We recently connected with Latoya Moore and have shared our conversation below.

Latoya, appreciate you joining us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

Achieving success requires a commitment to hard work and dedication, along with perseverance through both challenges and triumphs. It is essential to learn from failures and mistakes, using those experiences ads stepping stones to continue progressing towards your goals.

At the outset of my career as a hairstylist, I encountered considerable competition within the industry. Uncertainly loomed over my potential for success, given the challenges inherent in this field. Establishing loyal clientele was essential for ensuring stable income during that period. Nevertheless, committed to setting clear goals aimed at refining my skills, with the objective of attracting the clients I aspired to serve.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Latoya left the corporate world to follow her dream of becoming a hairstylist, and during beauty school, she realized her passion for natural hair. During her last week of school, Latoya had an interview with the manager of Devacurl, and the rest is history. She spent eight years working for their infamous SoHo salon, working key events and training staff, before deciding to pursue her own endeavor.

Elle Moore’s Beauty is a Brooklyn- based hair salon specializing in natural curly, wavy and coils hair care. With over seven years in operation and loyal customers, the salon provides expert curly haircuts, treatments and personal grooming services.

I don’t just style hair; I craft transformations. Watching my clients light up when they see the magic in their natural texture is why I do this. For me, my work is about the connection, artistry, and creating a space everyone feels like family.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Years ago, I sat a corporate desk, feeling the weight of a career that left me unfulfilled. On the surface, i had stability, deep form, i knew my calling was elsewhere. It wasn’t an easy decision to leave the comfort of a steady paycheck for unknown world hairstylising, but i felt a spark in my soul that couldn’t be ignored. I enrolled in beauty school, embracing the opportunity to reinvent myself and follow my passion. The journey wasn’t without its challenges. But every time I held a comb, every time I styled even the simplest curls, i felt a sense of purpose she had never known before.

During my final week of beauty school, I faced a defining moment. An opportunity to interview with the manager of Devachan/Devacurl a renowned brand in the natural hair industry present itself. I knew this was my chance to step into the future i envisioned. I walked into the interview nervous but determined, armed with her authenticity , passion, and a willingness to learn. I got the job. For 9 transformative years, i worked at Devachan Salon. I honed my craft , becoming a trusted stylist for countless clients, a mentor new stylists , and a face at key industry events. I felt a pull to do something more -something that truly represented her vision.

How did you put together the initial capital you needed to start your business?

Starting a business is never easy, but it’s even more daunting when you’re building it entirely from scratch your own savings. For me, every dollar I invested was just money it was hope sacrifice, and a deep belief in my vision.

Leaving the comfort of a steady paycheck to pursue my passion was a leap of faith. I had no investors, no safety net just a dream of creating a space where natural curls could be celebrated, where people could feel seen and empowered. Every cent i had saved over the years became the foundation of that dream. But funding my business wasn’t just about finances, it was about resilience. This wasn’t just about starting a salon, it was about proving to myself and others that passion and perseverance can create something extraordinary. The experience taught me the value of every decision i had to be intentional, resourceful, patient, knowing that each stop i took was shaping not only my business but also my character. There were moments of doubt, nights when i questioned if I had taken on too much, but I stayed rooted in my “why”.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.ellembeautys.com
• Instagram: Curlqueen_latoya

Image Credits

Headshots – Tyquane Bates
Image with the brown hat – Jessy Hutchins
Image with the orange blazer by me