We recently connected with Shalean Ehr and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Shalean , you’ve got such an interesting story, but before we jump into that, let’s first talk about a topic near and dear to us – generosity. We think success, happiness and wellbeing depends on authentic generosity and empathy and so we’d love to hear about how you become such a generous person – where do you think your generosity comes from?
Where does my generosity come from? It comes from my Heavenly Father who has given me more than I could have asked for or imagined. He used my perfectly imperfect parents to model generosity to me. Growing up we had an ‘open door’ policy. People, mainly mine and my brother friends, were constantly finding refuge in our home. Some came from rough backgrounds. Others just needed a place to crash while things calmed down at their home. This isn’t to say my home was all peachy perfect. My father was an alcoholic whose mood switch on a dime after that ‘one too many’. My mom always keeping the peace the best she could and giving me the last $5 she had to go to a dance. Despite our own dysfunction; kid after kid came into our home and they felt loved and accepted as they were. My parents truly have hearts of gold. I remember my dad bringing a ‘friend’ home for dinner one night only to find out later that it was a homeless man. My dad just wanted to feed him and give him a beer. My dad died when I was 15. I went through many years of heartache only to find myself in a place of contentment. I went from being an orphan of sorts and God brought me into His home. He fed me and clothed me and gives me rest. Like my earthly parents, God brings in those who feel left out, odd, abandoned, unseen and unheard. He pulls them in, listens and calls them sons and daughters. He heals our wounds and sets us free. Even more He sent Jesus to pay the ransom for all the wrong we have ever done, and will do, so that we can spend the rest of eternity with Him. No more shame and guilt! Jesus changed my life. I could be a statistic, or super bitter, but I’m not. I have a hope that can NEVER be taken away from me, and I get to pass that on to everyone else. This is where my generosity comes from.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Heyo! I’m Shalean. I grew up in Southern Oregon. In short, growing up I was a misfit cheerleader with an old soul and a free spirit. As an adult I am still the same with a lot more wisdom and maturity.
I’ve wanted to be a stylist since 8th grade. My focus in my profession is the whole person, not just your hair. I want to love people on purpose. I actually really care about the people who sit in my chair. How we look can certainly affect how we perceive ourselves. So does our mental health, the food we eat or don’t eat, our relationships and so on.
The most exciting part is getting to know my clients deeper than just their hair preferences. Aaaand getting to see them light up when they love their hair!
Getting your hair done is a special treat more many. I’ve recently been asked to add a ‘scalp massage’ service to my list. One that is longer and more indepth than one you get with your haircut. I am currently figuring out what that looks like. Stay tuned to see it added to the service list!
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?
Be humble. Be teachable. Seek education.
I started at walk-in salons in college towns. Talk about diversity. I learned so much there with all of the different textures and personalities. Your bedside manner must eb and flow with each clients needs. All of the salons I seek, must have a focus on education. Hair is an industry that you must not forget the basics, but you also must keep growing and learning. The worst thing you could do is grown stagnant.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I would enjoy partnering with someone or an organization that empowers, encourages and equips individuals to go out and make the world a more beautiful place, one person at a time.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @hairbyshaleanmarie
- Facebook: Hair by Shalean Marie
- Other: https://linktr.ee/vitaltouchhairstudio
Image Credits
Anthony Ehr
Shalean Ehr
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
