Today we’d like to introduce you to Leah LaRue.
Leah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
As early as the age of 5, I showed an appreciation for beauty, fashion, and art. I grew up in a church and community where women typically grew their hair very long. I always remember my aunts and grandma with long flowing hair past their hips. I was learning to braid hair around the same time as learning to tie my shoes.
By age 12, I styled my own mom’s wedding hair updo. Throughout my teen years, I was the girl everyone would consult for hair tips and fashion advice.
By 19, I was traveling as a makeup artist and styling models on music video shoots. At this point in time, I knew I wanted to be in the industry but I needed to narrow down my specialties. Years of freelancing while attending community college, working in business development/marketing, doing some more traveling, and giving birth to my son helped me to find where I am now.
First, I attended TSPA Dallas and there I really worked on my color correction skills through Summit/Redken professional training program. During this time, I gained clients and one excellent educator/mentor who followed me in my career long after my graduation. Since my initial cosmetology training, I continuously am attending further education classes focusing on techniques and all the latest technology in hair artistry. I enjoy working in my small studio as a solo artist. It is a personalized experience where I can really sit down and consult with my guests on what they want out of the experience and customize their needs to the best of my ability in a quiet and relaxing environment. It is a natural skill and a pleasure of mine to help others find their inner confidence and peace of mind.
In my salon, I offer a wide selection of modern hair services ie. Balayage, shadow roots, ombre, vivids, extensions as well as scalp/hand massage, paraffin dips, basic manicures, and waxing.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, there are many challenges to face as a young female business owner. No matter what industry you are in, there will be people doubting you and maybe some who might even be waiting to see you slip or fail. For me, it took several years of personal growth to finally go after what I wanted to do because I was so afraid of failing. Once I began to care more about ME and less about what the negative people had to say, I began to succeed, it is never easy, even the people closest to you will doubt you sometimes. You have to always be in tune with yourself.
Please tell us about Leah LaRue Hair Studio.
I own Leah LaRue Hair Studio in Allen, TX. I specialize in hair color and treatments. I am known for educating my clients and helping them find the best hair care routine for their particular needs. I am proud of the progress I have made as a small business in only ONE year, I have managed to grow an amazing and beautiful clientele base of women in my community all on my own.
All of my clients are amazing moms and businesswomen. I love being able to connect with these women and grow my business in this way. It is a blessing to be able to do what I love artistically and uplift other females and it only inspires me to do more with my career.
Do you think there are structural or other barriers impeding the emergence of more female leaders?
One of the biggest barriers I have encountered personally and professionally is females not being supportive enough of one another. There are many entitled snobby attitudes who want to put each other down and I just won’t ever relate to that mentality — I won’t accept mental or verbal abuse from anyone. That is a decision I made for myself a long time ago. As a business owner, I do not want that type of clientele and personally, I would not tolerate that type of friend. I take my craft very seriously and a big expectation I have of my clients and friends is patience and respect for the process it takes to make a masterpiece.
Also, it is never in good taste to trash another artist’s work to promote your own business and you will always find me supporting other stylists in my industry. One of the best things about what I do as an artist is being given a license to create. We are all equipped with the tools to be leaders.
Pricing:
- Balayage * starts at $150
- Haircuts $50
- $5 off New Clients
Contact Info:
- Address: 904 W Mcdermott Dr. Allenn TX 75013
Suite 303 - Phone: 469-360-3945
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Instagram.com/Leahlaruestylist
- Facebook: Facebook.com/Leahlaruehairstudio
Image Credit:
Rob Andrews @ Andilek Images
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