Shirley McDonald is the founder and driving force behind Shirley’s Barber & Beauty Hair Museum, a one-of-a-kind institution dedicated to preserving the artistry, tools, and evolving traditions of the global barbering and beauty industry. A lifelong lover of cosmetology, education, and culture, Shirley has built a museum that tells the story of hair not only as a profession, but as an essential part of human expression, identity, and history.

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Her passion for the industry is rooted in decades of hands-on experience and leadership. Shirley is also the founder of Ea La Mar's Beauty and Barber College, where she helped educate and prepare future generations of beauty professionals. Her commitment to excellence extends beyond the salon and classroom—she earned her Bachelors degree from University of Missouri–Kansas City and further honed her leadership and communication skills through the Dale Carnegie Training, where she received an award recognizing her achievement.

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Shirley’s museum collection—carefully curated over decades—features vintage salon equipment, historic barbering tools, rare beauty artifacts, hairstyle timelines, photographs, and memorabilia from pivotal eras that shaped modern beauty practices. Through these exhibits, she highlights the craftsmanship, innovation, and community influence that barbers and stylists have contributed across generations and cultures.

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Equally central to Shirley’s journey is her deep and enduring faith. She has pursued theological studies through institutions such as Western Baptist Bible School and Heart of America Bible School (just to name a few), grounding her professional life in spiritual discipline and purpose. Shirley openly credits God as her ultimate source and guide—often referring to Him as her “financier”—a belief that has shaped every venture she has undertaken.

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Over the years, Shirley has earned numerous awards and certificates in the field of cosmetology, recognizing her technical skill, leadership, and lasting contributions to the industry. These honors reflect a career marked by perseverance, lifelong learning, and a commitment to uplifting others.

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Today, Shirley’s Barber & Beauty Hair Museum stands as both a historical archive and a living legacy. It is a testament to her vision, faith, and dedication to ensuring that the stories, tools, and traditions of the barber and beauty profession—across all backgrounds—are preserved, respected, and celebrated for generations to come.