Today we’d like to introduce you to Lashunda Baker
LaShunda, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been in LOVE with beauty since I could remember. I picked up a comb and brush around 8 years old due to my Grandmother E. Lewis being a hairstylist and my mother L. Baker being a hair braider. Those women were and are still my inspiration. I remember saying to my teacher, when asked what did I want to be when I grew up, my response was a beautician/mechanic. Well as we fast forward I am currently an only a hairstylist in Fort Worth, I have been licensed since 2012. My dreams were to become a celebrity hairstylist but those dreams were shattered when my mom suffered from a brain aneurysm in 2014. At that point I was working in local shops and then decided to stop to take better care of my mom. I still do hair til this day from home, in my home salon. The reason why i continue even after my dreams were shattered is because I want to be sure to carry on my Grandmothers legacy of just making people feel good when they get out of my chair. She worked with her hands to make a living her whole life and so did my mom. And even though I’m not famous and no one knows my name, my mom does and she will always be able to say that I was able to do her hair when no one else would or could. I am also very blessed to still have my mom so I can’t stop just yet. By being her caregiver for the last 10 years it has given me some additional skills, like being able to do hair replacements pieces for anyone who has lost their hair. And it has also shown me that I am supposed to do this, I was made to do this! Lastly, I knew early in life I have a gift that was divinely given, so honestly I don’t know what else I should be doing besides doing hair!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has been bumpy for years. My grandmother passed in 09, my aunt passed in 13, and my daughter ends up having a life altering operation in 2019. I went through many shops and lost many jobs. The biggest struggle was what I mentioned before, my mom had an aneurysm 9/16/14 which is what pushed me to stop working in shops. I became a caregiver to her at 30 years old while being a single mother of two. And beside those things, life was just life-ing because I still had to work regular jobs and keep my head above water.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am the CEO of CROWN OF BEAUTY BEAUTY CLINIC LLC. I specialize in braiding hair and natural styling. I am the braider in my city and always have been, when folk think of Shunda they say she braids hair. I am most proud of have longevity in this business. And never quitting even though I did not achieve my greatest goal. What sets me apart from most is I love to educate my clients on natural practices. I want them to be smart about hair care. And I love to tell them the truth. They know if they ask me something I will definitely make sure the truth is had. I do not lie to my clients. I want my clients to understand that this is not just “hair braiding” for me it’s a lifestyle. I do this! Hair is a very important part of life and should be treated as such, while you have it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
Honestly, I have never had a mentor. I have worked with many great hairstylists and barbers along the way. I’d say who deserves credit are my clients that have followed me EVERYWHERE, and have been with me for over 10 years. They are my real rocks!! They were with me when my braids didn’t even look tight. 🙂 but they still came. And paid me every time so I own them loads of credit for their support! They are the reason I continue to practice my craft.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/m/v/lashundabaker3
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sbs_cranial_pro?igsh=MTIycnpkcGk4NHV3cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaShunda.K.Baker?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shundakaye
