Meet Shanida Littlejohn | Shanida | Founder of Luminous Beauty | Beauty Wellness Advocate | Hair & Business Mentor for Beautypreneurs

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shanida Littlejohn and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shanida, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Starting my own business wasn’t just about entrepreneurship—it was about creating something meaningful that blended my passions for beauty, wellness, and empowerment.

After retiring from the finance industry in 2019, I knew I wanted to build something that aligned with my love for transformation—not just externally but holistically. I had always been drawn to the beauty industry, and in 2020, I became a licensed cosmetologist. But I didn’t just want to be a hairstylist—I wanted to redefine how women experience beauty.

Why Beauty? Why Luminous Beauty?
Luminous Beauty is about radiating your inner beauty on the outside. For me, beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about confidence, self-care, and feeling like the best version of yourself.

As I worked with clients, I noticed a gap in the industry:

Many women were investing in extensions but not in hair wellness—they were enhancing their look but neglecting their natural hair underneath.
Beauty professionals often lacked business education and mentorship.
There weren’t enough luxury, texture-matching hair solutions that prioritized the health of natural hair.
That’s when Luminous Beauty Luxury Hair Extensions was born. I wanted to create a space where we do both—offering seamless, high-quality extensions while ensuring that natural hair is nurtured, strengthened, and properly cared for.

Merging Beauty & Wellness: A Science-Backed Approach
I believe healthy hair starts from the inside out, which is why Luminous Beauty has taken an innovative approach to hair care. We’ve partnered with a nurse practitioner to help identify internal deficiencies that could be affecting hair health. Through this collaboration, we offer personalized solutions such as supplements, IV drips, and PRP treatments to nourish hair at the root while enhancing its external beauty.

We’re also at the forefront of beauty technology, partnering with MYAVANA, a pioneering beauty tech company founded by Candace Mitchell Harris. MYAVANA has transformed textured hair care using data-driven science and technology, providing customized insights and solutions for women of color. This partnership allows Luminous Beauty to offer science-backed, personalized hair care solutions that go beyond one-size-fits-all recommendations.

The Bigger Picture: Beyond the Chair
Luminous Beauty isn’t just about selling hair—it’s about changing the narrative in the beauty industry. My background in finance gave me the tools to run a business strategically, and I wanted to pass that knowledge on to others. That’s why I mentor upcoming beauty professionals and host networking events, financial literacy workshops, and collaboration mixers.

I started this business because I believe beauty should be transformative, empowering, and deeply personal. My goal is to ensure that every woman who walks through our doors leaves feeling not only beautiful but also educated, confident, and cared for—inside and out.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Luminous Beauty is all about radiating confidence by caring for hair from the inside out. What sets us apart is our focus on both beauty and wellness, ensuring that our clients not only look good but also feel good. We believe that true luxury isn’t just about extensions—it’s about healthy, thriving hair and a holistic beauty experience.

The journey to building Luminous Beauty wasn’t easy, but faith, resilience, and passion have been my driving forces. I’ve learned that success requires adaptability, continuous learning, and a strong support system. Through it all, my mission remains the same—to elevate, educate, and empower women to embrace their beauty in every form.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
We’d start with brunch at Grace’s, then unwind with self-care at Escape Spa Cypress (my favorite Spa) and a fresh set at Gloss Bar Nails. Shopping at The Galleria & River Oaks District is a must, followed by a little friendly competition with pickleball or golf at Memorial Park.

Evenings would be a mix of dinner at Steak 48, Drake’s Hollywood, Lombardi’s then cocktails and hookah at Jolie, The Sugar Room for a speakeasy vibe, or Alley Kat for live music.

For adventure, get active at Buffalo Bayou Park, and catch a game or concert if something exciting is in town. The week wouldn’t be complete without Sunday Funday at Chapman & Kirby to wrap it all up in style.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
First and foremost, I give all glory to God. Without His guidance, grace, and unwavering presence in my life, none of this would be possible. Through every challenge, transition, and milestone, my faith has been my foundation, keeping me grounded and leading me to my purpose.

I also want to dedicate my shoutout to the incredible people who have supported me on this journey—because success is never achieved alone.

My children are my greatest motivation. They inspire me daily to push forward, break barriers, and create a legacy they can be proud of. Their love and unwavering support fuel my passion and drive.

My Luminous Beauty team deserves so much recognition as well. Their dedication, talent, and commitment to our shared vision have been instrumental in our growth. We’ve built something special together, and I’m beyond grateful for their hard work and belief in what we’re creating.

I also want to recognize our community and loyal clients who have supported us over the last four years. Every appointment booked, every product purchased, every referral, and every word of encouragement has helped Luminous Beauty flourish. It’s because of them that we continue to elevate beauty, wellness, and innovation in this industry.

A special thank you to Candace Mitchell Harris and the MYAVANA team for pioneering technology that is transforming textured hair care. Partnering with MYAVANA has allowed us to offer science-backed, personalized hair care solutions, aligning with our mission of radiating beauty from the inside out.

I also want to acknowledge our nurse practitioner Nurse Rose, who helps our clients identify internal deficiencies affecting their hair health. Through supplements, IV drips, and PRP treatments, we are bridging the gap between beauty and wellness—because true beauty starts from within.

Lastly, I want to give thanks to the beautypreneurs I mentor and the organizations that uplift small businesses. Sharing knowledge, building connections, and supporting one another is what makes entrepreneurship so rewarding.

This journey has been a collective effort, and I wouldn’t be here without God, my family, my team, my community, and my clients. Thank you all for being part of the evolution!

Website: https://www.luminousbeautybar.com

Instagram: @loveluminousbeauty or @radiancebynidab

Linkedin: Luminous Beauty

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/loveluminousbeauty/