Meet Shaina Nguyen | Hairstylist and Educator

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

Hi Shaina, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Social Media.

I cannot stress this enough. If you don’t do social media, you will not thrive. I definitely enjoy the creating aspect of social media so it makes it fun. I built my whole career on this from day one. It doesn’t matter if you are working for someone or working for yourself, you will need social media.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
As a hair artist, it’s hard to stick out in a sea of talented artist. I use social media to stand out. You have to have a style of posting so people know automatically that it’s you. Anyone can do hair and take a pic or a video, but how are you doing it?

Getting to where I am now took a lot of work. Doing hair isn’t something you can just put on cruise control and receive consistent pay. You have to continue reinventing yourself. you have to keep learning new things or people will leave you in the dust. This job is not for the weak.

There are a lot of ups and downs in my career. Being a creative can make you sizzle out. You can’t possibly crank out creative work all the time. I have moments where I’m creating and loving it, and then I get bored of what I’m doing. I don’t put out things I don’t like. Education is the only way I can light up my passion again.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I moved to Dallas when I started my hair career. 8 years so I guess I have my spots now. Carrolton has a bunch of Asian restaurants and places to hang out. From bars to cute little dessert places to shopping. I definitely would check out that little area. It’s our little K-town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I would have to say my last boss, Sarah King Lynch. This woman is a badass leading badasses! She taught me that I need more than just honing my craft to survive in this industry. Customer service, numbers, and organization all play a crucial part to becoming a true successful professional. I was super passionate in the hair industry already, but working with her lighted more than a fire within me.

Instagram: shainathestylist

Image Credits
@brittandersonphotography – photo of me Hair photos are taken by me