For more than a decade, Shanice Flythe’s expertise as a celebrity nail technician led her to believe that her healing prowess was limited to the tips of her clients’ fingers. Little did she know, her true vocation extended far beyond. Beneath the surface, her talents encompassed not just cuticles but also the realm of spirits and destiny-shifting guidance, giving birth to Mama Redd. In Mama Redd, Flythe’s physical presence melded with her spiritual conduit, bridging the mortal and ethereal planes. Her upbringing in foster care, detached from her ancestral roots, left her grappling with latent abilities that confounded her.
But as she ventured into her lineage, she unearthed a heritage steeped in conjure women, Voodoo practitioners, and Hoodoo magic traditions. With a newfound purpose, she began offering spiritual services within the confines of her nail salon. News of her full moon gatherings and artisanal “juju” creations swiftly spread, drawing a queue of seekers more interested in her metaphysical marvels than mere manicures.
Can you tell us more about your journey from being a celebrity nail tech to becoming a renowned spiritual advisor? What inspired you to transition from the beauty industry to spirituality?
After giving 12 years of my life to the beauty industry, I couldn’t fight my true calling. I took the leap of faith because when you know, you know! I still think I have some traits of the beauty industry within my work. I counsel people, make them feel better, etc. However, it’s still evident in my signature items, such as my handcrafted beauty scrubs, Love Oils, and body souffles, to name a few.
Your brand, “Vibes with Mama Redd,” has gained a significant following on the internet. What do you think sets your approach to spirituality apart from others, and how do you maintain authenticity in a world filled with diverse spiritual practices?
I show up as myself. I don’t put any filters on what I do or say; just raw and genuine. I work hard to maintain my authenticity by focusing on my brand, myself, and my clients’ needs. It’s almost like I’m in a tunnel. That stands out because my followers get consistency and honesty, which is essential in the spiritual realm.
As a third-generation conjurer with roots in traditional Hoodoo spirituality, how do you ensure that you honor your ancestors’ traditions while adapting to the modern world and meeting the needs of your diverse audience?
Everything I do honors them, even the unique twists I put on things. When teaching or speaking about spiritual or traditional practices, I find a balance between providing information and making it relevant to the general public. One of my gifts is creating that bridge between what people think they know about Hoodoo and what it actually is. I represent the duality of modern spiritual workers and traditional ones. I believe my ancestors approve!
Your “no sugar coating” approach to advising has resonated with many people, making you an internet favorite. How do you strike a balance between offering candid insights and maintaining sensitivity to your client’s emotional needs?
I lead with love; even tough love, it’s still love. Mama Redd embodies the “mama” moniker, I’m going to love on you and have fun with you but tell you what you need to hear and not want to hear. When people come to me open and ready to receive a message, they want it direct. Life is not always love and light, so my messages won’t be that way. But they know it’s from love.
Part of your mission is to dispel myths around spiritual practices. How do you handle skeptics or critics who may discredit or attack your non-conventional approach? What advice would you give to individuals seeking to explore spirituality despite societal skepticism?
Unfortunately, skepticism, scammers, and people who discredit you come with the territory. My response is always, ‘What works for you, works for you. And what works for me works for me.’ I don’t argue with people who are committed to misunderstanding me.
For those on their journey, I encourage you to find where you feel connected, research, and look inwardly. It’s so many ways to access a higher power. There is no one or right way. This is your life; you control this narrative.
Visit her website at www.vibeswithmamaredd.com
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