Life & Work with Shauna Graham

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shauna Graham.

Shauna, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I was born and raised in Ohio. In a very small, one stoplight town. At first, I didn’t have plans for my career. I played junior Olympics volleyball and for my school. I figured I would get into a college through volleyball. Unfortunately, I blew my knee out in 11th grade. Thought my life was over at that moment. I had to make a huge decision. I took all of senior classes in the summer between 11th and 12th grade so I could graduate early.

That way, I had time to think about what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Our family didn’t have the means to put me through any type of schooling, let alone pay for college. Hence why I was trying to play my way into college. So now time to think about my new career path. I always had an interest in hair. My grandmother that helped raise me also did hair. Her salon was in our basement and I would always play, watch, entertain myself with her equipment. So I thought to myself, let’s go into cosmetology school. Try it out and see how I like it. To make a long story short. I loved it. It was my passion. I loved to make others feel great about themselves. I became their confidant for their daily lives. Before I knew it, I was traveling the US for education and great learning experiences. 4 years into being licensed, I took a leap of faith and opened a salon in my hometown at 22 years old. First five years they say are the hardest. I thought, there’s no way I can do this. I need to close. Then all of sudden five years later, I had 2400 sq ft salon with 11 employees. It was awesome. Hometown girl, making a great business for the community. Unfortunately, the big companies surrounding my salon slowly started to close and people were moving out of state for job transfers. Then, of course COVID happened. So 12.5 years into building my dream, my baby before kids, my life. Slowly started getting back to where it was when I opened.

At the time, my boyfriend lived in Apex and we were deciding if he should move back to Ohio with me or if I should move to NC. I made the decision to sell my salon and move to NC. So my family and I moved down with him. When I moved here, I had no idea where I wanted to work. I didn’t know if I could own again or work for anyone again since I was an owner for so long. So with no family or friends here. I decided to open my own suite in A Suite Salon in Cary. It’s scary starting your career over after 17 years of being in the same area and being comfortable. Also, during a pandemic. But I had a lot of credentials, education, talent and confidence that I could do this again. I opened my suite, Kreative Trendz NC in October 2020. I do have to say in only seven months into my NC cosmetology career, I’m doing great. I love my spot. I love the town. And I’m so excited about my career again. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Everything is possible. And it’s an amazing ride to get there. As an Ohio small-town girl, I quickly became a southerner and loving the busy NC life. Like I’ve always lived here.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey in my life has been a rocky, smooth, rocky, smooth rollercoaster. Being self-employed is always a gamble in life. Some weeks would be great. Others I would wonder how I would make my bills that week. Just when I thought things wouldn’t be good for that few weeks, I would get calls about clients wanted their hair done. Being an owner was the hardest thing. I was young. I didn’t know a lot about employees. My family was self-employed. So I knew how to run a business. But solo. Throw a few employees in the mix and there was tension, questions, learning experiences, a lot of crying days, and a lot of happy days.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Once I accomplished getting my cosmetology license and went into the field. I knew I wanted to do something more with my license and I wanted to be different than anyone around me. I worked with Goldwell color and products at the time. I decided to go get my Goldwell Color Master license only one year into being licensed. I also wanted to have my own product line. I invested three months into making a line that’s for everyone. So I created Kreative Trendz hair care line. I’m in love with these products and a great price point as well. But I love color. I love making my clients feel amazing when they leave my chair. I’m known for being a great colorist, and I could match up any new client’s current color. I’m also a great all-around stylist. I’m not only a great colorist, but I can cut and style any texture of hair. I can cut kids and men as well as perming and curling multiple aged clients. I’m mostly proud of where I’m at today in my career due to my mentors in my travels to get where I’m at. They made me the most well-rounded stylist. It’s like I became their hairapist solving world problems from the salon chair.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
You have to have a personality and overall appearance. You have to look at your part. I believe that if your hair, makeup, and clothes are put together, then the clients will come. I’m in the beauty industry so even if I’m off for the day, I still have to look like I’m going to work. Your appearance intrigues potential clients.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: KreativeTrendzNC.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/kreativetrendz_nc
• Facebook: Facebook.com/kreativetrendznc

Image Credits
Myself. Shauna Graham