At the heart of every successful woman-owned business is a story of passion, resilience, and bold action.
Welcome to all things #SheOwned, a space where we celebrate the women who have turned their dreams into thriving enterprises, showing the world that women-owned brands aren’t just businesses—they are movements.
This month, in honor of National Women’s Small Business Month, we’re thrilled to feature Shantae McDonald, the visionary Founder & CEO of The Beautaé Bar.
Her story is a testament to the power of persistence, community, and creating a brand with purpose. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to turn your passion into a successful business, Shantae is here to share her five steps to success. Let’s get started…
5 Steps to Turn Your Passion into a Successful Business
What initially inspired you to start The Beautae Bar, and how did you know that beauty was the industry where you could make an impact?
The Beautaé Bar was born out of my passion for beauty and desire to create a space where people feel empowered and confident. I knew I could make an impact in this industry because beauty has always been about more than just aesthetics—it’s about boosting self-esteem and celebrating individuality. I wanted to establish a brand that not only offers quality hair and beauty services but also fosters a community of support and transformation for our clients.
Was there a particular moment or experience that solidified your decision to turn your passion for beauty into a business?
I grew up in a salon environment since my mom was a cosmetologist, but funny enough, I never really took an interest in it as a kid. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. for college that everything changed. My friends, family, and track-and-field teammates often needed hair care and couldn’t find what they were looking for. Helping them out made me realize I had a knack for it—and that’s when I knew I could turn this passion into something bigger.
How did you go from having an idea to actually launching your business? Were there specific steps or resources you used to get started?
Getting The Beautaé Bar off the ground was a journey that started during my time in grad school in Jacksonville. I began taking on professional clients to earn some extra income and soon realized how fulfilling it was to help others feel beautiful and confident. After moving to Texas, I decided to take it a step further and apprenticed at a salon while attending cosmetology school to become a licensed professional.
Even though I held other jobs in my field of study, I always found my way back to beauty. I loved working with hair and providing exceptional service, and that passion made it clear I needed to do this full-time. So, I took the leap and officially launched The Beautaé Bar in 2020.
Starting my business during a challenging time taught me the importance of resilience and adapting to change. I focused on building a brand that delivers excellent results and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Step-by-step, I turned my passion into a thriving business that continues to grow and make an impact.
What challenges did you face in the early stages of starting The Beautae Bar, and how did you overcome them?
Starting The Beautaé Bar during the height of the pandemic in 2020 was incredibly challenging. At the time, most of my clients were travel nurses stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. They needed a mobile stylist who could safely come to their hotel rooms while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols. I made sure to implement all the necessary health measures, from wearing PPE to disinfecting tools between each client.
When I moved to New York in 2021, I had to start from scratch. To rebuild my clientele, I set up a home salon and also worked as a mobile stylist for Yeluchi. It wasn’t easy—finding continuing education and resources to grow my skills was tough, and I constantly felt the desire to expand but lacked the support and funding to do so.
Despite these obstacles, I stayed focused and committed to providing exceptional service. Those experiences shaped me and The Beautaé Bar, making us stronger and more resilient today.
What were some of the key strategies you used to build a solid foundation for The Beautae Bar? Did you focus on branding, networking, or something else early on?
In the early stages of building The Beautaé Bar, I focused on a few key strategies to create a strong foundation. First, I prioritized building authentic relationships with clients by providing personalized services that catered to their unique needs. Word-of-mouth and client referrals became crucial in establishing trust and credibility, especially since many of my initial clients were travel nurses.
I also put a lot of effort into branding—ensuring that The Beautaé Bar’s messaging and visuals reflected quality, professionalism, and care. Networking played a big role too. I connected with local beauty professionals and other entrepreneurs to create opportunities for collaboration and gain more visibility in the community.
Another strategy was leveraging social media to showcase my work and expertise, which helped attract a wider audience. These combined efforts laid a strong foundation and helped The Beautaé Bar stand out in a competitive market.
How did you balance following your passion with the practicalities of running a business, such as finances and operations?
Balancing my passion for beauty with the realities of running a business has been a real test of resilience. In the beginning, there were months when income was unpredictable, and I had to take on extra jobs just to make ends meet. This included everything from part-time gigs to freelance work outside the beauty industry.
I learned the importance of financial discipline—meticulously tracking expenses and setting budgets became essential. I also sought mentorship and connected with other entrepreneurs for advice, which helped me navigate tough times. Staying organized was crucial; I relied on various tools to manage appointments and client communications, ensuring I could focus on delivering quality services without getting overwhelmed. It’s definitely a juggling act, but my love for what I do keeps me motivated and inspired to push through the challenges.
How did you attract your first customers, and what marketing tactics have worked best for you in expanding your reach?
Attracting my first customers relied heavily on a combination of word-of-mouth and social media. My initial clients came primarily from the travel nursing community, who shared their positive experiences with friends and colleagues. This organic growth was complemented by my active presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, where I showcased my work and connected with potential clients.
I believe that the quality of my work serves as my best marketing tool. Client referrals have played a significant role in expanding my reach, as satisfied customers are my most effective advocates. This makes it possible for me to gain clients wherever I decide to take my business next. This was seen when I moved back to florida in 2022 and had the same demand as if I never left.
What advice would you give to someone who is passionate about a specific field but unsure how to grow their audience or client base?
My advice for anyone passionate about their field but unsure how to grow their audience is to embrace authenticity wholeheartedly. Share your personal journey, including both successes and challenges, so people can connect with your story. Engage with your community by attending local events, joining relevant groups, and fostering genuine relationships.
Utilize social media platforms to showcase your skills and passion—don’t be afraid to let your personality shine. Encourage satisfied clients to refer you and leave reviews, as their testimonials can significantly boost your credibility. Ultimately, your passion and authenticity will attract the right audience and create a loyal client base.
What habits or practices have been essential in helping you maintain and grow The Beautae Bar’s success over time?
Maintaining and growing The Beautaé Bar’s success has required consistent habits and practices. One essential habit is dedicating time for continuous learning through workshops, online courses, and industry events, which keeps me informed about the latest trends and techniques.
I prioritize client feedback, actively seeking ways to enhance services based on their needs and experiences. Building strong relationships is crucial; I engage with clients regularly through follow-ups and social media interactions. Finally, staying organized and disciplined with scheduling and finances allows me to focus on quality while effectively managing growth. These practices have been pivotal in creating a thriving business.
Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known earlier in your entrepreneurial journey that would have helped you avoid common mistakes?
Looking back, I wish I had known earlier that giving myself grace is essential in this entrepreneurial journey. It’s all a learning process, and mistakes are inevitable. Understanding that setbacks are part of growth would have helped me avoid unnecessary stress and frustration. Embracing this mindset would have allowed me to focus on learning from each experience rather than feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect. Remember, every misstep is an opportunity for growth.
Valuable Takeaways:
Social media is a powerful tool for building your brand and connecting with potential clients. Use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to showcase your work, share your story, and engage with your audience. Joining groups with like-minded individuals can also provide support and collaboration opportunities.
Actionable Advice: Create a content calendar to plan your posts and ensure a mix of promotional content, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and personal anecdotes. Building strong relationships with your clients is crucial for retention and referrals. Regular check-ins, personalized messages, and follow-ups after services help clients feel valued.
Actionable Advice: Develop a system for tracking client preferences and milestones (like birthdays) to personalize your interactions.
Staying updated on industry trends is essential for remaining relevant. Follow industry leaders, attend workshops, and engage in online forums to keep your knowledge current.
Actionable Advice: Set aside time each week to read articles or watch videos related to your field, helping you stay ahead of the curve.
These strategies have been pivotal in my journey, and I hope they guide you on yours! <3
Now it’s your turn to take action! Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, Shantae’s tips offer practical, powerful ways to build and grow your own brand.
If you’d like to be featured in the #SheOwned series, we’d love to hear your story! Email us at hello@raicesmediaco.com.
And if you haven’t yet joined the movement of she-owned businesses, head on over to wccmiami.com and become part of a community that is driven by empowerment, impact, and success.
Let’s continue to celebrate, uplift, and support every woman who dares to say, “I own this.”
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