Q&A:
What inspired you to pursue a career in the beauty industry?
As a young lady I was no stranger to the salon environment. Although my family doesn’t have a hair background, my mom was a loyal customer of Glam Kouture Salon in Birmingham, Alabama, where Alesia Stewart was her stylist. They say I expressed my interest in hair at a young age, so Alesia took me under her wing and pretty much taught me the basics of hair. From the age of 13 I knew for sure that I would pursue a career in hairdressing and eventually own my own salon.
Can you share a memorable moment from your early days in the industry?
The most memorable moment from my early days in the industry was competing in the student competition at the Bronner Bros Hair Show during cosmetology school. These competitions taught me Resilience. I competed 3 times as a student and never won 1st. I didn’t put on the first show at all due to a lack of creativity. If you know anything about the student pageant, you have to be creative because you have to come with your hair styled and dyed. You only have 30 minutes to cut and style. Of course, being true to who I am, I didn’t use color the first time because it wasn’t my classic style and even though my cut was beautiful, it wasn’t enough without that color combination. I tried again 2 times after that and finished 3rd both times. I came back my first year as a pro and competed for Champion of Weaves and ended up taking first place. I knew I had it in me and I didn’t give up until I won. The moral of the story, NEVER GIVE UP!
How do you define your brand in the beauty space?
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I would describe my brand as CLASSIC because I have my own traditional style and as much as I evolve I still try to stay within the realm of what I have made mine. I try to think of my brand as the highest quality at all times in every aspect of the brand.
What it means to be featured in the Hype Hair Magazine x Bronner Bros. collaboration
to you?
Growing up in the salon scene, Hype Hair was a staple. Back when social media wasn’t a factor, we were looking for hair inspiration. As a young woman, I always wanted to have my work featured in this magazine, so this opportunity means everything to me. The Bronner Bros connection is a bonus. I have always loved and respected the Bronner Bros family and being associated with the company for the past 3 years has given me a front row seat to why they will always remain number 1 in my eyes. Words cannot express how much it means to me, definitely a lifelong dream come true.
Where do you see yourself in your career five years from now?
In 5 years from now I plan to expand my Shu & Company LLC brand to corporate hair salon chains and cosmetology schools.
Who are some of your biggest influences in the beauty industry?
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I am very influenced by Kim Kimble and Ming Lee
What areas of expertise set you apart from other professionals in your field?
I can apply extensions to hair as short as 2 inches, fine hair, as well as hair that others may find challenging. My clientele is full of women who may have been told by other stylists that it is not suitable for extensions. Whatever a client’s desired extension look is, 9 times out of 10 I can give it to them.
How vital diversity and inclusion is in the beauty industry and how you contribute
in this;
Diversity and inclusion are essential in the beauty industry and I believe that educating all hair types is my contribution. Seeing every head of hair as equal and being able to cover every head is a very special part of my art.
Can you share some tips for aspiring beauty professionals who want to make their own?
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mark?
Find what you like best and become the best at it. I was drawn to extensions early on in cosmetology school and knew I wanted to be an extension specialist. I took a series of courses and studied top professionals and their companies to find my lane. Whatever that special thing is for you, your gift will make room for you. Never stop being a learner, no matter how good you are at what you do, there is always room for improvement.
What role does innovation play in your approach to beauty and hair care?
As a beauty professional there is always something new, literally every year there is a new method, product, tool, etc. I like to embrace the new, take the good from the new and the old and combine those things to be the best version of myself that I can be.
How do you balance staying true to your style while keeping up with industry trends?
I believe that having core morals and values as a professional always helps me stay grounded
who i am, like i said before i take the good from the new trends but i remain CLASSIC. I never stray too far from what and who my brand really is.
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What challenges have you faced in your career and how have they shaped yours?
journey?
Moving from a small town where I was very popular to a bigger city was very difficult. I didn’t realize how difficult it was to rebuild not only in unfamiliar territory, but in a place where the best of the best stylists were. It humbled me and made me work even harder to bring myself up again. Having this experience made me realize how strong I was and tested my faith. I feel like I can make it anywhere in the world now and I’m never afraid to start over.
What upcoming projects or collaborations can your fans and readers look forward to?
Blew By Shu is coming soon to the Atlanta area. This is another level of Shu & Company LLC.
What’s your favorite beauty hack or product you can’t live without?
My round brush
How do you stay motivated and inspired in an ever-evolving industry like beauty?
GOD. I am grounded in my faith and believe that I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. It gets tough at times and in my toughest times I pray for guidance and it gives me the peace and understanding I need to move on to my next business venture.
The wait is over! 🚨 The Official 2024 Bronner Bros Freshman Class Issue is LIVE!
Meet the stars of the show: Barber @yisraelwright_, MUAs @hana.ali.beauty & @pounddcakee_, Hairstylists @iamhairphysician, @daisydoesmyhair, @shudoesmyhair, & @hairbyalexnicole, Nail Artist @terranceau, Loctician, Loctician, & @gibbysmiless of @ karlibeautylashbar.
This issue is a masterpiece of beauty and artistry, captured by the talented @dinerovisualz, creatively directed by @iamthekingdavis and edited by @the95.agency. Prepare to be blown away! 🌟 #BronnerBros2024 #ATLBBHOMECOMING #HypeHairMagazine
Don’t miss the 2024 Bronner Bros International Beauty Show February 24-26 at the Georgia World Congress Center. Secure your registration by visiting
