Meet Lesa Cohen of Salon Charis in Desoto

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lesa Cohen.

Lesa, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My passion has always been about people. But, I was shy and timid when it comes to approaching them. My mom is a great communicator so when she pulled my thoughts and passions out of me, she put me to work on a plan and we took action. I started my own cosmetic company when I was 16, L’ Michele Cosmetiques. I was my only employee, going from salon to salon timidly talking about my products. I was featured on channel 8 news but social media was not as popular in those days, so I was forced to go face-to-face talking with everyone! It was very scary everytime! But, I would do it. I dressed professionally every visit with my little business woman blouse, skirt, nice shoes and made up but not overly made up face. I would have my products, information and script in tow ready to go. I had to give myself pep talks the night before, the morning of, on the way to and from each location. It was hard and I had to press through the negative thoughts to begin receiving any motivation. This would be in the summer when school was out, so it was VERY hot in Dallas. I was cute as I would go in, but then the stuttering and shaking would start. It took everything in me to keep from crying. Some people were okay and would patiently listen through the stammering, but the ones whose looks you could feel before walking through the door were a little discouraging. My desire to help others kept me pressing forward to not give up. I got better pretending to have confidence and speaking a little clearer in my presentation, but the scariness of it never completely went away.

L’ Michele Cosmetiques slowly fizzled out as I continued my education after high school. That experience set a foundation for growth as a person and in business even for now. I pursued my dream of becoming a beauty professional with a full scholarship to Contessa Rol Beauty College in Dallas. From there, I worked as a nail technician, hair stylist and aesthetician, and whatever the job requirement was, as I paid my way through massage therapy school. Now, 30 years in the beauty industry, my husband, Patrick and I have remodeled and owned 6 salons from downtown to uptown Dallas, Desoto and Glenn Heights and have loved every bit of it. Oh, there have been down times but we have found strength in those times. The beauty industry is a way for me to be able to safely touch people, interact with them one-on-one, encourage and impact their lives in a safe and peaceful environment. I love what I do! I love my clients and the people I meet. I love the opportunities and gifts God gives all of us! I embrace and learn from failure and success. And, I love sharing what I’ve learned and what I know with everyone. Makeup, hair and body care are essential but they are only temporary fixes for outward beauty and gratification. True beauty is fulfilled when we know who we are in Jesus Christ. That is a true beauty that cannot be achieved by outward accessories but it is free, sustainable, stable and very achievable gift for everyone. People have always been my business, my purpose, my story.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Nope. No smooth road but we have never had a blow out nor been stranded on the roadside.

I tell my girls that you will always be challenged where your gifts or purpose is. Communicating and working with different personalities is a joy and a challenge. No one person is exactly the same. So, staying true with healthy boundaries is a wealthy lesson.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Salon Charis story. Tell us more about the business.
My husband and I own a stand alone building in Desoto named Salon Charis. Charis meaning God’s grace or God’s gift. I am a hair stylist and specialize in healthy hair care. I am proud that we are a Christian based salon. Our visitors tell us that they enjoy coming because they feel relaxed, peaceful and welcomed in our essential oil infused work areas and also have fun and be uplifted seeing old friends or meeting new ones.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I’ve been asked a similar question before. I don’t call it luck. It is totally a faith walk. I trust God to lead me every step of the way. Sometimes, I slip, but He has been faithful to help me up and find my way back when I go to Him.

Contact Info:

• Address: 555 E. Beltline Rd.
  Desoto, Texas 75115
• Website: www.saloncharis.com
• Phone: 214-577-1321
• Email: Hilesa33@gmail.com
• Instagram: @iamlesac
• Facebook: @IamSalonCharis
• Twitter: @thesaloncharis

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