Salon – The Real Life Vegan Wife

Women in Business Series: Shaydreca Sanders Owner Sanders Grooming Lounge & Supply

April 17, 2021April 17, 2021 thereallifeveganwifeLeave a comment

1) Briefly describe yourself, your background in your field, and your business.

My name is Shaydreca Sanders, but everyone calls me Shay. I was born and raised in Central Florida. I graduated from DeLand High School with honors in 2002 and earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology from The Florida A&M University in 2007. My wife, Laurie G. Sanders and I moved to Humboldt County in 2010 when she was recruited for a Behavior Analyst position in Arcata. I began developing my business in 2012, graduated from Fredrick and Charles Beauty College in 2015 and was able to open my own barbershop/salon in 2016: Sanders Grooming Lounge and Supply.

2) Explain what makes your business unique.

My business is unique because it was born from my family’s legacy of spirituality, business ownership, and community service.

3) What inspired you to become an entrepreneur and business owner?

When I arrived in Humboldt, I knew I was far away from “home.” There weren’t many people that looked like me and the amenities that I was accustomed to were nonexistent. I wanted to fill in the void, but I didn’t know where to begin. The last straw for me however, was not being able to find someone that I trusted to do my hair.

My hair is very important to me because it represents my heritage and culture that I am very proud of. This is a feeling shared by most individuals from similar backgrounds.

4) What does beauty mean to you? And how does this translate into the work you do?

To me, beauty is a combination of qualities, such as shape, color, or form, that pleases the aesthetic senses, especially the sight. Nothing brings me more joy than transforming my clients into someone they themselves find beauty within. I love watching my clients come back to life after receiving a service from me.

5) What is one valuable lesson you’ve learned from working with people of all different backgrounds and life experiences?

I’ve learned how to have respect for each person’s individual journey and serve them accordingly. I believe this is how I’ve been able to build such a loyal clientele base.

6) What is one goal you hope to achieve through your business?

My ultimate goal is to be an example of what one can do if they run their business from the heart and not just for financial gain.

7) What is one piece of advice you have for someone wanting to pursue their dreams of going into business for themselves?

Know who you are, and to thine own self be true! Work your magic!

8) What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Do you Shay! Don’t worry about those that are against you. Align yourself with people that are for you!

9) What has been the biggest challenge and the biggest reward from owning your own business?

The biggest challenge has been human relations within customer service. Disrespectful people make me angry (lol). The biggest reward has been human relations within customer service. People who show appreciation for me and my business make my heart soar.

10) What is one book that changed your life? Why?

Peace From Broken Pieces by Iyanla Vanzant changed my life. This book spoke to my core being and gave me tools to access my full potential.

https://sandersgroominglounge.com

@sandersgroominglounge

707-502-5849

219 2nd Street, Eureka CA 95501

My Top 10 FAVORITE VEGAN Makeup Products

March 27, 2021March 27, 2021 thereallifeveganwifeLeave a comment

Shop all my vegan favorites and support my small business at http://www.twobeauties.org by simply clicking the photos below. 💞🌱

These are truly my personal favorites that I use almost daily. I’ve worked hard over the years to curate a specific collection of brands at Two Beauties Skin + Makeup (the business I own) that I actually use and stand behind. I recommend these as a licensed esthetician with a vested interest in your skin health, as an experienced makeup artist that understands ease of application and wearability should be a given, and as a vegan who loves seeing the cosmetic industry step up to help our world become a kinder place!

1) GloSkinBeauty Moisturizing Tint SPF 30 / $48 (My Shade: Light)

This is my go-to product for a luminous, even tone. Moisturizing tint is excellent on its own (best way to even skin tone with a formula sheer enough to not be disturbed by a mask) or used as an oil-free primer for a more full coverage foundation.
Plus, it has SPF that is comfortable to wear!

2) UOMA Stay Woke Concealer / $25 (My Shade: Fair Lady T2)

Stay Woke is a concealer that’s full coverage, won’t crease up, and that is easy to blend out to any level you desire. I wear this under everything from my tinted SPF to a full coverage foundation. It also comes with an easy to apply applicator and is available in a great shade range. **Best applied with UOMA Big Head Dual Density Sponge**

3) GloSkinBeauty Satin Cream Foundation / $52 (My Shade: Natural Fair)

This foundation is unparalleled as far as ingredient standards, coverage, and camera-quality formula. I’ve been using this foundation in my professional kit for over a decade and nothing holds up better while still looking like skin. This is also my go-to for nights out or work events when I want a full coverage, flawless look. I can’t wait until we can dress up and go out again! **Best applied with UOMA Big Head Dual Density Sponge or GloSkinBeauty or SIGMA Flat Top Kabuki Brush.**

4) SIGMA Beauty Sculpt Highlight & Contour Palette / $49

I use this palette every single day I wear makeup. If I want a slight touch of bronze and a light highlight on those no-makeup, makeup days, or a camera-ready sculpted look, this palette has everything I need in one convenient product. I will also wear these shades as eyeshadows.

5) GloSkinBeauty Blush $32 (My favorite shade is Papaya.)

This blush blends out flawlessly, and each shade can be worn sheer, or fully vibrant. It also does not wear off throughout the day.

6) UOMA Drama Bomb Extreme Volume Mascara / $19.50

Finding a vegan mascara that also gives your lashes some serious volume and length is tough. This mascara has answered all my prayers, and is water resistant, NOT water proof, making it easier to remove without worrying about smudging throughout the day. **Best Practice: Use over GloSkinBeauty Lash Thickener & Conditioner for even more volume and lashes that won’t budge.**

7) GloSkinBeauty Brow Collection / $50 (My Shade: Brown)

This little kit comes with everything you need to give your brows that beautifully sculpted look… almost. You get two brow powders, a setting wax, an under brow highlight, and all your tools! It’s an excellent value and I love that I can just throw this pouch in my makeup bag so my brow kit is easy to find. However, I do think that it’s missing a brow gel… so I’ve included my favorite one below!

8) UOMA Brow Fro Blow Out Gel / $22 (My Shade: 005)

This brow gel is highly pigmented and sets hairs in place all day. I use this sparingly, in conjunction with my brow kit (or on its own if I’m in a hurry!) for the perfect brows.

9) SIGMA Lip Care Trio *COMING SOON* / $39

I literally got this kit three days ago and I’m OBSESSED!! I will bring it to Two Beauties very soon. It’s the perfect lip set for current mask-wearing times where lipstick and liquid lips can be difficult to wear. It comes with an ulta-hydrating lip mask, balm (one shade), and topper gloss (also one shade) with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and jojoba oil. This way we can focus on keeping our natural lips looking and feeling fabulous.

10) COOLA Makeup Setting Spray Organic SPF 30 / $36

Okay… here’s the thing. I think we’ve all looked at our sunscreen tube in confusion as we mull over how to reapply every 80 minutes with a full face of makeup on. Or at least I have! I want to protect my skin *and* keep my makeup in tact all day. That shouldn’t be too much to ask! And then I found this product. I can now reapply my sunscreen throughout the day using an easy, refreshing SPF 30 makeup setting spray. Specifically formulated to dry down matte, it won’t make you feel dry but will also not disturb your makeup. I use it every day. Full face, or almost bare, it works amazingly! This is a can’t live without, especially once we’re all poolside again!

___________

Alright, for those of you who’ve made it this far, thank you! Use coupon code IREADTHEBLOG at checkout for 15% off your total order! 🌿💕

http://www.twobeauties.org

My Favorite Vegan Hair Products!

March 13, 2021March 13, 2021 thereallifeveganwifeLeave a comment

Because of my 5 Year Veganniversary on March second I’ve decided each post for this month will be vegan themed!

Today, I’m sharing my favorite vegan / cruelty free hair care products. Everything I’ve pictured below is in my regular daily or weekly rotation, and has been used for at least a year to test the results and effectiveness. I’m very particular about the products I use on my hair, but my transition into using only vegan products was easy, and my hair is healthier than ever! I hope you’ll try some of these options when shopping in the future. These are not only excellent-quality products, but they come from companies I support who share similar values in regards to animal welfare and the health of the planet. And, you have the option to shop them all locally if you are in Humboldt County!

Shampoo / Conditioner:

I have mild to moderate eczema on my scalp. I color treat my hair every six weeks, and I like my hair to stay long, thick, and as soft as possible while keeping my color in tact. I wash my hair once a week and use heat on it (blow dry / flat iron) a few times a month. The Maria Nila Heal shampoo and conditioner are the best I have ever used. Hands down. No contest. My scalp is much less dry and irritated, and my hair grows extremely fast now. I’ve been growing it out for years and after only one year of using these products my hair grew so much I had to cut four inches off last month because it had gotten TOO long. I recommend this for anyone who has dandruff, dry scalp, eczema, or who simply loves having soft healthy hair that grows quickly!

I do want to mention that Maria Nila makes several lines for all different hair types and concerns. I’d encourage you to look at several or ask your hair professional before choosing the one best for you. However, if you have scalp and hair growth issues, this line would most likely be the best selection for you.

Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

Masks:

I use these masks each time I wash my hair. Since I have bleached hair, I actually mix 1/2 Silver mask with 1/2 Heal mask, leave on for 10-15 minutes and then rinse. This helps my scalp, softens my hair, and neutralizes yellow tones.

Styling Products:

For right after I towel dry:

For when I want beach-y waves without using heat:

For when I need big volume at the root:

Tousle Finishing Spray
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

I couldn’t find detailed descriptions of the Pulp Riot products I use. I get them from my hairstylist / local salon and they are also 100% vegan and cruelty free. I’m obsessed with their styling products and find that they work extremely well and smell amazing!

For when I need to set any style in place without my hair feeling sticky or “crunchy:”

Flexible Hold Hairspray
Shop Local: https://m.facebook.com/Trimmedpinnedhairstudio/

For all the time. I use this to finish any look including straight or wavy hairstyles. It makes my hair look shiny, healthy, and does not compromise the longevity of my style.