Features

Name: Misa McGregor 

Business: Hair By Misa

Zodiac sign? Leo

What do you want society to stop doing to women? Pressuring women into living the typical life they expect a woman to live by. Some examples include getting married, having kids and taking care of home only.  Some women don’t want that or strive for different goals that involve self-edification.

 Favorite song that empowers you? I am a huge lover of 90s R&B and Dancehall, those genres are deeply rooted in my soul.  It is hard to name just one but when I hear the song Optimistic by Sounds of Blackness it automatically lifts my spirits. 

How do you practice self-care?  Solitude is necessary for rebooting my energy dealing with different personalities in my profession.  Exercising is necessary for my emotional wellbeing.  The releasing of endorphins helps relieve stress and just maintaining a healthy mindset overall.  I love listening to music.  Music was a huge part of my life before I fell in love with the art of haircare and styling.  It still is just in a different way that doesn’t involve me being on a stage. Traveling is a necessity for me as an educational and liberating experience.  There are many who travel to escape their reality but I’m happy with my reality.  Whatever I’m not happy with I seek change. I love learning about different cultures and experiencing them through the connections of people and their food.  The company I keep is important too not everyone deserves to be in my space. It sounds harsh but its reality. 

Where do you see your business in 5 years? As the ultimate personal experience of wellness through not only hairstyling, but one on one sessions regarding healthier ways of living through different lifestyles. I plan on empowering and educating women through their pregnancy.  I will strive to connect more people globally through the importance of correlating hair and health both physically and virtually. 

What does Hair By Misa offer to those who use your services? A sense of healing through haircare education and confidence through hairstyling.   

Where are you currently in your journey of being a female entrepreneur? Learning to master the science of health and how I can apply it with all avenues of my journey as a cosmetologist.  I have learned a lot but there is still a lot more to learn, which is why I began studying Public Health in 2018.  I’m looking towards combining that education with my services as a certified doula this year as well.  I truly believe as long as I am breathing I’m forever a student of life.  

Name another woman who inspires you? I don’t think I can name one so here are some that come to mind: Maya Angelou, Traci Ellis Ross, Jill Scott, India Arie & Alicia.

How long have you been working for yourself and how has that shaped the way you live your life? About 8 years.  It has shaped me into a better woman, because when you actually have something to lose you move accordingly to the results you want to see.  You are forced to think more than to react especially to things that no longer serve you or your path.   Every action is done with purpose whether it is investing time with those I love despite being tired or investing in my business.  I choose to invest only in things I want to see grow.  That applies to all aspects of life.

Tell me one thing most people don’t know about you? I practiced Tae-Kwon Do for 4 years and stopped once I reached high school to become a cheerleader.  When I was 13 studying the art of martial arts I also worked the summer program as a camp counselor alongside my instructor with children teaching them skills they could apply for life through physical activities, determination and perseverance.  I was pretty close to becoming a black belt.  I wish I never stopped, that journey played a huge role in the woman I am today. 

Favorite inspiring quote? Once you believe it you can conceive it- Misa McGregor or in the words of Muhammad Ali “If my mind can conceive it, and my heart can believe it-then I can achieve it.”  

Do you have any hair rules you live by? Nourish your mind and body and your hair will do right by you.  Healthy hair stems from a healthy body. Products are enhancers they aren’t necessities. The world seems to twist the two thanks to marketing.  Keep it simple; cleanse, condition, detangle hydrate and alternate with protein treatments.  Moisture keeps the hair from breaking due to the loss of elasticity and protein helps to strengthen reducing excessive shedding

How did you know this was the career path for you? Besides the fact I enjoy it and it doesn’t feel like work most days lol confirmation came through the words of those around me after touching their strands.  Some people would tell me it’s my calling from my gentleness or the growth they would see that they haven’t seen in a while.  Being surrounded by the industry from my parents being salon owners I guess I became a product of my environment without knowing until I reached about 17.  I knew I wanted to be more than just a hairstylist though I wanted to touch lives through hair.      

What does being an entrepreneur mean to you? A person that lives in their purpose leading them to a means of survival through doing what they enjoy. 

One goal for your business in 2020? To form an umbrella for multiple properties through investing under Hair By Misa.  

Any advice for someone thinking about trying entrepreneurship? Not every day will be a walk in the park there will be many days you question yourself and your actions.  This is why we all should do what we love so when those times come we can revert back to our why helping us to stay and push through with the mindset of “I CAN & I WILL.  When the ingredient includes love and the intention is pure greatness is bound to be created. 

Most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur? Time… being able to spend it how I feel is the most rewarding part of entrepreneurship. My previous boss told me I was unable to take off for my niece’s 1st birthday and I never forgot it.  I never want to put anyone in the position to tell me I can’t be there for someone I care deeply for.  I always went above and beyond for any company I worked for, but it always seemed as it wasn’t enough, and employees were seen as disposable.  It is a very degrading feeling, but to those who work for a company that values your existence don’t ever take it for granted.   

Biggest accomplishment so far as an entrepreneur?’ Becoming an Author of Love’s Raw Impact. Being able to provide my own source of income while living on my own terms.  Everything that I have accomplished has been from the capital of hair, so still being able to provide for myself and others is truly a blessing.   

Name: Kellica Adams

Business: Beauty Bee Bundles

 Zodiac Sign: Pisces 

Where do you see your business in 5 years: In 5 years I hope to have multiple streams of income and hopefully Beauty Bee Bundles will just be 1 of them.

Name another woman that inspires you: Damn I don’t know if I can pin point just one, there are so many young minority entrepreneurs and working mothers fearlessly following their dreams and providing for their families. They all inspire me. 

Where are you right now in your entrepreneur journey?  I am currently working on developing my brand but also learning so much about about what it takes to run a business. There’s this meme that says “the internet got entrepreneurship looking easy” and it’s so true. Starting your own business and being an entrepreneur you have to take on so many roles.  In the beginning you are the business, you are your own team. You are responsible for marketing, social media management, customer service representative, branding, shipping and receiving and the list goes on. Working a full time job as a High Risk OBGYN /Breast cancer Sonographer and raising a family… shit gets super hectic. It can be overwhelming and I don’t always feel inspired but I am always motivated because manifestation without movement is just mumbo jumbo. Not only do I have to manifest but I have to be disciplined and stay consistent. 

What made you start Beauty Bee Bundles? Having my daughter definitely. Just 6 weeks after giving birth my boss was rushing me back to work, I didn’t go back of course but 4 months later I was still distraught. Missing those vital first months and years of our children’s lives, during a time they’re growing so rapidly and absorbing so much around them is overwhelming. We spend most of our days and lives building someone else’s empire for a weekly paycheck that, the way the economy is set up right now, probably won’t cover basic healthcare needs or a simple family vacation. I have a great career but I can’t pass down a career to my children, probably just debt. 

What would you like society to stop doing to women?  I wish society would allow us to be and do whatever we want in this life without constant judgment or scrutiny. Let’s start by teaching little girls to fall deeply in love with themselves and create whatever life they want. A life of happiness not attached to a man or having children or a certain dress size. And ladies please stop allowing society to pit us against one another, she is your sister not your competition. These unrealistic standards have been created to manipulate us, to keep us in a box, keep us under control… keep us from embracing our greatness!

How do you practice self care? I read a lot, I’m a book worm, I will read anything, from Harry Potter to Michael Eric Dyson’s Tears We Cannot Stop to 50 Shades of Grey. I also love music, I can literally have my own party by myself in my living room dancing away… it makes me feel so free. Most recently I’ve also been trying something new, may seem minuscule to you but simply saying no. Yes saying “no” to anything that threatens my happiness or makes me uncomfortable and not caring who that may offend and it’s made such a huge difference in my life. 

Favorite song that makes you feel empowered? Mmm empowered?  Right now I would say Pink’s “Just Like Fire” 

What does Beauty Bee Bundles offer its clientele? We offer luxury virgin hair extensions, at an affordable price. We offer women the opportunity to treat themselves and feel their absolute best. 

Favorite inspiring quote? “Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it” Dennis P. Kimbro.

Tell me one thing most people don’t know about you? I use to perform and write spoken word… even competed.

One goal you have for your business in 2020? I definitely want to revamp my website and rebrand my eyelash line. I’d also like to open up more and connect and collab with other dope ass entrepreneurs!

What does being an entrepreneur mean to you? It means taking my life into my own hands by putting in the hard work and literally creating something from nothing. I want to live life on my own terms, I don’t want my dreams, my opportunities, my time to be based on what an employer allows, I want to control all that shit. God didn’t bless me with this beautiful life for it to be within the limits of PTO and pay raises. 

Name: Laura Best

Business: Urban Simplicity by LB – Natural Hair Care and Restoration

Zodiac sign: Gemini

TSL: Why did your name your brand Urban Simplicity and what does it mean to you?

 LB: Somewhere around 2009 my life changed drastically; there were a series of unfortunate events that took me into a deep space that I had to save myself from. In order to cope with all that I was experiencing I focused intently on my business. I rebranded everything; the business cards, services offered, pricing, how I received payment, how I conducted business-EVERYTHING. I was also living in a brownstone in Bedstuy Brooklyn. Nothing described the décor and feel of my apartment better than … Urban Simplicity. My salon chair was placed in the center of what was intended to be a living room, but instead became a haven where my community of clients could share their world with me. Surrounding the chair were plants, wood and wicker, and a very large mixture of my homemade oils. These oils are now available for purchase and are known as US oils. Some people often ask why US? First it’s an acronym for Urban Simplicity. Two, I was very intentional in choosing a brand that would create a meaningful acronym, US is what I want. All services are about the client first. How do they feel, what do they want, what are you allergic to, what is your happy scent? Listening to your client helps create a healthy and meaningful experience. When it comes to hair what I offer my clients is in the name just like my work space. Styles enriched with cultural essence and showcased in the most beautiful way. Tasteful designs allowing us to penetrate a plethora of platforms that can only be done in the most simplistic way. I want everyone to understand natural hair is beautiful and functional.

TSL: What would you like society to stop doing to women? Society needs to stop thinking women either want to rule the world, carry it on our shoulders, or are incapable of doing either. We can do all of it and can not do any of it alone at the same time. We are hard and soft. We are flawed and flawless. We are the protectors who also need to be protected and covered. And society doesn’t get to decide who I am, who we are, this decade, this month, this day or this minute. Society needs to stop choosing a box for us, because we can build our own. And guess what, sometimes we require assistance with the construction.

TSL: Name another woman who inspires you? I am so lucky to have many women in my circle I look up to, this is really hard. This question being the hardest to answer let’s me know I am blessed. Hmmm. I really came back to this question several times and each time I added a few more words to the answer and really didn’t say shit lol. There are women who survived both illnesses and paper cuts who inspire me. Those who rise to the occasion and are just learning how to walk who inspire me. Mothers, aunts, grand mothers, cousins, sisters etc  who inspire me. Lawd help me. Is this really a thing being surrounded by too much of a good thing? Is this what too much sauce means? You know what, let me go with my late momma. Lolita, although you are no longer here in body you are always in spirit. I have never known one person who was always, no matter what, kind to all. This is a level of peace I plan to embody. What she did and didn’t do for me made me who I am. There are parts of her I wish were different, but as I grow older I learn these “things” were all part of my divine plan. I appreciate you Lo. You gave me this thing called life and I am forever grateful because of it. To my late Daddy, I love you too Sedwin. These are my built in best friends. they’re just in spirit form now. *heart emoji*

TSL: Where do you see your business in 5 years? Oh, I love to hate this question. On one hand it makes you realize all the possibilities, and the other hand omg 5 years is like tomorrow! Of course I plan to expand on my product line. There is more than just US oils; a head-to-toe mixture infused with fresh herbs, essential oils and vitamin extracts. And US balms; a light balm intended for, but not limited to US men. “Sonshine”, the first installment is a light balm for beards, lips, and skin blemishes, with a prominent scent of lemongrass. The ingredients are intended to reduce itching, produce growth and blend texture of skin or hair. Stay tuned. My 5 year focus is creating Urban Simplicity Salon Suites. As a traveling stylist I know how difficult it can be to create the perfect environment for every client. I plan to help provide a unique tranquil experience for current and future stylists. A large percentage of my services is all about how my client feels. Their comfort level and privacy is in some cases more important than anything else. I plan to start this project very soon. Stay tuned!

TSL: What does being an entrepreneur mean to you?  Financial freedom. Freedom of expression. Freedom to be passionate about an oversaturated market. Freedom to teach and learn from people in your field. Freedom to network and learn from people who are nothing like you. Freedom to hear their stories. Freedom to share yours. Freedom to think about going broke, because doing this one thing is far more important than surviving without something to look forward to. Freedom to love what you do. Freedom to love it the same as your partner. Freedom to meet someone who understands this, and is willing to support this love. Freedom to dream. Freedom to want to share this dream with the world everyday you wake up. Freedom to feel alive. Freedom to take chances. Freedom to fail.  Freedom to trust yourself and the process. Freedom to fall 9 times and rise 10. Freedom to succeed. In short FREEDOM.

TSL: What was your first experience with doing someone’s hair? I’m laughing out loud because I remember this moment. Tragic, lol. I was 13, one of my friends at the time asked me to do her hair. We really thought she was going to look like a combination of Janet Jackson from the velvet rope cover and the little mermaid. In fact she turned out like some weird love child of Raggedy Ann and the cowardly lion. For the millennials she looked like a terrible version of Trippie Redd and Lil Yatchy, LOL. Listen, I started doing my own hair at the same age she asked, everyone thought I was ready. I was willing, but far from able. LOL. It took time, but what I learned was far more important. In all that I do I am motivated by how I affect the public. How people think about themselves when they leave my chair. No one was able to wrap their hands around how to tame my big, unmanageable, bushy hair. I learned quickly that I wanted no one else to feel this way. Also, I understood very quickly that I could profit from something I thoroughly enjoyed. Win, win.

TSL: Favorite song that makes you feel empowered? “Free” by Denise Williams and “Suge” by Da Baby. As a Gemini I am 2 spirits in one body.

TSL: What does urban simplicity offer to those who use your service? Urban Simplicity by LB offers mobile natural hair care and restorative services in a designated amount of time agreed on by both me, the lead and only stylist, and my client. In the time allotted for your appointment you will be provided with techniques both spiritual and physical that will aid in proper hair care and length retention. The services offered include, but are not limited to: homegrown loc maintenance, faux loc installation and maintenance, braids, custom weave installations, cut, color, treatments, and barbering. Products are also provided at each service for long wear care. Urban Simplicity also offers a space to talk about anything! If you were to call anyone of my clients they would quickly tell you I know everything about them. I am more than your stylist. I am more than the artist who uses your head as a canvas. I am your friend, your family, your therapist, your home away from home. I pride myself on the fact that all my clients are referral based. It is rewarding to know people want to share their experience with others. I love and appreciate my community deep, deep.

TSL: Name one thing most people don’t  know about you? Ashley, I just want to go on record saying I cant stand you for exposing me lol. My business almost collapsed several times, I lost count. I have a horrible relationship with myself which is the reason I pour an immense amount of energy into you all. I never want anyone to ever feel how I feel at my worst. Energy is everything for me. Anyone that truly knows me, knows I will cancel an appointment very quickly if the chemistry isn’t right. Also, if I’m not ok. Energy is 100% transferrable, remember that. There were a few times where I almost gave up on everything- EVERYTHING. Urban Simplicity by LB is literally my life. When I feel I have nothing or no one, I have this thing. It’s painful at times when my time and skill are not valued the way it should be. Sometimes simply working on my business behind closed doors is extremely therapeutic. This thing that is less about hair and more about the experience is very important to me; therefore, I protect it. Your stories remind me that tomorrow is ok. In therapy I have never discussed my business. It is my most prized possession. I am very protective of it. Your stories remind me that I serve a purpose beyond the tools. I said a whole lot just now. I encourage you to read between the lines and interpret this in a way that satisfies your curiosity.

TSL: Where are you currently in your journey of being a female entrepreneur? I honestly don’t know. Maybe the beginning if we are talking about time. I have so much to learn. Do you ever really stop learning? In spirit I was born about this life. I am one of those entrepreneurs that live a double life. I believe in multiple streams of income. I am not just hair. One, Urban Simplicity by LB will be more than hair. It is also about community. I want Urban Simplicity by LB to be more about creating healthy spaces for children and adults of all walks of life. We need to not only run businesses to gain, but also to give. I plan to offer seasonal promotions to enhance the lives of deserving individuals by partnering with some of my fellow entrepreneurs. In the words of one of my closest friends; “you have to network, to get work.” Who am I, if not the stepping stone for my community to stand? I also plan to continue incorporating training, branding, editorial work and mentoring in the next few years. I work in the shadows uplifting and lending a host of services to my family and friends. It’s how I love, I give.

TSL: Favorite inspiring quote? “Be who you needed when you were younger.” We often forget that where we are now is an exact result of what we have experienced as children. Be the good you didn’t have, be the push you needed, be the force that makes someone believe in themselves. Be the tough love. Be the no that someone needed to hear. Be the open door. Be the opportunity they missed because they needed to learn humility. Be the person that tells someone your story so they can learn from your joy and your pain. Be the yasssss someone needed to hear to walk out the door with their head held high. Be the person who decided to walk away from a toxic relationship for a person to learn what loss feels like. Be the loud ass cheer person in an audience full of stushy people. Be the person that stays calm while someone vents to you about something extremely ridiculous. Then be the same person who asks them “why do you really care?” Be all of these people you didn’t have at the moment you needed so we can combat generational trauma, anxiety, depression and stress. I am a lover of quotes, but this one is one I need to keep in my back pocket, because I too, need a reminder every now and then.

TSL: One goal you have for your business in 2020? Uncontrollable growth. Although I love branding others and will continue to do so, I also place Urban Simplicity by LB’s biggest focus on growing US. I plan to incorporate a few new services; micro links, sister locs, and custom order wigs. Consistency, accountability and love. I plan to love myself more than I ever have. How can I consistently give you all something I don’t posses? My clients have asked for me to pour into myself what I give them time and time again. I am honored to know you all and to have been loved by you in this selfless way. More trips, more retreats more time doing absolutely nothing, because these acts of self love lead to inner growth. Inner growth leads to expansion of knowledge. Knowledge grows businesses. Business growth leads to satisfied clientele. I leave you with my favorite salutation: More Hair!