Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantea Lewis.
Hi Shantea, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I became a hairstylist long before I realized it was part of my purpose in life.
My journey started in elementary school when I began doing my own hair (let’s just say it was a mess!) I started with braiding, then moved on to braiding my peers’ hair in high school. I even attempted more advanced styling (it wasn’t always pretty, but I’m so grateful to everyone who let me practice on them).
Strangely enough, what pulled me away from hair for a while was something small: I convinced myself I couldn’t part a straight line. So I spent the next 10 years in the medical field. Eventually, I knew it was time to follow my passion after battling with years of depression. I enrolled in beauty school at Toni & Guy in Atlanta in 2017 moved to Texas in 2018, and earned my cosmetology license in 2019.
Since then, I’ve worked in two corporate salons and one private salon, and now I’m thriving in my own suite. I’m incredibly excited to see what this next chapter holds as a hairstylist.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I had big dreams when I started, but the struggle was very real. I thought becoming a hairstylist would be much easier than it turned out to be. Less than a year into my career, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and I was completely crushed but I never gave up because there was nothing else I was willing to do but hair. There were many moments when I questioned whether I had made the right decision to follow this path.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about ShanteaAtelier ?
ShanteaAtelier is my independent hair studio in Temple, Texas which is a warm, personalized space dedicated to Color • Care • Calm.
What I specialize in / What I’m known for:
I’m a REDKEN Shades EQ Specialist with a passion for education and beautiful, healthy color transformations. Think root melts, babylights, lived-in blondes, balayage, and custom fantasy color work that blends seamlessly while keeping hair strong and vibrant. I also excel in precision haircuts (including curl cuts), trims that grow out gracefully, and overall hair health. Many clients come to me for that perfect balance of style and care.
What sets me apart:
My unique background in both medicine and beauty gives me a deeper understanding of hair health from the inside out. I combine professional Toni & Guy training with genuine listening and calm energy in every appointment. At ShanteaAtelier, it’s never rushed, it’s about creating a relaxing experience where you feel truly seen, cared for, and transformed.
I’m also deeply involved in the community as the Hair and Makeup Coordinator for Pink Warrior Angels of Texas, a nonprofit that provides financial and emotional support to cancer warriors and their families. For over 7 years, I’ve volunteered backstage at their Runway of Hope events, helping survivors feel confident, beautiful, and celebrated as they walk the runway. This work keeps me grounded and reminds me daily why I do what I do.
What I’m most proud of brand-wise:
Building ShanteaAtelier from the ground up with authenticity and perseverance and using my skills to give back. It represents my full-circle journey of turning early passion, challenges, and a heart for service into a meaningful business.
I want readers to know that ShanteaAtelier is more than a salon, it’s a welcoming studio where high-quality color, cuts, and personalized attention come together in a calm, judgment-free environment. Whether you’re looking for a fresh haircut, a vibrant new color, healthy hair restoration, or simply a relaxing appointment, I’m here to help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
I want readers to know that it’s never too late to pursue your passion even if you walked away from it at one point. I was rerouted back to hair by a kind Uber driver on the way to an appointment, right before I decided to attend beauty school. Her exact words were, “Most of the time, the thing you’re supposed to do in life is something you had a passion for when you were younger.” That simple message lit a fire in me & I was definitely on a mission from that moment on.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.shanteaatelier.glossgenius.com
- Instagram: @shanteaatelier
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@mariebeauty_8
