Help open Native Studio Salon

Hi everyone!

My name is Selina McManus, I am an Indigenous mother of two, professional hairstylist, educator, and Bay Area born & raised community organizer. For the past 11 years I have been a licensed cosmetologist and have seen many avenues throughout my career in the beauty industry. I have recently found a space I’d like to make my salon home, but need community support. As a single parent, and someone who has not benefited from generational wealth, I, like many, need financial support to open a community based salon in Oakland, CA.

In 1959, my grandmother, Iris Mendez, moved from our small reservation, the Tohono O’odham Nation, to Oakland. She attended cosmetology school through a Native relocation program offered by the YMCA. My family is such an important part of my work and has made me who I am today. It brings me great honor to think of my grandmother seeing me become a full size salon owner in her lifetime. Her bravery to leave our homelands is the reason why my family exists; it is the reason why I am a hairdresser and why I have so much love for my community.

This place will be so much more than a salon, it will be a creative beauty space. It is vital for guests to feel welcome, no matter what hair texture they have, the style they desire, or color they choose. Our space will be free of judgement and open for those who feel like they’ve never belonged in a salon before. As an educator for over six years, I hope to provide brand-free education for all hairstylists looking to expand their knowledge. Continued education for hairstylists is necessary to keep our skills up to date and gain critical knowledge that cosmetology school doesn’t offer.

I am excited to share the space in the future with other stylists who apply as independent booth renters. Our space will have a comforting ambiance with upbeat vibes. These funds I am raising will help with needed furniture, supplies, construction, equipment, and ease financial payments as I begin this new journey. There are so many ideas I have for this space, and I can not wait to share them. I am proud to be a Bay Area native and grateful to occupy space in Oakland. Thank you in advance to anyone who has taken the time to read this, donated, or even shared. It means more than you realize.

Much love & gratitude,

Selina McManus