We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shay Gularte. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shay below.
Shay, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
This question holds so many layers. My purpose came from clawing myself out of the most darkest corners of earth.
At 15 years old I found myself lost and vulnerable. I was battling teenage angst, generational anger and undiagnosed ADHD. It proved to be too much for my teenage brain to handle and I searched for an escape. Enter in a ten year addiction to opiates.
I found myself lost and broken and before I knew it my life had spiraled out of control into a darkness so deep it would break most people. One day, I looked in the mirror and didn’t recognize myself. I was completely numb. I couldn’t feel happiness or sadness. I was so lost I had forgotten why I’d even started using in the first place. I had achieved my goal of escape and I was utterly terrified.
December 30, 2014, a decade ago, I asked for help. I chose myself. I got my life together.
In that darkness I saw a lot. I saw how badly women turn on themselves, how self sabotaging the mind is and how mean we truly are to ourselves. I vowed I would make it my life goal that every single woman in the world would know and understand how beautiful and powerful each and every one of us truly is.
After 5 years of obstacles and 3 years of achieving a cosmetology license, I found my life passion making women feel the most beautiful l they’ve ever felt.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
✨𝒢𝑒𝓉 𝒯𝑜 𝒦𝓃𝑜𝓌 ℳ𝑒✨
My name is Shay 🖤 I’m a licensed event hairstylist who calls Vegas my home. Welcome to my circus. I style weddings, photoshoots, festivals, burns, concerts, birthdays, wild Vegas nights out & so much more. I also make pretty cool custom hair accessories from time to time. When my fingers aren’t in hair they’re probably planning creative shoots to create art with hair. I truly love what I do! It’s a passion to me, not a job. I work behind the chair from time to time, but my real passion is in intricate braiding and styling. My goal is to one day be doing hair for shows like Game of Thrones and House of Dragon. On my days off i’m either in nature with my kids or have my head stuck in a fantasy book. If you have taken the time to read this little about me, I appreciate you! I’m slowly growing and building such a phenomenal following & I just want to say I love you all so much!
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?
When I look back on the years of being licensed the most important things I took from the experience were always staying kind regardless of the situation. Professional life can get tricky! Maintaining a level of professionalism at all times is key and will set you above the rest of your peers. Next, i’d say, be able to take criticism. Knowledge is power and sometimes things can be done a better way than the way you chose. Be open to individuals giving you constructive criticism. With that being said, my last piece of advice would be…do not let anyone take advantage of you or your art! You are a gem and deserved to be treated with respect and kindness. Demand it!
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m always looking to collaborate with like minded individuals! I support all art and love to be apart of the process. This year i’m really looking into creating intricate braided fantasy styles. If this sounds like your jam, let’s create!
Contact Info:
Image Credits
Credits: (in no particular order)
Models-Rosa, Masha, Sam & Candice
Hair Used For All Looks- Half Sweet Studios
Photographers- Terri (Grace In Lace Boudoir) and Bo Flores (Bo Flores Photography)
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
