Meet Sheaneen Standifer | Entrepreneur in the beauty industry advocating for diversity

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

Hi Sheaneen, how did you come up with the idea for your business?

I came up with the idea for my business because I enjoy creating fun and versatile styles for clients of different ethnic backgrounds. I am also working on building a sensory-friendly atmosphere for people with children with autism.

The desire to become a hair stylist stems from my childhood of watching my mom and my aunt shampooing, coloring, cutting and styling hair for friends and family. Mimicking my mom and my aunt, as a little girl, I would play with my baby dolls and style their hair in so many ways. I remember my mom would buy me all types of dolls and I’ve became obsessed with washing, braiding and styling these dolls’ hair!

So I would say, I love and have been styling hair since I was young. Then within the last past couple years, my youngest son, Ethan was diagnosed with autism. While educating myself on autism and finding the resources for my son, I’ve gained so much interest in being part of the spectrum community.

Anyone knows you’re typical child that’s on the Spectrum they have some adversity and challenges dealing with everyday functions. Ethan begin to have some issues with get his haircut and even hearing the buzzing noises when it became time to get his hair cut, he would have several meltdowns. As it got harder and harder for him I start to push myself to learn different ways to do hair to find different methods to help others that may be like Ethan. Just know that it takes patience, dedication and handwork knowing that end result you get what God has in store for you.

I am determined to create a safe space for adults and kids with special needs and sensory differences. They may not look like or act like the average person, but they are still human and they deserve to be loved,feel valued and beautiful!

You have to remember to “Put A Little Luv In Everything You Do.” This is an affirmation I made to use to encourage my clients to be more accepting and to help them to recognize that love conquers all. I want my children to understand and respect hard work, patience,sacrifice and know it’s ok to be different. I can only hope they learn by watching my journey to create this environment for not only the Autism community, but also the world around us.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

What sets me apart from others is I’m very passionate and determined to service people with a different ability no matter what they look like or disabilities they may have.

How I got where I am today business wise is making every second count, putting God first, looking into my Ethan eyes knowing he is my reason why and I am his voice. This was not easy it’s taking continuous dedication, hard work, and engagement with others on how to gain the necessary skill set to service people with additional needs. I’m still overcoming challenges because it’s not easy with today’s society not being very acceptable to the needs and care it takes to service a person with special needs.

The lessons I have learned alone the way is you Put love in every little thing you do. If you don’t love what you do you will not put your all into it. What I would like the world to know about Luv Some Sheaneen’s Braiding is that I’m a very gifted entrepreneur on a mission to make not only myself better but to chance the light for everyone around me with God by my side all things are possible.

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?
Campus Martius Park is one of the coolest places ever! My favorite time is going to the Christmas Tree lighting to see the beautiful lights and stations that’s prepared so visitors and home time peeps can have a good time. That definitely would be in the winter time. If they just so happen to come between May-October, it definitely would have to be The Beach at Campus Martius Park, there is live music, fun with our kids. I would have to bring out my competitors side to see who can build the best sand castle!!!!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shoutout the Autism community. Tiera Moultrie of “Autism In The D”. Who also is fighting for change in the autism community. In Detroit we don’t have an area where the autistic community have their own space. Tiera is opening and creating an all inclusive Gym for the autism community called Autism In The D. I wanted to personally shout her out because she knows what it is to embark on such a journey of trying to make a difference, being a parent whom is face with obstacles day in and day out pushing and advocating for your children with Autism.

Instagram: _Sheaneen_