Meet Shawntavia Davis | Salon Founder

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

Hi Shawntavia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
My thought process behind starting this business was driven by both professional vision and personal ambition. I wanted to step away from the traditional model to cultivate a true ecosystem. By designing an open-concept environment, the goal was to foster a collaborative space where real relationships are formed. It’s a place where artists can freely share insights, ideas, and clients, feeling fully supported in growing their individual businesses while contributing to a uniquely elevated experience.

At its core, my goal is to inspire confidence in our clients while curating a beautiful space where talented cosmetic artists can flourish and build their own independent brands.

On a personal level, entrepreneurship allows me to carve out my own path, providing the flexibility and foundation I need to one day focus on raising a family without sacrificing my professional passions.

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 consider my art to be twofold. First, as a cosmetic provider, my medium is the client. I absolutely love applying individual eyelash extensions, carefully curating bespoke sets that define the eyes, accentuate natural beauty, and provide an instant surge of confidence.

The second part of my art lies in curating the physical environment of Cio Bela Salon. I have a deep passion for designing a timeless, luxurious space that focuses on classic, sophisticated details in every corner to truly inspire our artists. I love fostering an open, inviting atmosphere that is uniquely conducive to learning, growth, and career advancement. We champion continuous education, actively partnering with esteemed local experts like Viktoria Prutova to provide advanced masterclasses for our nail technicians, ensuring they are equipped with elite skills like Russian manicures and premium gel systems.

I have reached this point in my career, and will continue moving toward my future goals, through sheer love for my craft, quiet confidence, and relentless perseverance.

The path of an entrepreneur is rarely easy, but that lack of ease is precisely what makes it so exciting. Challenges are what give our achievements their value.

There is a profound joy in knowing something is difficult and choosing to do it anyway. The hard moments, and the pure exhilaration of overcoming them, are exactly what make the entire process worthwhile.

I have learned that dreams materialize when we refuse to back down and stop at nothing to intentionally create our own reality.

Ultimately, overcoming obstacles and building our dreams as a team is the very heartbeat of Cio Bela Salon.

We intentionally designed an open-concept environment meant to spark collaboration and connection to build a true support system. It is a place where we lift each other up, tackle challenges side-by-side, and make it possible for every artist here to pursue their individual passions and turn their professional dreams into realities.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
One of the best things about Houston is its incredible diversity, with so many distinct neighborhoods just a reasonable drive from one another. For a week-long trip, I would curate an itinerary that highlights the unique aesthetic of each area.

We would start in North Houston in The Woodlands area. There is nothing quite like kicking off the day with the incredible brunch buffet at Churrascos on the Waterway. Their selection and value are truly unmatched. Afterward, we would spend the afternoon strolling along the Waterway and exploring the high-end boutiques at Market Street.

For the next day or two, we would head into the heart of the city. We might catch an Astros game for some local energy, or get dressed up for a ballet or musical at the Wortham Theater Center. We would also definitely spend time at the River Oaks Shopping Center. This area is my personal sanctuary for gathering interior design inspiration for Cio Bela Salon. I can never get enough of the masculine, timeless, and luxurious aesthetics at places like Restoration Hardware, Arhaus, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrel. We would perfectly cap off a River Oaks day with an elegant dinner at Zanti Cucina Italiana on West Gray.

To wrap up the trip, we would spend our final days exploring Memorial City and CityCentre. We would catch a film at Star Cinema Grill. Their newly renovated space offers the most beautifully upscale dine-in theater experience. Finally, we’d end the week leisurely browsing the local boutiques in CityCentre, soaking up the last bits of inspiration the city has to offer.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The continued building of Cio Bela Salon is a true labor of love, and none of it would be possible without the incredible people standing beside me.

First and foremost, my deepest gratitude goes to my husband. He is the operational anchor of this business and works tirelessly behind the scenes to bring my creative visions to life. He is my true partner in every sense.

I also have my family to thank, whose endless encouragement has always given me the confidence to fearlessly pursue my passions.

I’m thankful to my remarkable team of artists who choose to consistently navigate both the challenges and the triumphs alongside me.

And finally, to our wonderful clients whose daily support is the absolute foundation of our business. They are the reason we get to do what we love, and we simply be couldn’t keep our doors open without them.

Website: https://www.ciobelasalons.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ciobelasalon?igsh=MTNpOWdicW1vNjZlNg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17D7SY65Fx/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cio-bela-oak-ridge-north?utm_source=ishare

Image Credits
The Branding Agency – Houston