Kellesia (Kelley) Sharay, also known as The Hair Nutritionist, has triumphed over a lifetime of challenges, from childhood trauma to physical and mental abuse. Though she carries the scars of these experiences, she proudly wears them as a testament that your environment and circumstances do not define you. She believes, like a seed that emerges from the dirt, anyone can bloom into something beautiful.
Born and raised in Atlanta, GA, Kelley and her family moved frequently, making it hard for her to remember the names of all the schools she attended. As a child, she loved being outdoors, picking flowers, catching lightning bugs, and immersing herself in nature.
At the age of 6, Kelley discovered her natural gift for haircare. She started by doing her and her older sister's hair for school, quickly developing her skills. Her talent grew over time, and by her teenage years, Kelley was doing hair for family, friends, classmates, and neighbors.
By high school, Kelley had already mastered various hairstyles, from finger waves to intricate cuts. But, unfortunately, her childhood was far from ordinary. Due to her family's involvement in a cult and their constant moving, she missed out on many typical teenage experiences.
Buried in the Dirt
By the eighth grade, Kelley was told her family would move again. Frustrated by the lack of stability and guidance, she rebelled. She dropped out of high school in the 9th grade, after struggling in a new school. With no support from her family, Kelley tried to navigate life on her own, working minimum-wage jobs, often relying on friends and strangers for a place to stay.
At 19, after becoming pregnant, Kelley experienced a pivotal turning point. For the first time, she had someone to care for. Her son's unconditional love motivated her to seek change—not just for herself, but for him too.
Determined to improve, Kelley enrolled in GED classes. Initially struggling with math, she was discouraged by her lack of skills but continued pushing forward, encouraged by friends and classmates. Over time, her hard work paid off, and in 2008, at the age of 36, she earned her GED.
Blossoming
In the years that followed, Kelley pursued her passions, earning a Master Cosmetology Degree in 2010 and a Marketing Degree in 2014. With newfound confidence, she began to heal from the trauma of her past.
During this time, she turned to gardening as a form of therapy, finding solace in nurturing plants and watching them grow. Gardening became a metaphor for her own life—just as seeds emerge from the dirt, so too could she rise above her struggles.
As Kelley spent hours gardening, she realized she was in a place of healing. The process of growing plants helped her face her childhood trauma and begin to flourish in new ways.
Bearing Fruit
Kelley’s journey of self-discovery and healing led her to embrace her natural talent for haircare. She became The Hair Nutritionist, a professional who treats hair from the inside out, focusing on health, nutrition, and care. Her love for haircare grew from personal experience and a passion for nourishing hair with the right products.
Kelley soon began mixing customized hair products for her clients, often using natural ingredients she grew herself. As her client base grew, they encouraged her to sell her creations. This led to the birth of Shemmer & Shyne, an all-natural, plant-based haircare line designed to nourish hair at its core.
Kelley’s experience with gardening continues to influence her haircare products. She believes in the healing power of nature and uses it to create unique, effective haircare solutions. Today, Kelley nurtures her clients and their hair, guiding them on a journey to healthier, more vibrant locks.
I would love to hear from you! Whether you have questions about my services, need guidance on your healing journey, or want to book a consultation, reach out today. Your transformation starts with a single step—let’s take it together!