Meet Shelby Bettencourt | Salon Owner, Stylist, Educator, and Mentor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shelby Bettencourt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shelby, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
I think balance is an unachievable theory if you want to be successful. Rather then trying to have the things in my life balanced, I aim to have them flow and think of what is my priority this season, knowing that it is just a season in my life. (and that I am allowed to change my priority next season.)

For example, at the beginning of this year I had lost some staff members who were all opening their own space (at the same time). Although I was happy for them and proud of them, it still was hard on me financially and mentally. I had to take time to mourn my staff and my salon culture. I need to feel what was coming up in order to be able to focus on what comes next. I was in a season of mental health and healing. Work was not my top priority, I needed to fill my own cup and nurture the stylists who were still with me. This allowed me to spend more time at home, doing things that I love, and knowing that I can take time before I go into “work mode”.

Now, this season is about growth in my salon. I am calling in new stylists to work in my space and new clients to come sit in my chair. My content is directed towards both attracting team members and clients. I feel more aligned and know exactly who I want to work with me and what type of clientele I want to work on.

Thinking of work /life as a flow has allowed me to transition into moments of feeling secure as I heal and being ready to call in who/what I need in my business. It doesn’t have to be equal, because equal means zero. My life is about 1% better and better even if that means taking a step back from work to take time for me.
Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My career has been everchanging. I started as a hairstylist for 10 years before I opened my first salon suite. A year later, I opened my first salon space and have 4 amazing stylists working with me and my sister as my salon manager. What’s crazy is that I didn’t want to own a salon, but I also felt like finding the right culture was impossible, which is why I ended up in a Salon suite. Being basically alone in a salon suite didn’t feel great either, I missed the creative environment of a team based salon. I wanted coworkers which is what made me expand out to what is Makers Loft today.

Makers Loft is a team based independent salon meaning each stylist is responsible for their own clients, appointments, and inventory but is not alone. I offer each stylist business/life coaching and a great collaborative environment.

Helping stylists grow has been a passion of mine, I also help stylists grow and maintain their businesses through coaching and consulting and host bimonthly in person masterminds for local stylists.

The lessons I have learned in this industry are meant to be shared. Running a salon business is not easy especially as a creative which is why community, having a team. and a coach is so important. Plus, it feels good to teach and to cheer on someone else’s success. Coaching and hosting masterminds has been another pathway in my industry where I can bring together stylists and make them feel supported and less alone.

My biggest lesson I have learned is how to hold space for others. As a service based business, a team leader, and a coach I have learned that I don’t have to have all the answers, and thats okay! When someone is venting to me or asking me a question I have the opportunity to step back, listen to what they have to say, and instead of fixing or telling them what to do, I can allow them to come to their own conclusion.

People don’t need more information. They can google what to do in any and every situation. What they do need is to feel heard. That is the connection they crave and what is required to become a leader themselves. I am honored I learned this lesson now and love sharing this information with you because it has drastically changed my life for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Eating food in Miami is probably my favorite thing about this city! The food is so good! some of my local favorites are B-Side sushi, Moxies, Flemmings, Coyo Taco, and when Im feeling fancy and want 5 star service, Los Fuegos.

also if you come to Miami you have to either go to the beach, or do something on the water..

I recently started paddleboarding using the PADL app that makes it super easy to rent a board whenever you want.

I love going to the margret pace dog park with my fur babies, it’s clean and the energy is so good.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout goes to my two coaches, Elizabeth Faye (@heyelizabethfaye) and Marcus Aurelius Anderson (@marcusaureliusanderson ). Both of them are huge influences on how I not only run and manage my business but how I process emotion, heal past stories that once served me, and hold space for when I need to just talk it out.

Having a coach has made me a better leader, coach, service provider, spouse, and friend. I have personally seen how impactful it is to feel heard and seen and to have someone on your side as a birds eye view of your life/business.

I will always have a coach, I believe we all should be a forever student and feel so grateful to have the support these two have given me in the past 2 years.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shelby.bettencourt/

Other: Podcast- Healthy Wealthy Stylist (itunes/spotify)

Image Credits
main photo @cassidyskyephoto