Meet Shantae Mcdonald | Cosmetologist & CEO

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

Hi Shantae, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
The thought process behind starting my own business, The Beautae Bar, was deeply rooted in my passion for empowering others through beauty and self-expression. I’ve always believed that confidence starts with how we see ourselves, and hair plays a significant role in that. After years of working in the beauty industry, I wanted to create a space that felt more personal and tailored—a single-chair salon suite where clients receive undivided attention and a highly customized experience.
The Beautae Bar was also born from my desire to blend modern trends with timeless styles, providing a luxurious yet approachable environment. I wanted a space where every client feels valued, celebrated, and beautiful. My website reflects this vision by showcasing services that cater to individual needs and highlighting the emphasis we place on quality, creativity, and client satisfaction.
Ultimately, launching The Beautae Bar was about stepping into my purpose—using my skills not just to style hair but to build confidence and connections with each person who sits in my chair. It’s a journey I’m incredibly proud of and excited to continue growing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is deeply personal—it’s about transformation, empowerment, and creating a space where clients feel seen, heard, and beautiful. At The Beautae Bar, hair isn’t just about trends or styling; it’s about telling a story and building confidence. What sets me apart is my dedication to providing an experience, not just a service. Every appointment is tailored to the individual, blending creativity, precision, and a genuine connection with each client. I also stay ahead of trends while honoring timeless beauty, which keeps my work both fresh and versatile.
Getting to where I am today professionally has been a journey filled with highs and lows. It wasn’t easy, but every challenge taught me something valuable. I’ve faced obstacles like building a clientele from scratch, navigating the financial and operational sides of running a business, and overcoming moments of self-doubt. I tackled these challenges by staying consistent, investing in education, and leaning on a strong support network of mentors, peers, and loved ones.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust the process. Success doesn’t happen overnight, but staying true to your vision and showing up every day makes all the difference. I’ve also learned that adaptability is key—being willing to learn, evolve, and pivot when needed has helped me stand out in a competitive industry.
What I want the world to know about me and The Beautae Bar is that this brand is more than a business; it’s a reflection of my passion and purpose. It’s about helping people feel confident in their own skin and celebrating their unique beauty. I’m proud of how far I’ve come and even more excited for what’s to come—whether it’s growing my presence in the editorial and fashion styling world, connecting with more amazing clients, or expanding The Beautae Bar’s reach. My story is one of resilience, creativity, and a deep love for making people feel their best, and I’m honored to share it.

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.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week of fun that captures the best of Miami:
Day 1: Start with a relaxing day at South Beach, followed by dinner at Carbone and drinks at The Broken Shaker.
Day 2: Explore Wynwood Walls, grab lunch at KYU, and enjoy live music at Gramps.
Day 3: Spend the day on the water with a boat tour or jet skiing, then have seafood at Joe’s Stone Crab.
Day 4: Visit Little Havana for Cuban coffee, Calle Ocho, and live music at Ball & Chain.
Day 5: Tour the Perez Art Museum Miami and Frost Museum of Science, then catch a live performance at the Adrienne Arsht Center.
Day 6: Escape to Key Biscayne for nature, lunch at Rusty Pelican, and sunset drinks at Monty’s Coconut Grove.
Day 7: End with brunch at Swan, shopping in the Design District, and a farewell dinner at Zuma.
Miami is all about vibrant culture, amazing food, and beautiful views—a perfect blend for an unforgettable trip!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! The Beautae Bar’s journey wouldn’t be what it is today without the support and encouragement I’ve received along the way. First, I’d like to give a huge shoutout to my family and close friends who have been my rock—cheering me on, giving honest feedback, and always believing in my vision, even when I doubted myself.
Professionally, I have to credit my mentors in both the cosmetology and business worlds. They’ve taught me the importance of not only perfecting my craft but also understanding the business side of the beauty industry. Their guidance has been invaluable in building The Beautae Bar into the space it is today.
I also want to recognize the inspiration I’ve drawn from my clients over the years. Each one has played a role in shaping my passion for creating a space where beauty meets confidence. Hearing their stories and seeing the joy they leave with motivates me to keep pushing forward.
Lastly, I’d like to highlight books like The Beauty Industry Survival Guide by Tina Alberino, which gave me practical advice on navigating entrepreneurship in this space, and the amazing community of hairstylists and entrepreneurs I’ve connected with through social media. They constantly remind me that this journey isn’t just about running a business—it’s about building a legacy and uplifting others along the way.

Website: https://www.thebeautaebar.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautaebar/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shantae-m-96b1a155/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theBeautaeBar

Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/the-beautaé-bar-west-miami