We were lucky to catch up with Lisa (LC) Campbell recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Lisa (LC) thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your business sooner or later

To be utterly real, I never thought I would become a salon owner, there was no “Big Dream” of opening a salon. When I started my career 10 years ago I wasn’t even sure where I was going with it but of course I had the fantasies but I had no clue that this is what was meant for me. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve always known I was destined for something great, something big, something incredibly bigger outside of what I may have limited myself to.

In 2019, actually a few months after I did my last interview with VoyageMIA, I left the hair industry. Let me tell you, burnout is REAL!! I wasn’t inspired anymore, I was giving so much of myself and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t find a balance, I couldn’t find “my place” I got to a point of feeling completely lost, I was done.. so I thought.

After 6 months away from the industry, I was inspired and convinced (somewhat bullied lol) to get behind the chair again by one of the best people I know (Chari Viana. Amazing stylist, check her out) and so I did. I honestly wasn’t sure if I knew how to do hair anymore haha but it was like I never left but I still had this feeling of being out of place. Then, the pandemic happened and like most everywhere, we were all lost, confused, afraid.. About a year later, things seem to be settling.. Then this feeling and crowding thoughts of opening my own salon space just wouldn’t leave me, I immediately talked that thought down because how the hell was I going to do that and perhaps because of fear. I swear, the whole salon thing just wouldn’t let up, it was weighing heavy on my heart. One morning, I finally acted on it and went to check out spaces, I figured let’s just see what happens, but nothing. I accidentally found the perfect space a few months later and figured I’d go for it, I mean the sky was already “falling” (with Covid and everything) what’s the worst that could happen.

And now here I am! Although, it wasn’t at all easy, there were many breakdowns, many doubts and plenty of days where I thought to back out. Whether I was to do it then or now probably wouldn’t have mattered or made a difference because when something is placed in your heart, regardless of the doubts, timing or fear you just have to listen and act because undeniably, that thing or feeling is purpose!

Lisa (LC), love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Well… I go by LC, I own The Mane Concept in Boca Raton, FL. Originally, from The Bronx, New York.

I started my career 10 years ago here In Boca as a colorist. Never did I think this would be the direction I take as far as how I create or become… I remember always doing the craziest things to my hair, literally every color of the rainbow. In high school (Circa 2008) I was known as the girl with the pink and purple hair, not my name lol.. I knew nothing about hair, I was always just experimenting and always had a way of figuring things out.. Then, I didn’t know that “doing hair” was something to make a career out of, I didn’t know that I could make a living being this kind of artist.. I went to college for business then switch to finance, not sure what I was thinking, I was just doing what I thought made sense.. Eventually, I dropped out and Cosmetology school was suggested to me by an ex’s mom. She convinced me to check it out, I guess she saw what I didn’t at the time. Fast forward, I’m a damn good artist if I say so myself lol.

I have been transforming hair and making it my art since 2013. I specialize in hair color, that has my heart since the beginning, Fun fact, in the time of my career, I’ve never done a haircut. ever! (Is that bad? Lol) I focus most on the modern balayage and “lived in” color techniques.. There’s nothing like effortless hair, especially in today’s world. At The Mane Concept, of course we have talented and experienced artist that specialize in cutting and finishing design.

I truly believe that you never have to go out of your way to “set yourself apart” we all have something that the other can never possess and that’s simply being YOU! Connection, is an important and such a beautiful thing, especially in this industry. We get to impact others in more ways than we may think. When I’m behind the chair and when I get to serve you my main objective genuinely is how can I make you feel more like you, how can I impact you, how can I connect with you! There are great artists all around but it’s the way we connect and the way we make one feel why we succeed as the artists we are.

Any advice for managing a team?

I’ve learned that when dealing with any and everyone that we have to lead with compassion and understanding, after all, we were right where they were.. just beginning and becoming! We are delicate beings whether we display it or not. However, we do have have to display a form of authority but that doesn’t always mean being demanding or barking. There is a way to be be firm and encouraging, to inspire your team to show up and be willing and to teach what you have mastered.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I can’t really get too deep into the story but there was a time during my journey where I was face down, it seemed as though the odds were completely against me.. I was moments away from giving up on everything… Stepping into salon ownership is a scary, however enticing feeling/emotion. I don’t know about anyone else but there are those overwhelming thoughts that will creep up on you and say “who do you think you are” there are those moments that you will face that will try to take you out and may even have you flat on your back.. I heard this saying once and I can’t recall from where but it has always stuck with me.. “if you fall, fall on your back. If you can look up, you can get up.”

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.themaneconcept.com
• Instagram: Lc_atthemaneconcept
• Other: @themaneconceptbylc