Story & Lesson Highlights with Shakayla Canaday

We recently had the chance to connect with Shakayla Canaday and have shared our conversation below.

Shakayla , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
That’s an easy one, reformer Pilates at a local studio near me. That one hour of the day, 1-2 times a week I can focus on just me without the other titles that come with the life I live. It’s the only time my mind is clear and someone else tells me what to do for a change. I feel strong, empowered, and cared for when I take the time to do my Pilates class. It resets my brain, and gives me clarity..

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My Name is Shakayla Canaday, but my friends call me Shae. I am an Arkansas Native that now resides in Arizona full time with my two small daughters and husband of 12 years.

I own Be Transformed Beauty which is a Hairstyling and Makeup Artistry business that focuses on weddings and other special events. I like to be there for all the rights of passage for clients from Quinceañera’s and sweet 16 birthday parties to weddings, maternity and branding hair and makeup.

My story began back in 2014 when entering cosmetology school at Paul Mitchell the school in Fayetteville, AR. During that time I simultaneously worked at a Sephora concept store inside JCP and completed my hours.

There I found my passion for special events makeup and hair and even went on to win awards for makeup and be flown out for conventions out of state while there.

After that I was recruited by my local MAC counter and this had the chance to work in a more fast paced, artistry driven environment and I feel like my work, along with my confidence really flourished giving me the push I needed to work solo in my own studio.

My brand and artistry has become more refined over the years starting with a super artsy driven goal to now more crisp and timeless artistry. My goal has shifted to one that hopes to leave people feeling fondness upon looking back and photos where I did their makeup and hair and the joy the experience brought them.

I’m currently working on growing my brand into a well known brand for expertise in hairstyling makeup artistry and branding photography for powerhouse female led small businesses.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
This is a great question and what instantly came to mind was that I was just a carefree, little wallflower who liked playing outside and reading books. I loved sports and “hanging with the guys” and because I was never super feminine I didn’t have many female friends and took to things like art and reading in my free time. My 30’s has been all about doing things that bring that inner child joy so I took up reading again in my free time and I’ve been loving all of the books I’ve gotten to read the last couple of years.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me compassion and brought me hope where success brought me arrogance. I will never forget being brought back from the brink of death in 2021. Those two weeks where I was in and out of consciousness taught me just how short life can be and how precious the simple things we can take for granted are. After being released from the hospital due to a scary situation regarding my health I decided that what I was building was bringing me success I wouldn’t be able to sustain long term and I ultimately took a step back to reevaluate. We moved my family across the country where no one knew me and decided I needed a fresh start. It’s been a very humbling experience but I’ll forever be grateful I still have breath in my body and the ability to care for my two girls.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
My beliefs and project go hand in hand. God’s mission for me and my business are Threads of the same cloth. Despite my mustard seed faith and trying many times to give up, God has consistently blessed me through this business. I’ve been allowed to bless others in its earlier years with jobs alongside me and since my rebrand I’m hopeful that I’ll continue to impact lives as He sees fit. My goal has always and will forever be to project God’s love through my work and allow people to see his care through my craft. If I can do that, I’ll feel successful in His mission for me to reach one and teach one all about His love and grace.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember how I made them feel. If anything, I hope those feelings are positive. I always try to leave people and spaces better than I found them and I hope when I’m gone I’ll be remembered that way.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.btbeautyaz.com
• Instagram: https://Www.instagram.com/btbeautyaz
• Facebook: https://Www.facebook.com/betransformedbeautyllc

Image Credits
Photographer on the two professional photos Taylor Breinholt photography