We recently connected with Leah LaRue and have shared our conversation below.
Leah, appreciate you joining us today. Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
I have gained customers in other countries such as Germany, Canada, Puerto Rico. My brand is technically known globally mostly just for selling Shampoo! This side hustle has helped fund my salon business where I now have plenty of cash flow and am not stressed to overfill my books.
In fact I only work with about 5-7 clients a week. My schedule is so flexible that I have plenty of time to run my platforms and work with my guests. I love that I can make time to establish a connection with each person I work with now. Before, I felt like a robot in a factory! The major changes I made to my business are the key to what has pushed me closer to not only my goals as a 6 figure stylist but also as a mentally healthier human.
More wealth and less work, I couldn’t imagine doing it any differently now!
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
Beauty has always been a hobby of mine. I actually started providing beauty services in high school. I always enjoyed getting ready for dances and proms much more than the event itself. Eventually I started realizing I can make money off of my skills which fueled my passion to learn more about all services. Over 15 years I have studied, apprenticed, and serviced over 500 clients and counting. I have practiced and provided Makeup, Facials, Waxing, Tanning and of course just about all areas of Hair services in my professional journey. As I have grown my beauty career I continuously find myself creating the magic before the event or big date. Nothing makes me happier than boosting your confidence so you can feel great and enjoy your best life !
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
After working in every type of salon I learned that the types of things I want to do in this industry just didn’t align with being in a salon. If anything I spent way too much time trying to fit in and copy other peoples business plans.
Eventually, I paved my own way with the unthinkable which for most hair stylists is selling retail. More than half of my income now comes from RETAIL! I
How did I do it? It was definitely NOT overnight although I did have many many all nighters studying this stuff. I think it’s safe to say I have become a self taught expert with e-commerce platforms, keywords, SEO.
Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?
Some of the things that have kept me motivated over the years are meditation podcasts/audio books. I make it a habit to learn about a new topic on the subjects I’m interested in DAILY. I am obsessed with my air pods and always have them with me just in case I can sneak in some inspiration/or ground myself throughout the day.
Also, having Mentors and Coaches and people who are doing what you want to be doing. Study those people and learn from their habits and mistakes. Surround yourself with people who are going to accept your journey and support your mission.
A major step for success is my mental and spiritual health as well. I seek guidance from life coaches & spiritual leaders. I incorporate meditation and journaling rituals into my daily routine to keep my mind and body centered all the time, especially on days when I feel like giving up.
Even though I am a full time creative I choose other creative hobbies that I do not monetize which keeps me from feeling burnt out artistically.
My Formula for Success:
🌟 5 WAYS (& HOW) TO DEVELOP A GOAL SETTING MINDSET 🌟
1 PURPOSE- WHATS DRIVING IT?
a. THE GOAL
b. THE REASON FOR THE GOAL
2. LOCK IT IN TO YOUR THOUGHTS.
a. DAILY MANTRA
b. LISTING/JOURNALING IDEAS
3. MAKE TIME TO FOCUS ON IT
4. LOOK FOR PROGRESSION IN MANY PLACES
5. REINFORCE A HEALTHY MINDSET
a. TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE
b. REPEAT THE HEALTHY HABITS UNTIL THEY BECOME YOUR NEW NORMAL!
Contact Info:
- Website: Thehairphysic.com
- Instagram: @Thehairphysic @shampoohaven.shop
- Facebook: the hair physic/ shampoo haven / your hair besties group
- Other: ShampooHaven.shop