Today we’d like to introduce you to Willena Nunley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My journey began as a young girl in Oak Cliff who had no real direction on which way to go in life so I took multiple. My home life left a lot to be desired and I wanted all this big world had to offer! I was raised by my mom with two older siblings and we all seemed to be going in different directions in life. My direction seemed to be all over the place. I didn’t know if I wanted to be an accountant, nurse, or hairstylist. I eventually chose the latter. Coming from a family of hairstylists (my grandmother owned a salon on Beckley and Saner in Oak Cliff) it all came naturally for me. The first time I styled my own hair I was in 3rd grade and I’d decided the ponytails all over my head were old news! I parted my hair in the front and cut bangs which were far from perfect but they were decent. I found a curling iron and some oil sheen and I had shiny and surprisingly cute bangs. I knew then this was my “thing.”
Soon, all of my dolls had bangs, raggedy braids, and ponytails. Looking back, I see how determined I was to perfect something other than reading a book or making good grades. I was a bookworm. I’d spend endless hours reading books by Zora Neal Hurston, Edgar Allen Poe, Sister Souljah, and many more. Books were my safe haven. Reading allowed me the opportunity to escape from the chaos around me and delve myself into another life as if it were my own. So, once I realized I had a talent other than reading, I was excited! My hands seemed to know how to move and create braids even though I’d never done it before. It was amazing to me. By the age of 12, everyone in my house from my brother to my mom had cornrows and micro braids. Then, I started braiding all of my friend’s hair and word spread how I knew how to “do hair.” It was pretty cool. Even though I enjoyed hair and all of the ways it could be transformed, I didn’t think it was my calling. I lacked the confidence I needed to push myself and in not having that confidence I ended up trying so many other professions before finding my way back to hair. Once I started high school at Townview, I was more focused on making good grades and getting into the real world as a successful adult. Not a hairstylist.
After graduating from high school, I immediately started working in corporate America. I stopped everything that was my passion so I could transform myself into a working adult. The only problem with that is I was unhappy. I found myself asking God what was it that made me special, what was my niche in life, what was I meant to do. Even though I’d been doing it as a side hobby all along! Something kept telling me it was time for me to follow through with my passion and stop living someone else’s dream. I enrolled in Paul Mitchell Cosmetology school. I started this journey at the ripe age of 29. I had so many doubts, “I’m old, I have children, I work full time, I have responsibilities, etc.”, but I didn’t quit. I’ll never proclaim it was easy. I was exhausted. My work hours were Monday-Friday 8-5 and my school hours were Monday-Friday 5:30p-10p. I was also on Design Team which had Saturday fashion shows, hair events, expos and more. I sacrificed a lot but learned so much more about myself in those 18 months than I’d ever learned in my 29 years.
Upon graduating, I found myself still working my corporate job during the day and coming home in the evening to work on clients. I still felt as if my life was missing something. I didn’t want to work for anyone. I didn’t want to continue bringing someone else’s dream to fruition while my dream was festering in a corner. The universe heard my pleas and I was able to become my own boss. I was a walking, talking mission statement for myself. I’d finally found my way back to what I was meant to do. Being a hairstylist fulfills me. It’s my everything.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has been very bumpy. Picture driving on Interstate 35E South, bumpy. I was in a very toxic and abusive relationship during this journey. Which baffled me because my ex was a driving force in me starting cosmetology school. He encouraged me to take the leap of faith all the while beating me down for taking it. It was a dark time in my life that I had to break away from. Also, I felt guilty because my children didn’t get a lot of quality time with me because I was so busy with work and school. I’ll never forget sitting in my car in the school parking lot balling my eyes out because I couldn’t be home with my children to help with homework, projects, cook dinner, or put them to bed. It was very hard emotionally.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business is Mes Beaux Cheveux which roughly translates to “My Pretty Hair” in French. I specialize in mainly natural hair and how to get it healthy, keep it healthy, and how to maintain it while still having versatility. Most people know me for my silk presses and cutting skills but I also specialize in color and sew-ins. I’m super proud of how busy I am. I went from being this person no one knew of who had only family and friends as clients to being recognized in this industry by not only clients but to some amazing stylists as someone who is capable of taking care of, growing, and styling hair. When someone contacts me saying, “I was referred to you by my friend that’s your client, I saw your work on Instagram or Facebook, my stylist that installs my frontals referred me to you for my natural hair.” It’s awesome to hear. I believe what truly sets me apart from others is that I LOVE HAIR. I love all textures, types, lengths, and most of all I love everyone I encounter. I pray before I start my day taking clients and I give thanks at the end of every day. I’m blessed to meet such wonderful people every day.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Dallas has been so good to me! It’s home. I feel it’s awesome for a business such as mine. However, I also believe if we all stopped being in extreme competition with one another we’d all eat more. Not everyone knows everything and it’s truly ok to offer guidance, advice, and to be cordial to those in the same industry as you are. To those who are just venturing into this industry, my biggest piece of advice is to stand firm in your craft but always be open to learn and grow in new areas. Also, to know that being a true hairstylist isn’t a popularity contest. Be known for your skills, positive attitude, willingness to learn and grow.
Contact Info:
- Website: Mes Beaux Cheveux Scheduling Page Link
- Phone: 4696847452
- Email: willenashekala@gmail.com
- Instagram: Willena_shekala
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
