Today we’d like to introduce you to Shanita Rodgers.
Hi Shanita, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My journey in the beauty industry started with a love for hair, creativity, and just realizing there is endless growth in life. In the beginning, I don’t think I fully understood just how much this career would become a part of my purpose. I simply knew that I loved creating, I loved the experience doing hair brought starting in 2005, when I started Cosmetology school at Ogle School in Arlington.
Over the years, my career evolved far beyond styling hair. I became a cosmetology instructor in 2009, and teaching opened my eyes to another side of my purpose. I realized that I wasn’t only passionate about creating beautiful looks—I was passionate about sharing knowledge, encouraging others, and helping future beauty professionals believe in themselves. Watching a student struggle, keep going, and eventually discover what they’re capable of has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.
That same passion eventually led me to build Salon Concepts in 2007, which was more than just a place to get your hair done. It represents my commitment to creating an experience centered around beauty, education, confidence, and individuality. Whether I’m working behind the chair, teaching, or continuing my own education, I’m always looking for ways to grow and raise the standard of what I offer.
My journey has definitely not been perfect. There have been seasons of uncertainty, challenges, setbacks, and moments when I had to remind myself why I started. But those experiences taught me resilience. They taught me that success isn’t always about how quickly you get somewhere—it’s about continuing to move forward, learning from every season, and refusing to give up on the vision you have for yourself.
Today, I’m proud to be a stylist, educator, business owner, and Wella Certified Trainer. In 2020, I have acquired my Associate Degree in Arts with Medical Studies, graduating on the Dean’s list with Honors while dealing with major health issues. I’m especially proud that I’ve been able to build a career that allows me to use both my creativity and my knowledge to impact other people.
If there is one thing my journey has taught me, it’s that your beginning does not have to look like your destination. You can evolve. You can reinvent yourself. You can learn something new at every stage of your career. And sometimes the things you think are simply part of your job turn out to be part of your purpose.
I’m still growing, still learning, and still dreaming. I’m excited about what the next chapter holds for Salon Concepts and for me personally. My goal is not just to create beautiful hair, but to leave people feeling more confident, inspired, and empowered than they were prior to our encounter.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, it hasn’t been a smooth road at all. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs, both personally and professionally, and I’ve just had to keep going.
I became a mom in 2004 when I had my oldest son, and then my youngest in 2008. So I’ve spent a lot of my career trying to balance being a wife, mom, working, teaching, taking care of my clients, and just making life happen. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve always tried to make it work.
In 2014, I had a work injury that caused nerve damage in my spine, and I was out of the industry for about two years. That was hard because I loved what I did. I recovered and got back into teaching in 2016, while still maintaining my clientele.
Then in 2018, I was diagnosed with avascular necrosis. I ended up having both hips replaced—my first in early 2019 and my second toward the end of 2019 going into 2020. That was another major setback, but again, I recovered and kept moving. I had also earned my Associate of Arts degree in Medical Studies because I was interested in going into the medical field and possibly surgical technology while going through these challenges.
In 2021, I took a different direction and started working as an executive administrative assistant doing compliance work and slowly getting back in the cosmetology industry with the clientele that patiently waited for me to recover. I was trying to use the different skills I had developed while still staying connected to the beauty industry.
Then in 2023, I was diagnosed with a rare autoimmune disease/disorder: Systemic Scleroderma, which has been another challenge I’ve had to learn to live and work through.
So no, it hasn’t been easy. There have been a lot of times when I’ve had to stop, regroup, recover, and figure out what was next.
But I never stopped.
I’ve continued working, teaching, taking care of my family, maintaining my clientele, and finding a way to keep moving forward. I’ve had to adjust a lot along the way, but I’m still here. And for me, that says a lot.
I’m proud of the fact that no matter what life has thrown at me, I’ve always found a way to get back up and keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of Salon Concepts. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Salon Concepts is a luxury, personalized hair experience built around healthy hair, beautiful results, and education.
I specialize in natural hair, silk presses, precision cuts, color, blonding, extensions, and updos. I’m also a cosmetology instructor and Wella Certified Trainer, so continuing education has always been very important to me. I service all types of hair!!!
I make it a priority to stay current with industry trends, new techniques, products, and technology. I attend trainings, take advanced classes, follow what’s happening within the professional beauty industry, and continue educating myself so I can bring new techniques and ideas back to my clients and students. I believe that being in this industry means you never stop learning.
What sets Salon Concepts apart is the personal attention and knowledge behind the service. I’m not just interested in what’s trending, I want to understand why a technique works, how it affects the hair, and whether it’s actually right for my client.
I love to evolve. I’ve built my salon around quality, education, healthy hair, and creating an experience where clients feel beautiful, confident, and genuinely cared for.
For me, it’s never just about doing hair. It’s about continuing to grow, staying educated, and giving my clients the best of what I know.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was very outgoing, spontaneous, and athletic. I played sports pretty much my whole life—basketball, volleyball, and track. I also ran track in college and later trained with USA Track & Field and became a track and field coach.
I’ve always been an outdoorsy, hands-on, do-it-yourself kind of person. I was also very creative and loved figuring out how to make things work. Love swimming, riding bikes, playing at the park, drawing, art, and just being free.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://app.squareup.com/appointments/book/1158zaw54w7c39/L2WBQ7PCW3BDH/start
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salonconcepts07/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/salonconcepts07/about
- Other: https://book.squareup.com/appointments/1158zaw54w7c39/location/L2WBQ7PCW3BDH/services
