Naples Instagram star is changing up hair, creating one-of-a-kind braid styles

Hair is to Shayla Robertson what a celebrity portrait is to photographer Annie Leibovitz.

Art.

Robertson, 31, of Naples, is a hair and makeup artist. But you won't see her work on just any run-of-the-mill bridal magazine. Robertson, originally from Uzbekistan, combines European and American styles to form one all her own.

"Europe goes pretty extreme with hairstyles and the U.S. is more simple so I mix them both to create a style that's natural," she said. 

She does traditional updos for the more conservative brides, and elaborate braided hairstyles for those looking to spice up their look.

Fishtail braids, dual texture braids, dutch braids or braided updos — you name it, she does it. Whimsical or boho chic. Want a heart-shaped braid? She does that too. She said she works with just about any hair type, and usually adds extensions to give a fuller appearance. 

Robertson said she's always practicing new braid techniques to help her clients achieve Instagram-worthy hair for any special occasion, like birthdays, weddings and maternity shoots. 

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Braid beginnings

Fifteen years ago, Robertson moved to the U.S. from Uzbekistan, a country in central Asia, to start fresh. Back home, her sister was a hairstylist. Robertson was inspired to follow in her footsteps.

For a while she worked alongside her husband, Said Mirvositov, at a jewelry store situated in Coastland Center mall in Naples. There, they sold hair accessories, among other things. 

"We'd get a lot of women coming to us for bridal hair accessories," Robertson said. 

She knew she wanted to become a hairstylist. She practiced on anyone who'd let her; her daughter Samira, 12, clients and friends. In 2016, she received her cosmetology license from Lorenzo Walker Technical College in East Naples and began Samiras Jewelry. 

Building a social media brand

In the past year, Robertson said her career has skyrocketed thanks to social media. 

"I get all my clients mostly from social media and word-of-mouth," she said.

The Naples resident and mom of three has more than 53,000 followers on Instagram and nearly 2,000 likes on Facebook. 

The stylist regularly posts videos and photos of her work on clients and models. Her work has been featured in hair industry magazines and reposted on Instagram by Behind the Chair, with a 1.4 million Instagram following, Sam Villa Hair and Modern Salon.

Last year, Robertson received many accolades, including the "Best Braids" award at the Licensed to Create awards show by CosmoProf in Orlando. She also won a contest hosted by Sexy Hair, which flew a number of stylists out to Los Angeles. Robertson was also announced one of Modern Salon's top 100 stylists to follow on social media. 

Competition is fierce in the hair industry, she said, but she loves what she does. 

Hairstyles for every occasion

"I don't like to repeat myself," said Robertson when it comes to her hairstyles.

Every client, she said, gets their own look.

Especially her brides. "They need to look perfect," she said. 

Robertson's most intricate hair designs take up to an hour to create. While her updos may be a 15 to 20 minute salon visit depending. 

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Sometimes she works on location or at a studio space she rents in North Naples at Karen from New York. She doesn't accept walk-ins; appointments-only. The best way to reach her, she said, is by direct messaging her on Instagram or Facebook.

Hair and makeup packages typically range between $150-$175. Prices vary.

Robertson hopes to own a studio space someday in Bonita Springs or Estero. But her ultimate dream goal is to do hair in Los Angeles or maybe New York. 

"My goal is to be a celebrity stylist and work in fashion shows," she said. 

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