We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Leann Drake. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with LeAnn below.

Alright, LeAnn thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I first knew I wanted to pursue a creative, artistic path professionally at a very young age. I began doing hair when I was about eight or nine years old, braiding and styling throughout my life. While I always had a natural gift for doing hair, I initially thought I might follow other career paths. I worked various jobs and even explored nursing, but I eventually realized that hair was my true calling—it’s my gift.

However, it didn’t stop there. I discovered that education is my niche. I have a deep love for learning, and as I acquire new skills, I feel a strong desire to share that knowledge with others. That’s when I realized that education is my purpose.

This realization inspired me to not only refine my craft but also to learn every skill set I could, both inside and outside of the classroom, to become a better educator and facilitator. It’s this passion that has driven me to establish the Fusion Natural Hair and Braid Academy, where I guide others in mastering their craft.

When it came to creating LeAnn Drake Hair Care, I wanted to go beyond just putting another product on the shelf. I wanted to develop a line that truly represented who I am and what I stand for as a professional beauty and healthy hair advocate. Every product in the line is intentional, meaningful, and designed to support healthy hair practices. It reflects my commitment to empowering others through education, quality, and care.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

About Me and My Journey

Hello! My name is LeAnn Drake, and I’m a licensed cosmetology teacher, an artist at heart, and the proud founder of multiple beauty-focused brands, including LuvLe Style Salon, Fusion Natural Hair and Braid Academy, and LeAnn Drake Hair Care. My journey into the beauty industry started at a very young age—I began braiding and styling hair at just eight or nine years old. What began as a childhood passion evolved into a lifelong calling, blending artistry with education to create meaningful impacts in the beauty community.

What I Offer

Through my Academy, I provide hands-on training and mentorship for aspiring professionals in natural hair and braiding, giving them the skills and confidence to build their careers. My salon, LuvLe Style, offers a range of haircare and styling services, specializing in healthy, natural hair solutions. With LeAnn Drake Hair Care, I’ve developed a line of products designed to promote healthy hair practices, combining quality ingredients with my years of expertise as a professional beauty advocate.

What Sets Me Apart

What truly sets me apart is my commitment to education and empowerment. I don’t just aim to style hair or sell products—I focus on creating experiences and building knowledge. I believe in equipping my clients, students, and customers with the tools they need to thrive. Whether it’s teaching my students the nuances of their craft or designing haircare products that cater to diverse hair textures, I am passionate about making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

What I’m Most Proud Of

I’m most proud of the impact my work has on others. Seeing my students grow into confident professionals, watching my clients feel empowered by their healthy hair, and hearing feedback from customers who love my products are the moments that fuel my passion.

What I Want You to Know

At the heart of everything I do is a desire to create, educate, and inspire. My brands are rooted in authenticity, quality, and a deep understanding of what my clients and customers need. With every product, service, or class I offer, my mission is to empower others to feel confident, informed, and cared for.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most defining moments in my journey was when I graduated from the teacher program. I had worked so hard to earn my credentials and was promised a job at the school I attended. I was excited and ready to step into my new role as an educator, but that opportunity never came to fruition.

Determined to move forward, I began focusing on what I could control—my craft. I returned to the salon, dedicating myself to doing more hair, servicing more clients, and building stronger connections with my clientele. I poured my energy into providing exceptional service and expanding my reach within the beauty industry.

Through this hard work and perseverance, I gained clarity on my true purpose. Over time, the idea for Fusion Natural Hair and Braid Academy was born. It became the next chapter of my journey, where I could combine my love for the beauty industry with my passion for education and empowerment.

This experience taught me that setbacks are not the end of the story—they’re an invitation to pivot, refocus, and create something even greater. And it’s a reminder of something I always say: only you get to choose who you want to be. When one door closes, it’s up to us to find another way forward.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist or creative is the ability to bring ideas to life and see how they connect with others. It’s fulfilling to know that my work can inspire, uplift, or transform someone’s perspective. I also love the process of continuous growth, learning, and challenging myself creatively, all while leaving a lasting impact. It’s about connection, legacy, and personal growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www. leanndrakehaircare.com www.fusionbraidacademy.com
• Instagram: @leanndrakehaircare @fusionbraidacademy
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/LUVLESTYLE
• Youtube: @LeAnnDrakeHairCare