Photography: Courtesy of Shayla Tapilova/@samirasjewelry
Meet Shayla Tapilova (@samirasjewelry), a SalonCentric #ItTakesAPro Team Artist, bridal hair and makeup artist/educator, social media influencer, and SexyHair Ambassador based in Southwest Florida. With more than 452K followers on Instagram and 649K followers on TikTok, this beauty powerhouse has carved out an impressive niche for herself in the industry. Her innovative braiding techniques, glamorous bridal looks, and engaging educational content has captivated audiences, with her styles frequently achieving viral status across social media.
Tapilova’s mastery of bridal hairstyles, updo styling, braiding, and makeup have earned her some of the industry’s top distinctions and awards, including SexyHair’s “Love Is in the Hair” contest, Behind the Chair’s “Festival Shot of the Year,” and Modern Salon’s “Best of the Fest” contest. She takes pride in bringing fun, innovative hairstyles to the industry using non-traditional accessories like hair jewelry, gems, and flowers.
Here, we sat down with the queen of bridal beauty to learn a little more about her career journey, passion for all things beauty, and her plans for 2025 and beyond.
Shayla Tapilova’s Early Career
Tapilova began her career in jewelry, running a private booth at her local mall in Naples, Florida. But after attending the national beauty trade show Premiere Orlando in 2016, her passion for hairstyling took centerstage. “I saw a big stage full of models who were getting braids done with accessories. It really caught my attention because I love everything sparkly and I wanted to be able to create braids that incorporated that into the hair,” she recalls. “I started practicing a lot with mannequins, then moved on to clients who had seen my work at my booth.”
After pursuing her passion for several years, Tapilova opened her very own studio in 2019. “Once I finished cosmetology school, I had grown my clientele enough to open my own suite. I had also worked towards building my social media following and participating in competitions like Model Salon Vintage, Hairdo USA, and SexyHair,” she explains.
When it came to choosing a specialty, Tapilova says the choice was simple: “I always knew styling was my favorite. I also love everything bridal, from going to new venues and places to meeting beautiful new people—it’s all so glamorous.”
Photography: Courtesy of Shayla Tapilova/@samirasjewelry
Get To Know #ItTakesAPro Artist Shayla Tapilova
SalonCentric: What does a perfect day off look like for you and how do you prevent burnout in such a demanding profession?
Shayla Tapilova: A perfect day off for me would start with waking up whenever I want, no alarm clock blaring in my face. I’d make a nice breakfast for my family and just enjoy some time together. Then, I’d head to the movies, maybe grab lunch there too, and just relax. After that, I’d either play some pickleball or hang out with my kids, totally unplugged from my phone. It’s all about being present and enjoying the simple moments.
As for preventing burnout, it’s these kinds of days that really help me recharge. Taking a break from work and technology gives me the space to reset, so I can come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on whatever comes next.
SC: What's the best compliment a client has given you about your work and why was it meaningful to you?
ST: The best compliment I've received from clients is when they tell me that my energy makes them feel their best. While I certainly appreciate when clients recognize my punctuality and attention to detail, the praise about my energy resonates deeply with me. It means a lot because I genuinely love what I do.
When I'm doing makeup and hair for my clients, it's not just about the technical skills—it's about creating an experience where they feel confident, relaxed, and happy. I always make an effort to stay in a positive mood, listening to my favorite songs and engaging in uplifting conversations. Seeing my clients leave not only looking great but also feeling great is what truly brings me joy and fulfillment in my work.
SC: If you could do anyone in the world's bridal look, from a celebrity to a historical icon, who would it be and what style would you create for them?
ST: I would absolutely love to create one of my signature intricate braids for Kim Kardashian or JLo —braids are my ultimate passion and strength! Kim Kardashian is undeniably a trendsetter and anything she wears instantly goes viral. I’d be thrilled to style a chic, bold braid on her, offering some fresh inspiration for braiding enthusiasts everywhere.
Honestly, when I watch red carpet events, I often see celebrities opting for simple styles like beach waves or just wearing their hair down. While I get that these styles pair well with certain gowns, wouldn’t it be amazing to see some show-stopping, bold hair looks that truly complement those stunning outfits?
Another dream of mine would be to style hair for a Disney movie remake—imagine creating Rapunzel’s look, for example! It would be a dream come true to see my work on the big screen one day.
SC: If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your younger self and why?
ST: I would tell myself not to be afraid of anything or shy around anyone. Looking back, I wish I had more confidence growing up, because my shyness often held me back from taking opportunities, meeting new people, and truly expressing myself. If I had believed in myself more, I could have pushed past my fears and embraced experiences that would have helped me grow both personally and socially at a younger age.
SC: Why did you choose to open a salon suite?
ST: I opened my suite in 2019 when I closed my jewelry business at the mall. I used to do hair right in the middle of the mall, but decided it was better to move to a suite to give clients more privacy. This is especially the case when it comes to brides as it’s a very personal occasion and they don’t want people standing around watching them.
I wanted a space where I could tend to the client without any distractions, but I didn’t want to be in a salon, so I found a suite that I could create into my own beautiful space. With my own suite, I was able to get more clients and open up my availability to include weekdays.
SC: What's one common mistake that you see brides make when choosing a hairstyle for their big day, and how do you help them decide on the perfect look?
ST: One of the most common mistakes brides make is choosing a hair inspiration photo that doesn't align with their hair type (color and length), face shape, or overall aesthetic. Factors such as hair color, texture, and face shape are all crucial when selecting a hairstyle. It’s important for us to guide our brides toward styles that complement their unique features.
For example, I often have brides show me a braided hairstyle they like, only to realize the inspiration photo is of someone with blonde hair, while they themselves have dark hair. I explain to them that the braid will look different on their hair—its definition and texture won’t be as visible on darker strands as it would on lighter ones.
There are also other important considerations when choosing a hairstyle, such as the bride’s dress, the veil, the theme and vibe of the wedding, the timeline for getting ready, how many hours between finish time for the style and the finish time of the wedding, and, the texture and length of their hair. Every detail plays a role in finding the perfect style and it’s our job to help them find something that works for them and their special day.
Photography: Courtesy of Shayla Tapilova/@samirasjewelry
SC: Do you have any advice for stylists who want to specialize in bridal hair or braids?
ST: Begin by building your social media towards a bridal aesthetic. You can do this by collaborating. If you begin by volunteering, it will help to get your name out there. Then, once you collaborate, you will get the benefit of professional photos that you can post on social media. You also build a good relationship so that they can recommend you for future bookings.
Also, make sure to optimize your social media by tagging the location of the wedding you’ve done so that people who are looking at the venue can also see your work. Using things like locations and hashtags can help potential clients easily find your page.
SC: You've managed to find so much success both in your craft and as a social media content creator. Do you have any advice for stylists who are struggling to balance both of these worlds (which are each very time-consuming)?
ST: Yes, both are incredibly time-consuming. However, social media has become essential for success in today’s industry. Most of my clients actually find me through social media, and it’s where I showcase my work. My best advice would be this: Every client who sits in your chair is an opportunity to create content. Always ask for their permission to film and make sure you have the right tools—a tripod, good lighting, and a way to capture the moment.
If you're pressed for time, even simple before-and-after shots can work. The key is to stay active. Posting regularly on social media—whether it’s through posts or stories—keeps you visible and engaged with potential clients. The more you show your work, the more likely you are to attract new clients.
Additionally, try to edit your videos as soon as possible. If you wait too long, you might lose interest or struggle to find the time. The more consistently you post, the more you’ll grow. This way, you’re not only serving your clients but also building your social media presence simultaneously.
SC: What's next for you in 2025 and beyond? Are you working on anything exciting at the moment that you're able to share?
ST: Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, I'm thrilled to share that I've already booked a few weddings, but the most special one is my daughter’s wedding in the summer of 2025! I'll be doing her hair and makeup, which is both an honor and a little nerve-wracking—I can't wait for that moment. Beyond that, I’m really excited for upcoming hair shows, especially Premiere Orlando with SalonCentric.
I’ll also be introducing more fresh, exciting hair classes to keep things creative and inspiring. And, of course, I’m committed to producing more engaging content and working on beautiful weddings.
To keep up with Shayla, be sure to follow her on social media @samirasjewelry and stay tuned for announcements on upcoming classes, like her in-demand bridal hair classes.
