Features / Bristol Young Heroes
Teenage business owner’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs
Owning your own business during your teenage years alongside your studies is a rarity.
For 19-year-old Shelena Artman, running her own business has been a big part of her youth, after she launched her hair braiding business, Hair Shekinah, around four years ago.
Shelena, who is a self-taught braiding technician, was inspired to learn the art of hair braiding during a family trip to Dominica in 2012, the birthplace of her grandparents. She said: “I remember my younger cousins in Dominica were so talented at braiding hair while I couldn’t even master a simple plait.
“I was determined to learn and reach their level. This gave me a sense of belonging to be similar to my cousins ‘back home’.”
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Shelena, who lives in Kingswood, now calls herself a “perfectionist” when it comes to hair braiding and has come a long way since her trip to Dominica.
Hair Shekinah operates from Stokes Croft in a rented space inside hair salon, Mirahbell Studio on Backfields Lane.
As part of running her business, the Bristol School of Acting student does everything from scheduling in appointments, managing her finances, creating fresh content for her Instagram followers and cleaning the salon.
But, above all Shelena said the most important thing is for her is to be a “friendly and welcoming person” so her clients have a “comfortable and relaxing experience”.
The teen was crowned Enterprise Hero at the Young Bristol Heroes Awards in 2021 after being nominated by a teacher at St Brendan’s Sixth Form College for her efforts in organising a campaign to support the people impacted by a volcanic eruption in St Vincent.
Talking of her experience of being recognised at the Young Bristol Heroes Awards, she said: “The mentorship programs and life skill lessons given from the awards were 100 per cent transferable for my business.
“For example steps on how to organise your time efficiently and investing into your future are just a few of the gems I gained.”
Shelena, who is a self-taught braiding technician, was inspired to learn the art of hair braiding during a family trip to Dominica in 2012 – photo: Shelena Artman
Shelena, who is proud to be involved in her local church community by helping to put on youth nights and outreach events, said her advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to “just go for it”. She added: “Believing in your craft is a must.
“Reach out to businesses, organisations and people to help and support you on your journey. Seek advice and mentorship. There are so many great organisations in Bristol like Babbsasa.
“And most importantly set aside quality time for your business, but also for yourself.”
The teen dreams of one day having her own salon which provides natural hair care treatments. She said: “Having a space and platform where people can feel free to embrace their natural hair is something I long for.
“Breaking the circle and stereotype of people having negative experiences when coming to an African-Caribbean hair salon is what I hope my business will achieve.”
To see more of Shelena’s craft, visit her Hair Shekinah Instagram page.
Main photo: Strike Communications – Shelena Artman (pictured right), with Great British Bake Off’s Briony May Williams.
Read next:
- Nominations for Bristol’s inspiring young people to open soon
- ‘Starting up my own business has helped me feel integrated within my community’
- Business coach receives national award
- The Bristol University graduates who have invented ‘a landmark of equity’
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