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

Alright, Anarsha thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Looking back, do you think you started your business at the right time? Do you wish you had started sooner or later

As I think back on starting my businesses, of which both started in the same year I would not change much. I believe that everything happens along the timeline of life for a reason and always for the greater good. During the time I started getting into business I was reading a lot of books, becoming more organized and intentional and thinking about ways I could use my gifts and talents to assist the people in my community. I decided to monetize my experience in customer service, cosmetology and decor by creating environments that were aesthetically pleasing, offered high value services and a calming yet welcoming vibe. Leading up to the launch of these businesses I had several experiences that I believe prepared me for that moment. Whether it was providing hair services for my family and friends, decorating a friends space or learning architectural drafting/design; My prior experiences were necessary for the responsibilities I now have in business ownership.

Anarsha, 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?

Leveraging several years of excellence in the real estate
industry, Ms. O’Mealy has earned distinction as a real estate investor with Stush International Properties. For the past six years, she has focused her efforts on acquiring and transforming a variety of properties as well as improving buildings. Ms. O’Mealy has built a seven figure real estate portfolio over the course of the last few years.
Outside of her primary career efforts, Ms. O’Mealy has been the owner of Slay Beauty Bar Salon for eight years. She retired as a natural hair specialist in her establishment in 2021. She currently manages the Slay locations and is interested in expanding in the near future. In recognition of her stellar work, she has won cosmetology awards, was featured in Rochester Women’s Magazine (2022) and in “Hair” Magazine (2014) for her creative talents. Prior to embarking on her professional journey, she studied cosmetology, architectural drafting and design, as well as interior design.
Within the coming years, Ms. O’Mealy intends to continue focusing on her work which prioritizes serving her community and positively impacting as many of her fellows as possible. As part of this commitment, she donates annually to initiatives in Jamaica and a few U.S.-based non-profit organizations that conduct community outreach and mentor youth who are on a path to leadership. She also established her own non-profit “Anarsha’s Heart” in January 2023. This organization will provide real estate education in addition to modern affordable housing through traditional and short-term rentals.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My business journey began in cosmetology as a stylist and I eventually started investing in Real Estate. Being a stylist was a great experience. Not only did I enjoy the social aspect of the role but I loved seeing the transformations in the clients looks and mood after providing them with the service they desired. Although I thoroughly enjoyed this role I eventually had to pivot into retiring from being behind the chair. This shift was necessary because as my staff and real estate portfolio grew it became challenging to manage the salon business, tenants, airbnb guests and give the client the attention they deserved. It was a huge decision for me at the time but I had to sacrifice, take a step back and approach the business from a “birds-eye view” for sustainability and longevity.

Can you talk to us about how your side-hustle turned into something more.

Interestingly enough I’ve been braiding hair for friends and family since I’ve been about 9 years old. Initially it started as a past time and creative outlet. I’ve always been a visionary and had an artistic edge. What I thought was creative expression and fun grew into a full clientele by the time I was twelve. In the beginning I had no idea that I was sowing the seeds and gaining the foundational skills for what blossomed into the businesses I own today. After transitioning from working on clients in my living room (or whatever space was convenient); I eventually got professional training, mentors and accumulated enough hands on experience to purchase my first commercial space which is now SLAY beauty bar. The property also houses my first airbnb listing which was launched in 2015. There were definitely several challenges along the way including having to navigate the unknown, incorporating more discipline into my daily routine, sacrificing fun with family & friends and initially reinvesting every dime that was earned back into the businesses.
Life has a way of falling into place, even when things are challenging and it seems things don’t make sense continue to move forward with purpose and strategy. It always pays off.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.Anarsha.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anarsha.omealy?mibextid=kFxxJD

Image Credits

Christoper Cardwell
(Goodnews Photography)

Kameron Ashford
(Blank Kanvas Photography)