Meet Shahadah Iman | Cosmetologist and Beauty Consultant

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

Hi Shahadah, what’s the most important lesson your business/career has taught you?
To be flexible and sometimes challenges will make you change direction and that is okay. Sometimes your business idea and strategy seems great at first, but when adverse situations present themselves, you need to be ready to navigate around or through them. That may mean rethinking your business model and changing it. Making sure you have enough resources to pull it off is key.

What should our readers know about your business?
My services and products focus on the client and the relationship with the client.  As a Cosmetologist, I enjoy giving my client’s a one stop shop for all of their beauty needs whether in service or all-natural products. For many people, their hair and appearance is paramount to their self esteem. What sets me apart from others, especially in Colorado, is that I specialize in natural hair care for people with curly hair and typically of the Black people community.  Accepting the natural state of Black hair has come to the forefront in recent years with the introduction of The Crown Act in several states. Our hair is a part of us and our culture.

Did you know that in several states, it’s considered unprofessional to wear your natural hair whether it’s curly, in an afro, braided or loc’d? Black hair care is a 3+billion dollar industry and people try to conform to Eurocentric hair styles that in most instances causes severe damage and stress to your hair and its growth.  In my business model, I hope to change that ideal. 

It is my mission to not only provide my clients with a great look but to also educate them about their hair health and encourage others to accept their natural hair. Recently, I have brought several hair and body products to the market.  Soon they will be available through my website and Amazon. This endeavor began because I found that my clients had a need and were having trouble finding all-natural products that are free of harsh chemicals and less damaging than the products on the shelves. The products I am creating will meet that need.

Amallah Beauty and Beyond not only provides great hair care but seeks to educate the greater community on the beauty of natural hair and acceptance.  I specialize in all hair types but especially curly hair types like Black or bi-racial textures. In the future, I will also be providing instructional videos, hair education for parents and caregivers on curly and bi-racial hair, provide continuing education for professionals, offer merchandise and coach people on their wellness journey.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
When friends come to town I take them to Red Rocks and picturesque places. We could hang out in historic Five Points, check out the historical landmarks and pop over to Brother Jeff’s Cultural Center and Cafe to see what community oriented events are going on. We could eat at Welton Street Cafe and hit Cleo Parker Robinson Theater to see a show.  After, go to Agave Shores for a margarita. If they want to see some wildlife, we’re headed to Rocky Mountain Arsenal to see the bison or check out a zoo like Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs or the Denver Zoo.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shoutout is dedicated to my family who always encouraged me in my entrepreneurship journey, as well as the organizations of Sistah.biz and RMMFI for giving me the tools and encouragement to build my business as they seek to promote social equity in our community.

Website: amallahbeautyandbeyond.com

Instagram: @amallahbeauty

Facebook: amallahbeautyandbeyondsalon

Image Credits
Shahadah Iman