Today we’d like to introduce you to Chelsea Mayes.
Hi Chelsea, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
From the first Saturday night I sat in front of my mom, as she did my hair for church in the morning, I knew hair is what I would do. The feeling of looking in the mirror when she finished and seeing the newly enhanced version of myself is something I could never describe. It got to the point where she would do my hair for school and I would sneak hair supplies into my backpack, just so I could change my hair when I got to there! Thankfully she also blessed me with a little sister, who in time became my guinea pig for all things hair.
Every summer we would go to the “country” and stay with my grandparents in Mt. Pleasant, TN. And every day I was there, I got to watch my grandmother do what she loved, hair! My grandfather built her a full service hair salon right behind their house. I looked forward to waking up and running down to what we called “the shop” and opening it for the day. Anyway I could assist, you better believe I did! From sweeping, cleaning supplies, or just passing out water, the shop was my favorite place to be. It was full of love, life, and laughter. But most of all it was full of wisdom. I can’t begin to tell you all of the stories from young and old that were shared there. And I was beyond blessed enough to soak it all up like the little sponge I was.
Though I am young, I pride myself in having an “old school” mentality when it comes to being a cosmetologist. Its much more than simple doing hair. My clients trust me with one of their most prized possessions, their appearance. But beyond that, I am a confidant, sister, niece, friend, spiritual sounding board, the list could really go on. In that chair, for those few moments, we become family. We laugh, cry, sing, and thank God he brought us together!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The road has not been easy to say the least. Although I always knew I would end up being a cosmetologist, I had to test the waters of what “society” says is right. So immediately after high school I attended MTSU where I studied business management and played rugby while also singing in “GOP”, generation of praise gospel choir. I greatly enjoyed my time there and the friends that became family, yet and still my heart just wasn’t in it. I withdrew after my first year and immediately enrolled in Georgia Career Institute’s cosmetology program. Immediately I felt right in my element and knew I was on track to do what God put me here to do.
After getting my license, while still working full time as a Fedex grounds employee, life took a very unexpected turn. I found out that I was pregnant with my son Kyson. Not only did In find out that I was now expecting, I was told I only had a few months to prepare, due to me being just shy of 6 moths along. Safe to say that shock was a great understatement for me and my family. However in the midst of that preparation, I quickly had to grow up and figure out what life was going to look like for me and my son. Giving birth was a beautiful whirlwind. I could have never imagined the love and light that little baby was bringing into my world. Sadly it seems as quickly as I was blessed to have him, I lost him.
At almost 4 months old Kyson unexpectedly passed in his sleep due to RSV. December 31st, 2015, is a day that forever reminds me of how short life truly is. My biggest blessing became my toughest heartache. Loosing him shattered pieces of me I didn’t even know where there. Had it not been for my faith, family and church, I don’t know if id be here right now. My mom is my backbone. She is truly the strongest woman I’ve ever met, and seeing her overcome so much of her own adversity, helped me start to the pieces of my life back together.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist here in the state of Tennessee.
I pride myself in saying I do all things hair! Whether it’s natural, relaxed, long or short, I can do it. If I had to list a specialty, it would most definitely be color! Color is not an easy task when it comes to hair, especially in African American hair. The literal science behind it can be quite overwhelming when the overall health of the hair is just as important as the finished look. But under that pressure is where I blossom!
Many of my clients call me “blessed hands” because I love working miracles! God gave me this gift, so what others may see as an “impossible” task, I see as a moment for him to prove himself again. Because “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
I would say what sets me apart is my heart. Of course I want to make a living especially in this economy, however I don’t do this for the money. I truly love my craft. I get joy bringing the inner beauty of my clients out into the forefront. Hair is a journey, just like life it has it’s high and low moments, but no matter what, as long as I am here, we are in the journey together!
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
Faith! Not many people see the hard days of being an entrepreneur. There are months where you’re not sure if doing this is worth it. Yes I get to wake up and do what I love, however there are definitely slow seasons. There are days when I’m dealing with my own personal life struggles and have to show up with a smile, ready to make someone else feel beautiful when I don’t feel beautiful myself!
My faith in God helps me persevere. In moments of self doubt, overwhelmingness, or frustration, my faith reminds me I am here doing what I am supposed to be doing. There is no obstacle greater than the calling on my life so I have to continue to push myself to be and do greater!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.chelslayhairandbeauty.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelslay_phoenix
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19QB6NCbqb/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@chelslay_phoenix
