Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shay Sandifer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Shay, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
First and foremost I credit my amazing parents for instilling this relentless work ethic. They both started working at a very young age in our motherland Guatemala. Getting an education in a third world country is a luxury, it’s an option and a privilege for those who can afford it. My mom started working doing laundry and cooking for the local police station when she was 7 and my father who only has a 6th grade education started working in a local mechanic shop as a shop boy when he was very very young. They worked multiple jobs and very hard to make their dream of moving to the USA a reality in pursuit of the American dream, and they did! Once they got to America they continued their hard work, relentless efforts and a stable income for our little family to prosper. Seeing first hand everything my parents have accomplished through hard work and impeccable work ethic has been the greatest contributor in my success. Second, is the mindset of not having a choice. Discipline, structure and work ethic are non negotiable in my play book, every day.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
As a serial entrepreneur I wear many hats, and continue to grow a few businesses. Owner/Master Stylist of Elevation Beauty, Creator of The Summit hair repair mask and The Real Estate Stylist, Realtor with Call Tattoo Real Estate Group at EXP. My passion is people, serving my community my family and friends in all areas, being a part of their lives and improving the experience in any capacity is what fuels me. I’m a chameleon and have a deep desire to revolutionize the next generation of entrepreneurs with intensity, hard work and passion.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
First is desire. Have a dream, have 5 dreams be delusional about it at first. That little voice in your head and your subconscious will constantly nag you and spark your desire. Use that as fuel to make those delusions reality. Second, discipline equals freedom -Jocko Wilink. This ex navy seal made it very easy. Being disciplined will ultimately lead to freedom. Work hard and be fearless. Try, fail and try again.
Third, put on your mask first! (Flight attendant analogy) when you get on an airplane and they are getting ready to take off the attendants go through the safety instructions. The big one that sticks out to me is always- put on your mask first so you can help anyone else that may need to be saved. Self care, self care, self care. You won’t be a whole person with out taking care of yourself. That’s my main advice and what I’ve learned through my life and since becoming a mother.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Last year I made a deal with myself to say “YES” to opportunities that came my way, without fear or talk myself out of it because of fear of failure. And it was one of the most impactful, unforgettable and successful year of my entrepreneurial journey. I realized that I missed out on so Many things in the last because of my fear, fear of failure, criticism, judgment etc. and what’s found was that by putting myself out there in a genuine vulnerable way, I was able to inspire more people and gain so much more support than I have before.
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Captured by Vince Angel Martinez Curtain Call Photography