Selina McManus / @_beautynative
As the mentee of the Matrix team presenting at the 2019 Beauty Changes Lives Experience, Selina McManus @_beautynative created runway hairstyles evoking diversity, edge and passion. The same qualities describe Selina, who shares some of her career journey below:
Why @_beautynative as your IG handle?
My grandmother has heavily influenced my life, and I am proud of my Indigenous roots. She received her license in cosmetology after relocating from her small reservation in Sells, AZ to Oakland, CA through a Native relocation program in the late 1950s. I believe I carry on the work she began that brought my family to be.
What role have mentors played in your career?
I’ve been fortunate to learn from mentors across the various stages of my life. I’m passionate about continued education in the beauty industry, so I’ve always sought mentors out. And sometimes they’ve found me.
How did you become a member of the Matrix team?
I was discovered by a Salon Centric sales rep when I was working behind the chair in a salon. She asked if I would be interested in becoming an educator for Matrix, and without hesitation, I said, “Yes!” Over the past four years, I’ve had amazing trainings, experiences, and learning opportunities. The growth I’ve experienced personally, creativity, and professionally is really immeasurable.
Where are you traveling next?
NYC! I’ll be working behind the chair at our flagship salon, Elements Hair Studio in Brooklyn for the second time this year. It has always been a dream of mine to be bi-coastal, and I am so excited to return. We’ll be doing a FB Live through Salon Centric and I hope you can check it out!
What motivates you as an artist?
My family. I’m a mother of two amazing kids and I always want to be better for them. Sharing knowledge with other hair professionals really keeps me going as well. I hope to see and share more education in urban communities. Elevating our craft to elevate our lives is my goal.
Where do you go for inspiration?
Luckily, I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. In this community, inspiration is everywhere—it can be found during hikes, at museums, and in all of the street art. I tend to spend my days off outside, and recharge there. Dance played a big part in my life, I was a dancer with a Polynesian dance company for ten years. You become fearless when dancing in front of hundreds of people!
What do you see yourself doing in the future?
I’ll always want to be in the beauty industry in some form. I hope to get more into editorial hair, and the corporate side of the industry as I phase out of being behind the chair in the far future. And as I do so, I will be opening doors for others like me along the way!
[Selina McManus] Hairstylist | Makeup Artist
