would like to my friends/models. When people told me I needed professional models and I couldn’t afford it; they were always down. No matter what crazy concept or idea I came up with, they stepped in and showed out. I couldn’t have made it happen without them ( Marsinah, TaCoya, Dezmon, Christy, Georgia and Key). Also, my make-up artist, hair stylist and photographers. They are a dream team! I know I am supposed to branch put and network, so I can work with other people, but I’ve tried and I’ve been let down. However, Renee, Pier, Day, Lex, Shauna, Anthony and Ty have come in the clutch and always saved the day. They always ensured my shoots were amazing. They always understood the assignment.

Website: https://www.phihairllc.com

Instagram: https://PhiHair.co

Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/shay-p-bab189323/

Twitter: https://PhiHair.co

Facebook: https://PhiHair.co

Image Credits
Anthony Thomas – Eyecandyanthony
Ty Knox – knox_is_shooting
Sharod Fields – Majorephotography