Alex Martinez

Shandon Anderson is court-ing new fans.

Atlanta-resident Shandon, 34, has shelved his Miami Heat jersey for a suit and tie fitting an entrepreneur. Five years ago, Shandon opened Nani Salon and Spa at Atlantic Station to solve an irritating problem—where do you take your little girl to get her haircut? “This business was a huge project,” says the father of two. “I changed my number because my agent kept calling me to play ball again. I decided I wanted to be an entrepreneur instead.” Nani was originally supposed to be a men’s barbershop but has morphed into more of a women’s salon, something Anderson is perfectly okay with. Besides the successful salon, he has plans for several small business ventures around Castleberry Hill. A Crim High School grad, Shandon’s other passion is Atlanta Public Schools. He runs a mentoring and scholarship foundation because, “City schools are taking the biggest hits financially and scholarly. You can’t forget where you came from.”

What do you like about wearing a skirt?
“It’s freedom. You’re doing something out of your element so you’re allowed to have fun.”

What do you like about reading skirt! ?
“There’s just something about it. I put products from the magazine in our boutique. It’s a magazine that’s comfortable for men, we feel okay reading this.”

More on Shandon:

He’s a self-described motorcycle enthusiast that, while he was playing, was barred from riding during basketball season. He revels in getting to ride now.

During Shandon’s successful basketball career, he played for the Jazz, the Houston Rockets and the New York Knicks before leading the Miami Heat to a NBA championship in 2006.

Shandon is a local philanthropist and has a mentor program partnered with Grady High School. He also gives out scholarships to Atlanta Public School students 9th through 12th grade through the Shandon Anderson Foundation.

Look for his new vegetarian restaurant and wine bar in Castleberry Hill opening soon.

Click here to check out Shandon’s spa online.