Life is what you make it, says beauty therapist Shondell Daniels, and she is giving clients a reason to smile and a self-confidence boost by transforming their physical appearance at her D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust beauty salon. “…my business [is] the business of beauty, a place of excellent customer service… [for] a bold step in a change of physical appearance for a new beginning or for self-love… I am fascinated by transforming people; it’s a pleasure to see when a customer is
satisfied and their faces are lit by the new physical appearance of themselves.”
The 27-year-old Classy Touch Beauty Salon owner is living proof of each person’s ability to forge the life they want. “When I was being undermined at an old job – I studied Business Management at Nations University, but I was working for a small company – at the time I was challenged by unprofessionalism by my boss; my life was a routine. I wanted more, but just did not know what. I realised I cannot get rich working for other people nor was I living my dream, so I ventured off. I studied for one year at a cosmetology school. I rented stations at other salons, but still was not satisfied, because I wanted to create my own signature in beauty. So, I took the bold step and opened my own business.”
That was in October 2015 in her Werk-en-Rust neighbourhood, a location from which the registered business continues to operate. Offering a wide variety of services, including hair care, extensions, jerry curl, braiding, pedicures and manicures, nail art, facials and make-up services, the salon reflects Daniels’ passion and focus on quality and the latest trends, with bold red walls and modern fittings.
“I am always doing research to keep up with the trend in the beauty industry…. I am inspired to always aim high and to be above all in my standard of beauty, like salons internationally recognised,” the uber stylish Daniels revealed, after confessing she is always enthusiastic to know and apply the secrets behind those big international salons.
One ecstatic customer raves on the business’s Facebook page: “If you’ve never been here before, I think you should just visit. The atmosphere & the unique “vybes” here” are so warm and welcoming.
“…. Ever so often I am disappointed with my hair, but I now feel that I have found the right place”, says another.
Daniels, who plans to open a cosmetology school, a beauty supply store and a spa resort in the future, says confidence is the most important quality an entrepreneur should possess. “With all the dreams, goals, aspiration, money or education, if you don’t have confidence in yourself, you will not have a purpose.”
She encourages budding business owners to “be motivated”. “We are all motivated by something: things as simple as our routine lifestyle, a thirst for success, a dream or expectations. First, you visualise; then you plan, you save and push for that goal to come true – not giving up because your life is what you make it. If you want the best in life or to give your best in life, you need to sustain your motivation so that it leads to success.”
Among the North Georgetown Secondary alumnus’ own sources of motivation are her fiancé, who she calls her dream mentor, and her mom, the biggest influence in her life.
“It’s not just all about being an owner; it’s owning up to the responsibilities of every aspect of your business if you want it to grow.” Along the way she has learnt self-discipline, to keep her personal life and business separate, and to be open and bold in dealing with all types of clients. Daniels added that remembering as she lives her life day to day that she too is a customer keeps her laser focused on treating clients as she would want to be treated.
“I defines success as a positive outcome in life that is accomplished by living your true purpose,” the Georgetown native, who was raised in West Ruimveldt Housing Scheme, notes.
She believes that hosting focus groups on business planning, workshops on business management and events for entrepreneurs at different stages of development as well as inviting business owners to share their stories and success strategies and immigrants to share their skills would help entrepreneurs, especially those now starting out.
Contact: Lot 29 D’Urban Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown; 696-7481, 223-1994; www.facebook.com/classytouchbeautysalon
