Today we’d like to introduce you to Shantae Mcdonald
Hi Shantae, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The Beautaé Bar was born out of my passion for beauty and desire to create a space where people feel empowered and confident. I knew I could make an impact in this industry because beauty has always been about more than just aesthetics—it’s about boosting self-esteem and celebrating individuality. I wanted to establish a brand that not only offers quality hair and beauty services but also fosters a community of support and transformation for our clients
I grew up in a salon environment since my mom was a cosmetologist, but funny enough, I never really took an interest in it as a kid. It wasn’t until I moved to the U.S. for college that everything changed. My friends, family, and track-and-field teammates often needed hair care and couldn’t find what they were looking for. Helping them out made me realize I had a knack for it—and that’s when I knew I could turn this passion into something bigger
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Getting The Beautaé Bar off the ground was a journey that started during my time in grad school in Jacksonville. I began taking on professional clients to earn some extra income and soon realized how fulfilling it was to help others feel beautiful and confident. After moving to Texas, I decided to take it a step further and apprenticed at a salon while attending cosmetology school to become a licensed professional.
Even though I held other jobs in my field of study, I always found my way back to beauty. I loved working with hair and providing exceptional service, and that passion made it clear I needed to do this full-time. So, I took the leap and officially launched The Beautaé Bar in 2020.
Starting my business during a challenging time taught me the importance of resilience and adapting to change. I focused on building a brand that delivers excellent results and creates a welcoming atmosphere. Step-by-step, I turned my passion into a thriving business that continues to grow and make an impact.
Starting The Beautaé Bar during the height of the pandemic in 2020 was incredibly challenging. At the time, most of my clients were travel nurses stationed in Corpus Christi, Texas. They needed a mobile stylist who could safely come to their hotel rooms while adhering to strict COVID-19 protocols. I made sure to implement all the necessary health measures, from wearing PPE to disinfecting tools between each client.
When I moved to New York in 2021, I had to start from scratch. To rebuild my clientele, I set up a home salon and also worked as a mobile stylist for Yeluchi. It wasn’t easy—finding continuing education and resources to grow my skills was tough, and I constantly felt the desire to expand but lacked the support and funding to do so.
Despite these obstacles, I stayed focused and committed to providing exceptional service. Those experiences shaped me and The Beautaé Bar, making us stronger and more resilient today.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I consider myself an artist because I approach hair as a creative medium, just like a painter approaches a canvas or a sculptor approaches clay. Every client is unique, with their own features, style preferences, and personality, and I use my skills to craft a look that enhances their natural beauty and expresses their individuality.
The process involves a mix of technical expertise and creative vision—selecting the right colors, shapes, and textures to bring a concept to life. I also draw inspiration from trends, art, and nature, and then translate that inspiration into designs that are wearable and meaningful.
Ultimately, my goal is not just to style hair but to create a masterpiece every time someone sits in my chair. It’s a blend of imagination, skill, and passion, which I believe are the hallmarks of any true artist.
I specialize in braids, extensions, and natural hair care services. My focus is on celebrating and enhancing the beauty of natural hair textures while creating versatile, protective, and stylish looks. Braiding allows me to blend creativity and tradition, offering clients intricate styles that are both fashionable and functional. With extensions, I help clients achieve their desired length, volume, or style, while ensuring the health of their natural hair remains a priority.
Natural hair care is at the core of my expertise—I take pride in educating clients about maintaining the health and vibrancy of their hair, offering tailored treatments, and using techniques that promote growth and strength. My goal is to provide services that not only look stunning but also empower clients to feel confident and beautiful.
My Salon, The Beautaé Bar is celebrated for its commitment to empowering clients through education about hair health and offering products like their Length Retention Collection, which supports hydration and growth
What I’m most proud of is creating a space where clients feel confident, empowered, and celebrated for their individuality. At The Beautaé Bar, we focus not just on styling hair but also on nurturing its health, helping clients achieve their beauty goals while maintaining the integrity of their natural hair.
What sets me apart is my commitment to personalized care and education. I take the time to understand each client’s needs, offering tailored solutions that blend creativity with practicality. My expertise in braiding, extensions, and natural hair care is matched by my passion for educating clients on maintaining their hair’s health beyond the salon.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My journey wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible support of those around me. First and foremost, my family back in Jamaica deserves immense credit, especially my father, who instilled in me a strong work ethic, resilience, and a deep appreciation for creativity and craftsmanship. Their encouragement and belief in my potential gave me the confidence to pursue my passion.
My clients have also played a pivotal role in my success. Their trust, loyalty, and word-of-mouth referrals have been essential in building my reputation and growing the business.
Additionally, I’ve been fortunate to have mentors and cheerleaders along the way—friends and industry peers who have shared insights, offered encouragement, and pushed me to refine my craft. These relationships have not only guided my professional development but have also inspired me to give back and uplift others in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thebeautaebar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebeautaebar/
