Daily Inspiration: Meet Shakira Montgomery

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shakira Montgomery.

Hi Shakira, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I was inspired at an early age due to my grandmother owning a beauty salon and my mother being a nail technician. Growing up, I’ve always had an interest in the beauty industry, and it made sense that she would one day follow in the same footsteps as the leading two beautiful women in my life. They inspired me to attend cosmetology school. In 2011, she attended Paul Mitchell School Michigan full-time until graduation in 2012. Shortly after, I became a licensed cosmetologist within the state of Michigan. I am now traveling the world, working on TV and film, doing what I love. I’ve been blessed with a fantastic gift to serve others and my community.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road? If not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Being an entrepreneur has not been a smooth ride, but rewarding through it all. One of the struggles I’ve experienced is a work-life balance. Balancing work commitments with personal life can be difficult for hairstylists, especially during busy periods or when working irregular hours. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is essential for overall well-being and mental health and preventing burnout. Effective time management and setting boundaries are key to achieving this balance. Another struggle would be Loneliness and Stress: Entrepreneurship can be a lonely journey, with entrepreneurs often shouldering the weight of decision-making and the responsibility of the business’s success. Managing stress, seeking support from mentors or peers, and prioritizing self-care are important for overcoming the emotional challenges of entrepreneurship. While these obstacles can be daunting, they also present opportunities for growth and learning. Successful entrepreneurs persevere, remain adaptable, and seek solutions to overcome these challenges on their path to building a thriving business.

I appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a licensed cosmetologist “hairstylist” in the Metro Detroit Area and Atlanta Georgia, I specialize in all phases of hair care. Whether caring for your natural hair or installing hair extensions, color placement, or wigs, I do it all. My deep understanding of various types and textures, Coupled with the ability to create flattering and fashionable hairstyles, has earned me a reputation for excellence. I take pride in providing excellent customer service, ensuring my clients feel comfortable and satisfied with their hair transformations. But what truly makes me proud is my personal growth. From where I started to where I am now, I am beyond grateful and blessed to have come this far.

What changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The hair industry is expected to continue evolving and adapting to new trends, technologies, and consumer demands in the next five years.

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices: With increasing awareness of environmental issues, there is likely a greater emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices in the hair industry. Salons may adopt more environmentally friendly products and techniques, such as using organic and natural hair care products and reducing water and energy consumption.

Health and wellness: There is a growing awareness of the connection between hair health and overall well-being. More emphasis may be placed on holistic approaches to hair care, including scalp health, nutrition, and stress management. Salons may offer specialized treatments and services targeting hair health and promoting overall wellness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.shakirakalistyles.com/
• Instagram: @shakirakali