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?
My young adult life so far has been a journey of combining my talent for hair and my passion for business development.
I graduated from The Salon Professional Academy in Dallas after previously attending Brookhaven Community College. From day one in that small foundation’s class, I always said I wanted to own a business. I had a really great mentor in that school who saw potential in me at times when I didn’t. I am grateful for her faith in me. She later went on to open her own school which is such an achievement. We are both single moms and have cheered each other on for several years now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
One of the driving factors in my growth has been learning how to overcome fear of rejection and failure. I trained my mind to overcome being afraid of what might go wrong. I stopped allowing those things to bother me. I have a small support system of stylists and friends who always told me to keep going no matter what. I accepted the mistakes I have made along the way as teaching moments that I have the wonderful opportunity to grow from. I definitely have not made it to where I want to be yet but am proud of the progress I have made.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about you and your career so far?
My business is really just a girl with some combs, scissors, brushes and lots of creative ideas. I have a small studio space in a larger salon. It’s a nontraditional type place but it feels like my home now. I have a lot of respect and admiration for everyone who works around me. I am known for color corrections and filling up my books with too many clients. I love to educate my clients and fellow stylists on amazing product lines such as Olaplex, Trionics, and Malibu. I also have built my own website with a store that sells all of the products I recommend, which helps keep my clients returning to me for all of their hair needs including products.
I find it important to stay connected with my circle of people through my writing. I send out monthly newsletters to my clients updating them on my growth as a stylist and business owner. I write small articles on the benefits of treatments and services as a way to help/inform. As a reward my business grows with wonderful people who are grateful for the extra effort I put into reaching out and educating them.
What is “success” or “successful” for you?
I think right now, I define success by how I feel inside. Physically I am very tired a lot of the time, but my soul is content. I know I am doing the right things by just looking at the progress I have made in such a short amount of time, and with the support group that I have grown for myself. I have learned to appreciate the challenging times because that means it is just a time to grow and become more successful.
Contact Info:
- Address: Image Nation Salon & Medspa in Allen TX
- Website: www.leahlaruehair.com
- Phone: 4693603945
- Email: leahlaruestylist@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/Leahlaruestylist
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/leahlaruehairstudio
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