Shalanda Makalo is a fresh face in the hair industry. Starting as a makeup artist, she enrolled at a hair academy to be able to include a little hair styling bonus in her makeup packages, but self admittedly fell “head over shears” for the industry and has not looked back since! This newbie is licensed and ready to work her way to the top! Check out our interview with Shalanda to learn more about her goals in the industry and where she draws her inspiration.

BANGSTYLE: Can you give us some background on your career – education, years in the industry, etc.?

Shalanda Makalo: I took the scenic route getting into the industry. I’ve wanted to be a Fashion Designer since the age of 14. However, children and life happened first. So, in my late 20s, I went to Fashion Design School in Chicago, IL, and it was there that I feel in love with makeup. After fashion design school, I moved back to Minnesota and decided to start honing my skills as a makeup artist. It was a natural calling for me and after about 4 years of working as a freelance MUA, I started toying with the idea of going to hair school. Finally, after 2 years of contemplation, I enrolled at Empire Beauty School in Bloomington, MN, in March of 2012. Needless to say, I fell head over shears in love with hair artistry.

BANGSTYLE: How did you get your start in the hair industry and how did you know you wanted to make a career out of it?

Shalanda Makalo: I started as a Makeup Artist and when I enrolled in cosmetology school, in my head I was only doing it as an add-on to my bridal packages. I had no intentions of pursuing a career as a hairstylist, or even combining hair and makeup. It actually took me about five months (after starting school) to embrace being a “hairstylist”. Once I did, it was all over. I wanted to learn and know everything there is to know about hair.

BANGSTYLE: Do you have any advice for aspiring stylists?

Shalanda Makalo: My advice would be to find your own voice. It is totally fine to have those that inspire and mentor you but you have to be able to define your own aesthetic and tap into your own creativity. Also, push yourself as much as you can outside of the box. Research, study, and always be in a state of learning.

BANGSTYLE: What are some of your career highlights?

Shalanda Makalo: Well, I am still a newbie in the industry, as I just got my license in October 2013. When I started school, we had an Up-do competition and to my surprise I won 1st place. I had only been in school for 2 weeks! I went on to win 1st place in 3 other hair competitions at school. The competition that I am most proud of winning while in school, was the color portfolio competition. It was judged by the Instructors only. We had to put together a portfolio book with 5 pictures each of Cool & Warm Browns, Blacks, Reds, Blondes, as well as Highlights, Lowlights, and Creative Colors. Not only did I take 1st place, but I am the only student who did NOT ask my Instructors for help with knowing whether an image was cool or warm. I also put an extra section in my book titled Celebrity Attraction. Another personal highlight for me during school is that I competed in the InSalon 2012 “Total Look – Evening” category student competition. Although, I did not win or place, I got some of the best compliments on my look and Dave Ewert himself pulled me to the side and told me that my look was magnificent. Most recently, I am extremely proud to say that Bangstyle has recognized my Artistry by choosing me as one of the Supremes. This is a highlight that will surely go on my resume!

BANGSTYLE: Who or what inspires the looks you create?

Shalanda Makalo: Anything really. It’s hard to put my finger on just one or two areas of inspiration. As of lately, I’ve been really inspired by Vogue Italia and Vogue Russia. I am completely fascinated by doing editorial work. Elegant designs by local fashion designers, juxtaposed with extravagant avant garde makeup, what could be more inspirational than that?!

BANGSTYLE: How would you describe your aesthetic?

Shalanda Makalo: In a word, sophisticated. Whether I am doing a beauty look, bridal, editorial, or avant garde, my aesthetic is always very sophisticated.

BANGSTYLE: Do you specialize in a certain cut, color, or style?

Shalanda Makalo: No, I don’t, but I love color and cut. Since I am a new stylist, I do not want to limit myself to specializing in just one area, because I love it all.

BANGSTYLE: Any at-home hair tips for our readers?

Shalanda Makalo: Take as much care of your hair as possible and leave the cutting and chemical services to your stylist. Lol. Yes, we can correct most at-home disasters but the best stylists are more concerned for the integrity of our client’s hair. Shampoo less, use heatless styling as much as possible and condition often. Find at-home products that your hair likes and stick with them. I always recommend purchasing products from your stylist/salon because you already know they work well for your hair and you’re getting professional products formulated specifically for at-home use.

BANGSTYLE: Any future plans or goals for your career?

Shalanda Makalo: My ultimate goal is to become a celebrity stylist. Until I make it there, I will be relocating back to my hometown and looking for a fabulous high-end salon to work at and hopefully apprentice with an amazing stylist and learn as much as I can from him/her.

Be sure to “Stalk” Shalanda Makalo on Bangstyle to keep up with her latest uploads and Inspirations!