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

Hi Elle, thanks for joining us today. Owning a business isn’t always glamorous and so most business owners we’ve connected with have shared that on tough days they sometimes wonder what it would have been like to have just had a regular job instead of all the responsibility of running a business. Have you ever felt that way?

Are you happier as a business owner?

Yes and no. Being a business owner gives me a sense of purpose and control that I never quite felt in a traditional 9-to-5. I get to build something that reflects my values, culture, and vision. There’s deep pride in that. But with the freedom comes a heavy load of financial pressure, mental exhaustion, and the constant need to prove myself in spaces that still don’t always expect someone like me to lead.

Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job?

Not at all, but when the bills are due, business is slow, or I’m navigating spaces where I have to fight to be taken seriously. I think I wonder if employees feel like at the end of a hard day’s work.

Tell us the story about the last time you had that thought, what was going on, really paint the picture for us so we can understand what you were going through and how you thought through this question, and what (if any) conclusions or insights you came to.
It was supposed to be our biggest event of the year a “10-year Spa La La La Soiree ” celebrating 10 years in business inside the Del Amo Fashion Center. I had been planning it for over three months, juggling everything from booking vendors to curating the playlist to working with local caterers and sponsors. It was our chance to boost visibility for our brand and spotlight others in the community. I wanted everything to be perfect. That was my first mistake.
It was supposed to be a powerful night, a panel called “Bold, Black & Building” meant to highlight Black women entrepreneurs doing incredible things across beauty and wellness. I had been dreaming about this panel for years, and now it was finally happening. We had secured a key speaker, sent out invites, confirmed speakers, and sold over 50 tickets. It felt like a moment.
The first issue? One of the panelists missed her flight. We found out two hours before the event. She was supposed to bring a whole other perspective that balanced out the beauty and wellness voices. I scrambled to rework the run-of-show and brief the moderator. Then, the publicist hired was over 1 hour late, and she had the swag bags and giveaways. Last but not least she had the contract that the key speaker needed to proceed. The key speaker Chocc was on the verge of leaving, the guest was losing patience, and we needed to get the discussion started. In the end, a lady by the name of Kassha Brown stepped in and worked out the kinks, and the panelist started, and the event was saved!
I sat in my car after locking up, exhausted, embarrassed, and questioning everything. That’s when I opened my phone and saw a DM from a young woman who had attended. She wrote:
“That was the first time I ever saw women who look like me talking about building businesses in a space that felt welcoming. Please do more of this. We need it.”
That stopped me in my tracks. 9-5 isn’t FOR ME.
Conclusion
The weight of entrepreneurship is real, especially as a Black woman, but so is the freedom. And even on the tough days, I’d rather bet on myself.

Elle, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Beauty and business have been two core passions of mine for as long as I can remember. Growing up surrounded by strong, stylish women, my mother, grandmother, aunts, and cousins, I was immersed in a world where femininity was celebrated, nurtured, and expressed with pride. You could call me a “girly girl,” and you wouldn’t be wrong. My love for beauty came naturally. But my interest in business was something deeper rooted in a desire to shape my future and build something I could truly call my own.
I began my career in the personal beautification industry, eventually becoming a fully trained and licensed aesthetician. While I loved working hands-on with clients, I knew I wanted to do more than just provide services. I wanted to build something that reflected my values, work ethic, and vision. So while continuing to work in the industry, I went back to school and earned my degree in Business from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 2007.
I opened my first business in 2003 at Elle Marie Spa and Salon in Redondo Beach, where I laid the foundation for what would become a long-lasting, loyal clientele, many of whom have followed me from location to location over the years. After 15 successful years in that space, I made the strategic decision to relocate to Del Amo Fashion Center. The move allowed me to expand my brand, increase visibility, and tap into the high foot traffic and energy of a well-established retail environment.
What sets my business apart isn’t just the quality of the services we offer, it’s the relationships we build. I’ve always had a natural gift for connecting with people, and I truly believe that’s been the secret to my success. My business thrives on repeat clients and word-of-mouth referrals, built on years of trust, service, and consistent excellence.
At Elle Marie Spa, we believe luxury should be accessible even for those with the busiest schedules. Located in a vibrant, high-traffic setting, we specialize in delivering affordable luxury with exceptional care, quality, and results. Whether you’re looking to refresh, relax, or reset, we offer a curated range of treatments designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle.
Our services include express and full-body massages, brow shaping, customized skin treatments, and professional body waxing, all performed by our team of elite, highly trained practitioners. For those short on time, our express services are crafted to deliver maximum benefit in minimal time, so you can look and feel your best without compromising your schedule.
We’re proud to offer:
• State-of-the-art skin treatments including our signature oxygen facial, which gently infuses oxygen into the skin to rejuvenate, hydrate, and reveal a more youthful glow.
• A revitalizing Oxygen Bar experience to boost energy, reduce fatigue, and elevate your mood.
• Massage therapy by experienced professionals trained in both Eastern and Western techniques, helping to relieve pain, manage stress, and promote overall wellness.
• Expert aesthetic services from precision waxing to brow sculpting and advanced facial care.
• Inclusive offerings, including full body waxing for men, making us one of the few spas in the area to provide this service.
At Elle Marie Spa, it’s not just about the services, it’s about the experience. We’ve created a welcoming, soothing space where every client feels valued and cared for. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time client, we’re here to help you unwind, restore, and glow on your terms.

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

Funding my business was never easy, but it was always personal. I primarily self-funded through a mix of personal savings and borrowing from friends and family who believed in me, even when the path was uncertain. I didn’t have access to big investors or startup capital, so I had to get creative and resourceful. There were moments when it felt like I owed everyone I knew, all while juggling overdue bills, dodging calls from collectors, and dealing with people who openly questioned whether I could make it, but I kept going. Even in the face of doubt, I stayed committed to the dream owning a business in an industry I’ve been passionate about for over 15 years. There were seasons of real struggle, but also real growth. I started with a boutique location in Redondo Beach and, through perseverance, faith, and hard work, expanded to a prime location in Del Amo Fashion Center, one of the largest malls in the world. That move was a turning point, a symbol of what’s possible when you refuse to give up.
I’ve also experimented with limited partnerships along the way. Unfortunately, many of those left me feeling undervalued. Instead of true collaboration, some treated it as though they were doing me a favor, rather than recognizing the expertise, vision, and sweat equity I brought to the table. Those experiences taught me to trust my instincts, protect my worth, and know when to walk away.
Looking back, every dollar scraped together, every doubt overcome, and every lesson learned was part of the journey. I’m proud to say I built this business not just with money, but with heart, hustle, and an unshakable belief in the life I wanted to create.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I believe my reputation has been built on a foundation of consistency, authenticity, and genuine care for my clients. From day one, I’ve always prioritized delivering high-quality services and creating a welcoming, affirming space where people feel seen and valued. That personal touch, knowing my clients by name, remembering their preferences, and treating each appointment as more than just a transaction, has turned first-time customers into loyal, long-term clients.
I’ve also built trust by simply showing up, even during the hard times. Whether it was navigating economic downturns, slow seasons, or personal sacrifices, I stayed committed to my vision and to the people who support it. Over time, that level of resilience becomes something people respect.
Another factor has been word-of-mouth. Happy clients are your best marketing team. Many of my customers have referred their friends, family, and coworkers, and that organic growth has been key to my success. In addition, I’ve maintained a strong physical presence first in Redondo Beach and now in Del Amo Fashion Center, which has helped elevate visibility and credibility.
Ultimately, I think what’s helped most is staying true to who I am and keeping my standards high. I don’t cut corners, and I take pride in every service offered under my brand. That kind of consistency builds trust, and trust builds reputation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.ellemariespa.com
• Instagram: @ellemariespa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElleMarieSpa/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/elle-marie-spa
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ellemariespa4079/videos
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/elle-marie-spa-torrance

Image Credits

Julia Harris
Erica Adams
Patrick ODonnell
Haldane