Meet Shannon Johnson | Owner

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

Hi Shannon, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My thought process for starting my business was first that I wanted to be my own boss. I pride myself on being a beauty professional with skills in hair and makeup so my desire was to start my own business that would stand out because of my professionalism, skills, and warm welcoming personality. Also, I wanted to create a safe space for women to come get pampered, wash away the cares of the day for a moment, and feel empowered and beautiful after they left.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I have done hair and makeup professionally for about 5 years. Before I chose this career I attended Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas where I wanted to study for a career in Physical Therapy. After graduating and working different jobs I began to play in hair and makeup as most young girls do. I started to practice intricate styles on myself like extensions and color and then my family & friends began to see my work and ask for services. In the back of my mind I still always had that dream of owning my own business so I decided to further my education and get my Cosmetology license. When I decided to start Cosmetology school it was a hard decision, met with a lot of questions from family and friends as this would now be my 3rd degree and 3rd career change. Although it was uncharted territory for me I knew that this field would allow me to be creative, express my individuality, and become my own boss with my own business. So with this goal in mind I pressed through the process, working a full time job during the day, and going to school at night. While going through the 18 month program, I worked, traveled around the city servicing clients at their homes, and began to build my business and brand. During this time it was hard balancing my busy schedule and figuring out how to create a professional business and career. One lesson that I learned was to keep pushing because if you quit you will never know what you could have achieved. I also learned I am much stronger, talented, and smarter than I thought I was as I figured things out on my own and also took the knowledge and lessons from others that have taught me along the way. I believe what sets me apart is my personality, and professionalism. Being a hairstylist and a makeup artist is an intimate role at times. I have created some amazing relationships with my clients and gone through life changing events with them from weddings, to birthdays, to sicknesses, and job loss. My role in their lives is much more than just a hairstylist as it is a safe place for them to unwind from the troubles of the day. I take my profession serious as my clients trust in me is very important so that is why I believe my personality and professionalism set me apart. In addition, to those relationships I take my skills seriously as well. I enroll in many classes to stay abreast of the current trends and techniques to be able to offer my clients the best services. My favorite service to offer is sewin extensions. I love working with extensions as they can add color, length, and personality to any hairstyle. I also love doing makeup as it is so fun and exciting to enhance each clients natural beauty. My favorite thing at the end of any service is for my clients to be happy and feel beautiful.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Being born and raised in Houston, TX, I absolutely love my city. There is always good food, live music, and good shopping to do here. So one my favorite foods is breakfast food so I would go to breakfast places like Snooze, The Toasted Yolk, or First Watch. My second favorite food is Mexican food so for lunch or dinner I would go to places like Pappasitos, or El Tiempo which have great drinks and great food! To hang out during the day we would do a picnic in the park at Clear Lake Park overlooking the water or Herman Park in the middle of the city. I also love Axelrad Beer Gardens on the weekend for drinks, a variety of foods, and live music.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have an amazing support system that has cheered me on every step of the way. I attribute my success first to God that has given me the strength, the tenacity, and the vision for my business. Next my biggest cheerleaders would be my Mom, Dad, and Sister that have supported and encouraged my individuality and outspoken spirit. They instilled in me from childhood that I can do and be whoever I wanted to be and they never diminished my outlandish dreams and ideas. My parents and sister have always supported my career changes, trial and errors, and always pushed me to continue to reach for my next goal no matter how large it was. And of course my awesome husband Sean, of almost 10 years, what a trooper! I want to give a shout out to him for being an amazing support for me as well through college, beauty school, and the creation of my salon. He has sat up with me late at night in the brainstorming phases of each idea, waited up late for me after a long day at the salon, endured many “let me try this” haircuts and the list goes on. He sees my vision and helps me to complete every one and I’m so thankful for his patience and support. Lastly, my friends and Sorority sisters that have been with me along the way since childhood and college. They show up no matter the distance or circumstance and I appreciate them for being so supportive.

Website: www.shannonmicheastudios.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shannonmichea
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shannonmichea

Image Credits
Andre Kelly Kimberly Warren