Natural Hair Specialist

SABRINA OWENS

I started my cosmetology journey at the amazing Paul Mitchell the School Columbia. There is where I met the Student Advisor, "Mrs. Shavetta." Seeing her on the first day, I knew that I wanted to be a part of her life! 

Within the first week of school, Shavetta came to speak with our class about who she was and the capacity in which she served at Paul Mitchell. As she spoke, I stared intensely, thinking "that's me...like an older version of me...like me in a few years!" From then on, I knew I was in the right place! All the students loved her, always wanting to be in her presence. However, it wasn't because she was our "friend," but because she was a great mentor...literally. Shavetta loved on us all, with a heart of pure gold, yet she was readily willing to reprimand us when necessary. One day I asked her what was her "5-year plan." She said to be a salon owner. I immediately said, "I want to work for you someday."

A few months later, I saw a business card of Shavetta's, and it was the most flawless, professional card I had ever seen! I thought she had already opened her salon. For weeks, I kept walking by her office, desperately seeking to speak with her. Finally, I said, "I want to work for you!" She simply smiled and said OK! Before graduating Paul Mitchell, Shavetta offered me a position at the future Divine Oasis Salon; I gladly accepted! 

After graduation, she took me under her wing as her assistant and taught me salon service techniques (color application, precision cutting, styling, etc), professionalism, money management, how to work between multiple clients, building client rapport, and how to work SMARTER... NOT HARDER.

I took everything she taught to heart, and used them as a stylist at Divine Oasis Salon. The first year was very hard for me, still learning, growing, and trying to build a clientele. Many days I wanted to quit, thinking it was not worth it, traveling from across town. Some days I had no clients; other days I may have had one, maybe two. However, I stayed because I knew it was divine, and that I wanted to be there. On slow days, we practiced cutting and color techniques on our mannequins, we made sure the salon was always clean and tidy, and we assisted each other with clients. Shavetta also taught us to be confident in ourselves, and our work. With that, we had to sell ourselves, by passing out flyers and business cards. That was difficult for me, because I hated feeling like I had to "beg" patrons to give me a chance; it was out of my comfort zone. However, I needed that push from her... it made me a better stylist and a better person.

I've heard it said that a great leader should be willing to do the job that they ask of their subordinates. Shavetta Belton is that person! She did what she required us to do! To have a boss that inspires and encourages and pushes you is nothing short of love. When I got my cosmetology license, many people asked me whether I would open my own salon. I ALWAYS said, "Nope." It sounded ludicrous to them, because who wouldn't want to own their own salon? However, I was already in the presence of a great leader, and I loved every moment of it! Shavetta's grace and professionalism is phenomenal! To watch her work brings nothing but joy to my heart. To learn and glean from her in knowledge uncompared. For this and more, she will forever be my "Boss"!