MANAYUNK

Blog post by Manayunk Development Corporation Spring  Intern, Meghan Gatti. 

Su-Shan has been a makeup artist since she was 16. She had originally planned on going to art school to be an elementary art teacher--however she discovered her skills as a makeup artist and stylist. After noticing that Empire was looking for students to enroll, she went in to chat, and the rest is history! A stylist for 16 years, StarShine Salon is her third salon. She previously had one in Old Beverly Hills and another in Boyertown. Opening in December 2012, Su-Shan and her business partner Erica have been brightening people's days for almost two years. "There is so much more than the aesthetic side," says Su-shan, "We love catching up with clients and making people feel good while having fun."

 Starshine offers a variety of services--facial waxing, make-up, hair treatments and formal up-dos. One of Su-Shan's favorite up-dos is for weddings. While proms up-dos can be fun and creative, weddings are a special time where the bride is surrounded by her family in a joyous environment. Owning her own business allows Su-Shan the freedom to try out her own ideas--she has done every color and style, from bright purple, to bubblegum pink and beautiful mermaid-like ombre hair. Starshine also does extensions, keratin, conditioning and basically any other hair treatment you can think of. One of the worst things for hair is winter air, and the remedy is a deep-conditioning at StarShine!

 If you check out Yelp, you maynotice the 5-star raving reviews! Starshine stylists are constantly staying up on the latest in beauty trends, getting the best dye technology for your hair and taking classes on the newest techniques. Their choice of color brand is Gold Well because it processes with synthetic protein, and keeps your hair beautiful and healthy even with dye.  Su-Shan and Erica are beauty artists, so naturally they were running outdoor specials during Arts Fest 2013. Their tools just happen to be make-up brushes and styling wands rather than pen and paper! The whole day they were styling models live on the street. They created everything from retro up-dos to bright beautiful makeup for their clients to rock during Arts Fest.

While they love to have fun, catch up with clients and be creative, Starshine and Su-Shan firmly believe in giving back to the community. Last year, Su-Shan worked as a volunteer barber for Drexel University during their St. Baldrick's event where she shaved heads for a childhood cancer research fundraiser. While there about 8 other barbers volunteering, Su-Shan estimates she shaved 30 heads that day. Even Su-Shan herself had her head shaved for a great cause!

Su-Shan was looking around Philadelphia when she finally landed on Manayunk for her newest salon. It wasn't too far from her home, and it was artsy and eclectic. Other business owners exhibited a similar philanthropic spirit as well.  Manayunk also offers so many great restaurants. After standing on your feet all day, sitting down at any Manayunk restaurant location for a delicious meal is wonderful. When she really clicked with the property owner, it was fate. When he asked, "Why call the salon Starshine?" Su-shan explained it was from the musical Hair, a song entitled "Good Morning Starshine," and it just sounded happy. When he started singing the lyrics, she knew she had found the perfect fit.