We recently connected with Alexis Toatley and have shared our conversation below.
Alexis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What did your parents do right and how has that impacted you in your life and career?
My parents shaped me by example—through work ethic, presence, and belief.
My mother was the embodiment of discipline. She never missed a day of work, even when she was juggling two jobs. I’d watch her pack her lunch and lay out her work clothes every night before a 4 a.m. shift. That level of preparation stuck with me. One of my chores as a kid was ironing her uniforms, a small act that helped lighten her load—but it also showed me what consistency looked like.
She was also my biggest cheerleader. Before I committed to cosmetology, I tried everything—soccer, cheer, modeling, band—and she was at every game, every performance, every ceremony. Her presence was constant, and her encouragement unwavering. Even now, I still hear her voice in my head telling me I can do anything, and I still see her face in the crowd when I’m chasing a goal.
Because of her, waking up early to work on my dreams feels natural. She gave me structure, routine, and the belief that effort pays off.
My father taught me something just as powerful: the art of betting on yourself. After starting out as a biology teacher, he realized it wasn’t his true path and walked away to build something of his own. Watching him launch business after business with unshakable confidence showed me what it takes to be an entrepreneur. He didn’t just have ideas—he promoted them, believed in them, and backed them with action and marketing.
From him, I learned the value of self-belief and visibility. That’s why today, I’m quick to talk about my business—I am my own walking billboard, just like he was.
Together, my parents gave me the foundation: my mom instilled the grind, and my dad inspired the leap. I carry both with me every step of the way.
Alexis, 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?
My name is Alexis Toatley, and I’m a licensed cosmetologist, salon owner, hair extensions company founder, and beauty / lifestyle content creator. I’m the proud owner of Complexx Beauty, a full-service salon and brand dedicated to empowering women through haircare, wellness, and self-expression. I’m originally from Washington, DC and a graduate of Hampton University, where my professional beauty journey began.
I got into this industry through a deep passion for creativity, connection, and helping women feel like the best version of themselves. Over the past 13 years, I’ve honed my craft in haircare, especially natural styling, high-density blowouts, and hair extensions, and built a thriving business that reflects my belief that beauty starts from within.
At Complexx Beauty, we provide a range of services including healthy hair maintenance, silk presses, sew-in installs, and customized hair extension solutions. We also offer luxury suite rentals for fellow beauty professionals, and recently expanded to provide creative campaigns, influencer partnerships, and product-based solutions like our Natural Zapper Topical Mist, which supports skin health naturally.
What sets me apart is my holistic approach to beauty. I don’t just style hair, I educate my clients on how to care for it between appointments, and I use my platform to speak openly about the connection between wellness, confidence, and personal care. My clients know they’re in a space that values transparency, integrity, and excellence. Every product and service is curated with intention.
I’m most proud of the community I’ve built and the lives I’ve impacted. whether through one-on-one services, collaborative brand campaigns, or content that uplifts and inspires women navigating beauty, business, and personal growth.
What I want people to know about me and my brand is this: Complexx Beauty is more than just a salon—it’s a lifestyle, a safe space, and a movement rooted in authenticity. My mission is to help women take back their confidence, elevate their standards, and care for themselves on every level—mind, body, and spirit.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Absolutely. One book that had a profound impact on my entrepreneurial mindset is The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest. I’ve always believed that I’ve been blessed with strong ideas and vision, but I also have to admit, I’ve battled with self-doubt and self-sabotage.
Reading this book felt like a mini therapy session. It helped me pinpoint the mental and emotional habits that were creating creative blockages and keeping me from fully stepping into the leader I was meant to be. Once I became aware of how my own mindset was holding me back, I gained a new sense of clarity. I started to own my role in my growth, made peace with the challenges, and focused on doing the inner work necessary to take my business and my thinking to the next level.
This book didn’t just motivate me, it gave me language and tools to better understand myself as a founder, and to approach my goals with a new sense of discipline, compassion, and self-awareness.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
In addition to consistently delivering quality work, I believe my reputation was built on honesty and transparency. I’ve always made it a point to be upfront with my clients. If a service wasn’t right for their hair or I didn’t feel confident in executing a particular style, I wouldn’t take it on. That level of integrity created trust early on.
Another factor that’s been key is my ability to genuinely connect with my clients beyond the chair. I often find myself in conversations about mental health, life transitions, or personal growth, and I’m not afraid to be open or relatable. That emotional awareness makes people feel seen and safe, and it deepens the relationship.
At the end of the day, people gravitate toward those they know, like, and trust. I’ve worked hard to earn that trust, and I believe that’s what continues to set me apart in this industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.complexxbeauty.com
- Instagram: complexxbeauty
- Youtube: lexxtoatleytv
Image Credits
Thomas Kirk