Today we’d like to introduce you to Anne Shackelford
Anne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Artist, Hairstylist, Yogi, Crafter. I have been making heads of hair beautiful since 1997. I craft with resin, acrylic on canvas, colored pencil and ink drawings, leather, costume design, jewelry making, sculpture & bodypainting. My passion for wellness and fitness led me into yoga practice, but soon after, I realized how yoga truly balances and transforms your mind, body, and soul. I was 19 when my mother suggested beauty school. Since I had no direction, I chose to become a hairstylist as a means to put myself through college. Soon after I was in the thick of classes, I realized I really loved doing hair! I finished with an art associate’s and continued to pursue my career as a hairstylist, then artist. A few years ago, I fell into yoga practice, which continues to reshape my life daily. I am blessed to have the love and support of my friends and family. Artist Statement: I am self-taught, easily inspired. I crave creating. I make people beautiful for a living, so grateful. I make time for yoga to help shape my mind for clarity and stability in my body and mind for my artwork.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
For sure! But way too many and a bit personal to share. I can leave you with this… “Stop waiting for a sign, for the right time, for everything to align. Even when you’re learning, hurting or aching: start choosing, start chasing, start creating. All it takes is one word, one dab of paint, one mistake, one-this-might-be-awful-but-I’ll-do-it-anyway. You may stumble and fall bruise, and I know you’re asking, but what if I lose? And I’m here to tell you of all the losses you could feel, nothing feels like losing quite as much as standing still.” -s.r.w. poetry
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I began experimenting with art as soon as I could hold a crayon. Since then, I’ve played with so many mediums, pencils, pens, paint, sewing, costume, headdresses, jewelry, body art/painting, leather crafting, etc. Lately, I’ve put a spin on dreamcatchers, and now I’m playing with resin and crystals to create “geode art.” My work has been selling more than ever, which makes me so proud and happy. I can create more and more because there is a balance in the exchange of investing and selling. I worked very hard to get to where I am today professionally. I wouldn’t say it has been easy. I was 17 and on my own, working a few jobs and trying to get through beauty school while battling so many demons. I’m not sure how I overcame these challenges. I was determined to be in a position to care for myself with ease. I wanted freedom and time to create. I always felt like I needed to catch up like I was behind on everything. I guess that’s why I was so motivated to grow and enrich my life. Some lessons I’ve learned along the way… Humility. It’s a hard one. It’s humbling. Indeed, it makes you stronger, grateful, compassionate, and eventually, you find your peace, joy, and happiness.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Go for it. There is very little time to waste. Don’t worry so much about the “right choice.” Whatever choice you make is right for you and win or lose, you will gain more and focus and understanding.
Contact Info:
- Email: chrysalisaustin@gmail.com
- Website: https://www.chrysalisaustin.com
- Instagram: @chrysalisaustin
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2Bq7O7TeXorc4WmiODSA2Q?view_as=subscriber
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/anne-shackelford-chrysalis-studio-austin#hrid:wHQ0onLK7URmdZJU7BQJJQ
Suggest a Story: VoyageAustin is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
