Shandon Van Caster

Some people have a hard time figuring out what they want to be “when they grow up,” from a very young age I had a passion for hair, and always knew that I wanted to be a hairstylist. It all began when I was given the option to either go to kindergarten with typical messy six year old hair (which would not have been wise considering I already looked like a boy) or go to school in style. Since I was already stuck with hand me downs, a mom who wasn’t available to help me get ready in the morning and a dad who couldn’t tie a pony tail in my hair for the life of him, it was then when I found my passion for hair. I took matter into my own hands and began teaching myself how to style hair on my Barbie’s and my American girl doll, which later transitioned into me performing up do’s for high school dances as well as watching YouTube videos on how to cut hair.

Due to my passion for hair beginning at a very young age I always knew I would go to cosmetology school. However, I also knew I wanted to be the best cosmetologist I could be and I wanted to expand my interpersonal skills, business skills and creative skills, therefore I went to the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee first and graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication in May 2010. Subsequently I pursued my cosmetology degree at The Salon Professional Academy and graduated September 2011 top of my class. There I maximized my artistic ability through various training programs helping pave my way to success. Through school I learned an array of innovating hair color and cutting techniques which motivates me to perform the best hair styles on all of my clients.

Although I learned a lot through school and attending various hair shows by elite national artists, a majority of my professional personal cosmetology skills come from apprenticing with Elif here at Zen the Salon. Like my mentor, I begin my appointments with an in-depth consultation and follow through each and every hair style thoroughly while educating my client the entire way. Not only is educating my clients about keeping up with healthy hair, it’s also about keeping up with current trends and evaluating what style works best for them. My goal is that every client leaves my chair feeling beautiful inside and out!