Today we’d like to introduce you to Shayla Yon.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Hello! My name is Shayla Yon, and I am a hairstylist at Ellie K Salon in Frisco, TX. Prior to becoming a licensed cosmetologist, I worked in academia as a teacher and academic counselor in college athletics. My passion for hair came from learning how to care for my own hair after living in several college towns with no luck in finding a stylist who could do my hair. At my last collegiate stop, I also worked part-time at a hair salon doing protective styles such as braids and extensions, and that’s what ignited my desire to change career paths. In January of 2020, I resigned from my job in athletics and moved to Dallas to begin my journey in the world of beauty. I won a full-ride scholarship for cosmetology school and attended the Aveda Arts and Science Institute. I persevered through attending school during a global pandemic and received my license in March of 2021. In my short time of being behind the chair, I have been blessed with so many great opportunities to advocate for inclusiveness in hair education. In addition to working behind the chair, I am also a Textured Purefessional with Aveda and travel around the US equipping stylists with the necessary skills and confidence to service black and brown women.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Changing careers later in life is very challenging. I lived a comfortable life, financially stable life when I worked in athletics, and I made many sacrifices to pursue my passion for hair. Having the support of my family was such a blessing but was also very humbling. I have also been challenged with creating a community and building my clientele in a city unfamiliar to me during times when we were socially isolated due to covid.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love all things curls and coils. I often get asked if I do natural hair, and the answer is absolutely! My favorite thing to do behind the chair is color. But my love for hair goes beyond the magic I create behind the chair. I love making women feel empowered and beautiful. My goal when a guest leaves my chair is for the beauty on the inside of them be reflected on the outside. I am also an educator by heart and trade, so I love that I am able to transfer that skill into educating other stylists on how to properly care for textured hair. There’s nothing I am more passionate about than advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the world of beauty.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
It’s never too late to create the life of your dreams. The road to success is not always smooth or without challenge, but the journey builds character and equips you to be able to sustain all that you’ve worked for. I am a living example that with God, faith, and hard work, you can accomplish anything
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ellieksalon.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/slayla_marie/
