We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alanna Addison a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alanna, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

In 2019, I made a pivotal decision that changed the trajectory of my life. Although I had never considered myself a risk taker, I knew that stepping out on faith was my only path forward.

My journey began with a young marriage that ended in divorce. Before the dissolution, I had everything planned—my career, my next steps, and a life that felt predictable and secure. But then, I found myself working as a pharmacy technician in a dead-end job that barely paid more than minimum wage, and I realized something had to change. At the age of 21, I had my whole life ahead of me, and I was not going to settle for stagnation. I was young, talented, and motivated, yet I was stuck. That realization sparked a shift.

A chance conversation with my father’s partner, who was a cosmetology instructor at a local community college, proved to be a turning point. After speaking with me, she looked me in the eye and said, “You look like a hairstylist.” While I wasn’t sure if it was a look or a deeper recognition, I knew in that moment that I had to pursue this path. Within weeks, I toured the program and enrolled—just a month before the semester began. By the fall of 2019, I was attending cosmetology school, and in 2021, I graduated with my Associate’s degree in Salon and Spa Management.

Then came the leap. Just six months after graduation, two of my closest friends, Keandre Cole and Chelsea Rainey, approached me with a bold idea: they wanted to open a full-service barbershop and asked me to join them as a business partner. Despite having no clients and no clear plan, I knew this was my moment. With little more than determination and faith, I agreed to the partnership.

We dove into the process of remodeling a building, and in November 2021, Elite Barbering & Beauty opened its doors. From day one, the shop was buzzing with clients, seeking everything from haircuts and color treatments to facials, body waxing, and locs.

What started as a risk for three young college graduates soon evolved into a thriving business. We’ve watched our venture flourish, with every client leaving not just with a new hairstyle or glowing skin, but with a sense of confidence and a smile. As we celebrate our third year in business, I am filled with pride for the 23-year-old version of myself who took that chance. My life has been irrevocably transformed, and the opportunities that have unfolded within this industry have far exceeded anything I could have imagined

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

I think what made me push myself into the beauty industry was a sense of self betterment. I love all things beauty and wellness and when you look good, you feel good.

At our shop, we offer a wide range of services, from haircuts and hair color to facials, body waxing, braids and locs. Our goal is to provide an exceptional experience that leaves every client feeling not just refreshed and rejuvenated, but confident. Whether it’s a client walking out with a fresh haircut or glowing skin, we aim to make a lasting impression.

What sets Elite Barbering & Beauty and myself apart is our commitment to excellence and personalized service. We don’t just offer beauty services; we offer an experience. From the moment our clients walk in, they’re greeted with a welcoming atmosphere where they can relax and enjoy the process of self-care. Our team is dedicated to building relationships and making every client feel valued, creating an environment where people come to not only look better but feel better too.

What I am most proud of is the journey that led me to this point. I’m proud of the work we do, the community we’ve built, and the lasting impact we’ve had on our clients.

For anyone interested in our services or following our journey, I want them to know that Elite Barbering & Beauty is more than just a business; it’s a passion-driven venture built on trust, quality, and authenticity. We strive to be a place where clients not only leave looking their best but also feeling like they’ve had an experience worth returning for.

What else should we know about how you took your side hustle and scaled it up into what it is today?

Alongside my career as a hairstylist, my original aspiration was to become an educator. Throughout high school, I envisioned myself as an English teacher, inspired by my grandfather, a retired educator, and the many remarkable teachers who influenced my life. However, as life took unexpected turns, I pursued a career in hairstyling. Despite this shift, my passion for education remained, evolving into a unique blend with my love for the beauty industry.

Determined to combine these two passions, I enrolled in an instructor training program at a local private cosmetology school. Initially, I thought I would teach part-time or adjunct classes while working as a full-time stylist. But as I developed meaningful relationships with students and the school’s leadership, I realized I had found my true calling. After completing the Cosmetology Instructor Training program and earning my Cosmetology Instructor license, I was offered a full-time position as Lead Cosmetology Instructor at Meraki Academy of Cosmetology.

Balancing my teaching role, I reduced my hours at Elite Barbering & Beauty to evenings and weekends. My time at Meraki allowed me to work closely with the academy’s owner, Lindsey Hughes, who later offered me the role of Academy Director. In October 2024, we rebranded to Modern Academy of Cosmetology, where I now serve as both Academy Director and Lead Cosmetology Instructor.

The connections I’ve built with my clients and the impact I’ve had on my students have brought me a deep sense of fulfillment. I’m incredibly proud of the relationships I’ve formed and the positive influence I’ve had on others, both in the classroom and behind the chair. Looking back, I can confidently say that I have never been more content or aligned with my true purpose.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

What has truly helped me build my reputation within the market is a commitment to authenticity in everything I do. Whether it’s with my clients or my students, I’ve always believed in being genuine, transparent, and fully invested in the people I serve. Building meaningful relationships has been key—whether behind the chair, teaching in the classroom, or collaborating with colleagues, I focus on creating an experience where people feel valued and heard.

Consistency is also important. From day one at Elite Barbering & Beauty, we set out to offer not just top-notch services, but an atmosphere where clients feel comfortable and confident. Similarly, in my role as Academy Director and Instructor, I strive to lead with integrity, imparting not only technical skills but also life lessons that help students grow both personally and professionally.

I believe it’s this combination of authenticity, consistency, and a genuine care for people that has helped me build a reputation of trust, respect, and excellence in my market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://elitebarberingandbeauty.com
• Instagram: @abdoeshair_
• Facebook: Elite Barbering and Beauty

Image Credits

Be Still Photography – Amanda Stutts