Shakela Bass shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Shakela, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think others are secretly struggling with just merely being themselves. There are so many molds that we as people want to try to fit into, not understanding that it is something that we create for ourselves. We are the mold. Our desires, visions, and purpose all come together to get us to our higher selves, in accordance to the Lord.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shakela Bass and I am a Nashville native. I am a healthy hare care specialist in the Antioch area. My brand is Hair Chemistry. The name was born from my belief that beauty and people are bound together by an undeniable chemistry. Once there is chemistry, we get to decide if there will be a connection. When prospective clients or first time guests sit in my chair, I first ask them, “who referred you”? I ask this because I am testing out my theory on chemistry and connection. I no longer market on social media, however, I truly hone in on each person that sits in my chair. What makes my brand unique is that, I am the brand. I embody the brand. The brand was birthed from my personal beliefs and values. I am furthering my education to deepen my expertise in beauty and expand into the world of personal development. My goal is to offer a space where people get to look in the mirror and BECOME their best selves in every way, from the inside/out.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’d have to say my fourth grade teacher, Mr. Phillips. I remember being in class and sitting in groups of 4. I was 1/4 of the “smartest” kids in the class. We would get worksheets and I would race thru them and of course make careless mistakes. I would often compare myself to the other three because I could clearly see some differences. Two of them had both parents in the home and seemed to have very calm and peaceful homes. The other kid was foreign and he was just naturally smart in every way. I felt the need to be first and that would make me stand apart. So I would rush to be first to finish my work and would be the first to have to correct careless mistakes. He pulled me to the side and told me that I was very bright and intelligent. He literally told me that I was unique and that I was enough. That literally calmed my spirit. I was so confused, but I felt so calm. Naturally, I slowed down and was able to actual believe what I already knew. It was such a profound moment in my life.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
Wow! I’d have to say the wounds of abandonment. Those wounds are deep! I dealt with a very tragic death of an uncle at 8 years old. I remember the feeling of worry when my family noticed that they hadn’t heard from him. It was a painful hit in the gut. After he was found dead, my family started to grieve. Now this was my first encounter with grief physically, and oddly enough, I could understand that portion. I knew how that worked. What a child does not understand is the emotional disconnection that comes with grief. I saw my family very sad and wounded for a long time. Even though they tried to hide it, I still felt it, deeply. The places where I once connected with them, was shut off. Their hearts had been broken and so was mine. A wound was created. I was able to heal this wound by learning how to connect with others outside of my family. I learned the importance of friends, I didn’t realize it then, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that it is so healing to connect with other people in this world. You learn and see different environments, perspectives and mindsets that also has the ability to shape who we are and who we become.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What truths are so foundational in your life that you rarely articulate them?
Being a good person and having a good heart has to be the truths that I do not articulate. We always hear the saying that if something is true about you, it doesn’t have to be said.. I’m an intimate person and It’s because of the place where I operate from. This world is not as receiving of people who operate in this way. It can be perceived as fake or someone with a hidden agenda. I guess as a form of protection, I’ve built strong boundaries around me. I can hear my friends now telling me to “show people who I am” LOL. I am getting there!
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’ve completed my “list” for the day/week and I get to just get outside and explore. I love nature and it’s when I feel most at peace. To know that I have completed all tasks, my heart is clear, my mind is calm, and a hit of the sun… that’s peace and joy for me all in one.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hairchemistry.net
- Instagram: @nturnalbeauti @hairchemistryy
Image Credits
Daniel Adkins
Malcolm Carthledge
