Check Out Shariel Fernandez’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Shariel Fernandez.

Hi Shariel, 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?
Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey! While I was in Sunlake High School, I became a CNA. I was working two part time jobs for a home health agency and a nursing home. My plan was to go into a LPN program and follow in my mom’s career path. However, life had a turn of events! I moved to Chicago for a few months before coming back to Florida. Shortly thereafter, I found out I was expecting with my high school sweetheart, Carlos. When my employer found out I was expecting, I was laid off. It was devastating and quite challenging to find a new job. Luckily, my mom helped to support me while I was pregnant until I gave birth to my first son, Gabriel, in 2011.

It was very challenging finding work opportunities that allowed me to be present for my son, especially when I had to go back to school. During my time home with him I decided to give the nursing field another shot but quickly realized I really didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life. After two months of the LPN program, I decided to drop out without a plan B in place. I knew I had a passion for creating art and fashion, but I didn’t know where to start. So, I did some research and decided to tour the Art Institute of Tampa, which wasn’t the right fit for me and then I decided to tour some cosmetology schools. I fell in love with the energy at Paul Mitchell the School Tampa.

In the spring of 2013, I started my program, I had absolutely no idea what to expect or if I would even be a “good” hairstylist but I did know this industry would allow me to be myself and to be present. There was so much opportunity for me to be successful and most importantly build a life for my family. When I started my program and shared it with my family I learned that my grandmother was an amazing beautician in Puerto Rico and had her own salon until she married my grandfather. It really inspired me to know that I naturally fell into this industry and that I was the only one in the family to follow my grandmother’s talent.

I loved learning about the trends, how these looks came about and recreating them in modern times. The freedom of creativity and meeting other talented people of all ages really set in that this was where I truly belonged. The learning leaders were so supportive of me and really guided me while balancing school and motherhood. It wasn’t easy, I faced many challenges but “Where there’s a will, there’s a way,” and I wasn’t going to let anything stop me from succeeding this time. I showed up everyday. With the support of the learning leaders, staff, my friends, family and most importantly my mom, I finally completed my program in 2014, exactly a year later.

The program gave me so many cool experiences, from assisting in St. Pete Art and Fashion week fashion show to meeting Vogue photographers and many successful stylists in the industry. At the end of the program, the school held a job fair for graduating students to be able to meet salon owners around the Tampa community. As a Phase 2 student, I was so humbled to have been offered many opportunities for associate programs through Paul Mitchell focus salons and others. Living in Land o’ Lakes made it a bit challenging to accept offers due to the commute to South Tampa. I started at a local Lutz salon, but I knew I needed continuing education and unfortunately, that’s not something they offered me there. I was then referred to a Redken focus salon in Land o’ Lakes that offered tons of education and truly helped shape me as a stylist.

Although I didn’t know anything about Redken, I decided to give it my all. I was given the opportunity to be an associate for two of the stylists that I mentored. I was ecstatic, it really felt like it was the right place for me. I decided right then and there that life wasn’t going to push me around anymore. I worked the hardest I ever have for the next three years and built a wonderful clientele that truly loved my work and what I offered. In 2017 I was able to travel with some of my colleagues to Las Vegas for the Redken Symposium, which was mind blowing. I live for these kinds of teaching experiences and obtained so many great tools and resources from many educators; such as Tracey Cunningham, George Garcia, Hugo Urias and Michael Cole to name a few. During that great experience, I found myself at a point in my life where I wanted to expand and grow, not only in my career, but in my personal life as well. I wanted to, get married and have more kids. It was in 2017, where I decided to take a risk and go independent, which would allow me maximum flexibility and time freedom. I signed my lease at Porte Noire in Carrollwood and I had my new home.

I really wasn’t sure if my clients were going to follow me, however, they are so amazing that they searched high and low for me. Whether it was social media or google they found me. Their undying support and referrals grew my business like I never imagined, it was hard work but I went to sleep so grateful every night that this small dream was becoming a reality. After almost 4 years, four kids and happily married, I am still in love with my craft, my suite and my life. I have laughed, cried, listened, and transformed so many people behind the chair. Never in a million years did I imagine myself where I am today and I could have never done it without the undying support of first and foremost my mom, my husband, my family, and my guests.

In 2019 I decided to take on a new business opportunity with Monat, which was introduced to me by my now business partner Jessica Pignano. This company has given me even more resources and opportunities I didn’t know I needed. I have met such incredible people and am able to offer my guests amazing haircare, beauty and wellness products. I also help mentor others to do the same and, while having an additional stream of income is nice, the best part is all of the people I am able to help. Monat gave me the opportunity to be able to be home part-time with my two youngest sons, yet still run my salon business. 2020 has been a trying year for many. I am just so grateful that even during the shutdown, I was still able to provide for my family through Monat from home.

Sometimes through life, you may question why you had to go through so many obstacles to get where you want to be. I now understand the character it builds and how dedicated I truly am to my career and family. I hope to inspire others to never let anything stop you from what you want to achieve. If it was easy anyone could do it and I believe like myself, each individual is designed uniquely to teach others that it too is possible for them to have a life they can design just the way they want it to be.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There were many hurdles in my journey, whether it was transportation, financial, or just family matters which could have easily made me give up and go a different path, but I didn’t allow myself to quit. I knew what I wanted, I found a way that worked for me to make it possible. Trusting the process is so key, sometimes the vision is there and when you have drive and passion, you’re unstoppable. Failure is necessary in the process, it helps you filter out things and people that no longer serve you and find yourself, always being authentic.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I have been a stylist for 7 years now, I am a Redken specialist of 5 years and now a Monat focus stylist for 2 years. I specialize in blonding services and custom color correction. I would say my biggest request is balayage and blonding services. I have a special place in my heart for special occasion styling, such as bridal. I am most proud of the transformations I have done on my guests while maintaining the hairs integrity which is most important to me. Without healthy hair, it doesn’t matter how beautiful the haircolor is. I would say what sets me apart is the relationships I have built with my guests to the point that most of them allow me the creative freedom to create new looks for them all the time! Also, everyone LOVES my blow dries, thanks to the amazing Monat products I use, they polish and preserve the style and color much longer!

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
I would say my perseverance and drive to always accomplish my goals. Though some people view that as the norm, I find that it has truly pushed me to never let the naysayers tell me I can’t do something or my circumstances hold me back when I have my heart set to it.

Pricing:

• Balayage: Based on consultation
• Women’s Haircuts starts at $52
• Special occasion styles start at $75

Contact Info:

• Address: Porte Noire Carrollwood, suite 1 Tampa Fl 33618
• Phone: By appointment only (813)428-4450
• Email: Shariellejasmyn@gmail.com
• Website: www.sharieljasmyn.mymonat.com
• Instagram: @Sharieljasmyn & @Slayedby_Sj

Image Credits
Focal_vibez Photography