Her Royal Hair Studio provides exclusive celebrity style hair braiding, hair extension and wig services to women of all backgrounds and hair types. We had the chance to catch up with Shayla, the master hairstylist / braider, to find out more about what they do.
What made you want to do this work?
The art of hair braiding / hairstyling has always been my passion. I started braiding natural hair at the age of 7 years by watching my aunty who was a professional beautician. During my High school years, I enrolled myself in the hair program then after graduation, I attended post-secondary college to learn about the art of hair and makeup & received my cosmology certification. Although during my schooling information on braiding and other services that I provide such as braiding, weaving & etc were limited, I educated myself by taking courses with other’s professional beauty icons that are well-known within the industry or celebrity hairstylists.
What problem did you want to solve with the business?
The main problem that my business solves is providing unique services that specifically meet the needs of a small minority group here in Vancouver. Ethnic women find it very hard to find excellent service providers that are very professional and well-educated about their hair. For many years it has been my goal to help provide diversity in the beauty industry, so that ethnic women can feel included and feel confident when visiting salons for their hair services.
I have also taught over 150 students including other hair salons how to provide services to textured hair types. My specialized program provides detailed knowledge of the art of braiding and how to meet the demanding needs of textured hair clients here in Vancouver.
Who are your clientele/demographics?
My clientele is professional women of all diversity from ages 20-35 and backgrounds.
I do have clients that are above or below this age range as well that I provide my services to.
How does your business make money? How does it work?
My business makes money through service-providing and retail sales.
Clients would book their appointments with me online, they will come in for the service and then pay for the service provided.
Clients that need premium hair extensions can also purchase top quality salon certificated human hair extensions directly from the hairstylist.
Where in the city can we find your profession?
As a freelance hairstylist/ salon owner. My current studio is located in Vancouver. In May I along with my small staff will be transitioning to a new studio in New Westminster.
What is the best question a prospective customer could ask a member of your profession when comparing services? Give the answer as well.
Question: “ how long have you been a hairstylist?”
Answer: I have 8 years of professional experience in the art of braiding and hairstyling.
Question: “ how long does an average service take?”
Answer: Services can take from 3 hours up to 6 hours depending on the service being provided.
Question: Are you taking new Clients?
I am always open to meeting new clients and helping with their hair journey.
Answer: All new clients will need to fill out my new client intake form.
What is the best part about what you do? What is the worst part?
The best part about what I do is helping women feel and look their best while building positive relationships and environments for them to refresh and recharge from their busy lives.
Worst part: I’m not sure, I’m always positive about my passion. Of course, physical work can something be hard on the body but I always give myself rest when needed.
What is your favourite joke about your own profession?
Haha, favourite hair joke – I’m not too sure actually. My saying is “laughter heals the mind, body & soul”. So I do my best to always laugh about some clients’ impossible requests 😂 when you are a really good hairstylist, clients start to believe that you can do magic. So some of their requests are pretty funny.
Where can we follow you?
I am super active on my social media pages: Her Royal Hair Braiding and Her Royal Hair Extension
PAY IT FORWARD: What is another local business that you love?
Citrus Salon on Cambie Vancouver
