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

Hi Anniesha, thanks for joining us today. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?

The idea for my business was born out of both passion and purpose. I’ve always loved beauty, not just the artistry, but the confidence it brings to others. I started Ann-LASH Beauty Bar with nothing more than a vision, a single chair, and a determination to create something of my own. At the time, I was juggling multiple roles, educator, working a full time job, and entrepreneur, and I wanted to build a space that reflected the kind of care and professionalism I believed the industry deserved.
As I grew my clientele, I began noticing a pattern. So many aspiring beauty professionals came to me asking how to get started, how to find training they could afford, or how to balance school with their real-life responsibilities. Their stories resonated with me because I had been in their shoes. That’s when the idea for Pompano Beauty Academy was born.
It wasn’t just about creating another school, it was about solving a real problem. Traditional beauty education often required rigid schedules that didn’t fit the realities of working adults or single parents. I saw the need for flexibility, accessibility, and empowerment. So, I fought to introduce Florida’s first hybrid beauty education program, allowing students to learn both online and in person. It took months of research, planning, and advocacy before the state approved the model, but I knew it was worth it.
What excited me most wasn’t just the innovation, it was the impact. I knew that by reimagining beauty education, I could open doors for people who once thought they couldn’t afford or manage to pursue their dreams. This business was, and still is, about changing lives through opportunity, education, and belief.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Anniesha McDonald, and I am the owner of Pompano Beauty Academy and Ann-LASH Beauty Bar, two brands that were created from my lifelong passion for education, empowerment, and beauty. My journey into this industry began as a young girl who dreamed of becoming a teacher. Over time, that dream evolved into teaching others how to build careers that make them both confident and financially independent.
I started Ann-LASH Beauty Bar with a single chair and a strong desire to provide high-quality lash and skincare services in an environment built on professionalism and care. What began as a small studio quickly became a trusted brand known for artistry, client experience, and education.
From there, I saw a deeper need: many aspiring beauty professionals were struggling to access affordable, flexible education. That realization led to the birth of Pompano Beauty Academy, now proudly recognized as the first beauty school in Florida to offer hybrid and in-person programs. Our academy allows students to balance real life with their career goals while earning their esthetic license.
Beyond technical training, we focus on building well-rounded professionals. Our programs include workshops in financial literacy, business development, and advanced skincare, preparing students not just for jobs, but for entrepreneurship. Through my nonprofit foundation, we also provide scholarships for young women aging out of foster care and local high school seniors, creating pathways to independence through beauty education.
What sets my brand apart is our why: we don’t just teach beauty, we teach possibility. I’m most proud of watching my students walk across the stage, knowing they’ve transformed not only their skills but their sense of self-worth.
At the core of everything I do is the belief that education changes lives. My mission is to continue opening doors for women to discover their power, purpose, and potential, one student at a time.

How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?

For me, staying connected with clients and students goes far beyond a simple transaction, it’s about building genuine relationships. I believe people remain loyal to brands that make them feel seen, valued, and supported, and that philosophy is at the core of both Ann-LASH Beauty Bar and Pompano Beauty Academy.
At Ann-LASH Beauty Bar, I keep in touch through consistent communication, personalized check-ins, and social media engagement. Whether it’s sharing skincare tips, new service updates, or celebrating client milestones, I want every client to know they’re part of our beauty family. I also make sure the experience inside the studio reflects that same energy, welcoming, educational, and consistent. Clients remember how you make them feel, and I take that to heart.
At Pompano Beauty Academy, fostering loyalty means creating a community that continues long after graduation. I stay in touch with alumni through workshops, mentorship opportunities, and our financial literacy series, which are open to both current students and graduates. By offering continued education and support, I remind our students that our investment in their success doesn’t end with their license, it grows with them.
I also believe in transparency and authenticity. When clients and students see that your values align with your actions, trust becomes the foundation of your brand. That trust, built through consistency, empathy, and communication, is what creates lifelong loyalty.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was the belief that I had to do everything myself in order for it to be done right. When I first started my business, I wore every hat, owner, stylist, marketer, instructor, accountant, you name it. I thought that working harder meant I was being more productive, but in reality, I was burning out and limiting my own growth.
The backstory is simple: I wanted everything to be perfect. I wanted every client to have the best experience, every student to feel supported, and every detail to reflect my standards. But as the business grew, I realized that holding onto everything was holding me back. It wasn’t sustainable, and it didn’t allow room for my team, or even myself, to flourish.
The turning point came when I finally allowed myself to delegate and trust others with responsibility. Once I did, I saw something beautiful happen: the people around me rose to the occasion. My team began to take ownership, new ideas started flowing, and I had more space to focus on leadership, innovation, and growth.
The lesson I unlearned was that perfection is not the goal, progress and partnership are. Letting go didn’t mean losing control; it meant making room for collaboration, creativity, and a stronger organization.
Today, I remind my students and fellow entrepreneurs that true leadership isn’t about doing it all, it’s about building others up so you don’t have to.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.pompanobeautyacademy.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/pompanobeautyacademy
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/ anniesha-mcdonald-343455211
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pompanobeautyacademy

Image Credits

Anniesha McDonald