Her Story
About Shayla
Shayla Nelson has been in digital marketing for about 10 years. She began her career after attending cosmetology school, where she developed a passion for community and empowering others. As an extension specialist, she gained two years of experience behind the chair before pursuing her educator's license. She started as an independent educator, certifying beauty professionals in extensions, and later joined an extension education company for six years. There, she received seven different certifications, becoming a 7-time certified national educator in Extension, headed the district sales department for a year, and led the digital marketing department for two years. Her expertise remains centered in digital marketing, where she helps beauty professionals build brands and connect with audiences online. Nelson values community over competition and is committed to dropping the ladder down to bring more women into leadership roles. She has also volunteered with the Thirst Project, a nonprofit providing clean waterways in Africa, and is passionate about eco-friendly practices in the beauty industry.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shayla
01What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
Keep going. Just because it hasn't been done yet, one of us hasn't figured out how to make it happen. We have to keep evolving. Bring as many people to the top of that ladder as you can. It's all about that growth mindset. It's incredibly impressive for one person to meet their goal, but when you've met that goal, and you've got an army of people standing with you, that's power, that's impact.
02What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
There is a bit of saturation or a lack mindset. I don't necessarily believe that. We all have our target market, our audience. It's just positioning ourselves in a way that they can connect. There's room for everyone to exist and everyone to succeed. It's just a matter of speaking to your people that need your solution.
03What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Community over competition, always. There is so much space, so much room to grow. There is no glass ceiling. Every time I make it to the next level, I'm always trying to drop the ladder down and bring as many people as I can with me. We need more women feeling empowered and in leadership roles.
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.