We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cleashay China-Sutton a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Cleashay, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

With the community at the forefront of our hearts Studio Elan’s philosophy is based on total mind, body, and spirit awareness concepts. In today’s fast paced world, it is important to seek and develop an equitable existence to cope with everyday life stressors. Studio Elan provides a serene environment and delivers services for our customers to achieve an impartial existence to successfully manage work, and life balance.

We believe in nourishing your spirit, relaxing your mind, while identifying your overall internal and external needs. Studio Elan works to empower individuals to embrace their uniqueness and enhance their natural beauty.

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

Cleashay China-Sutton, a Washington, D.C. native, has been the owner, manager, and operator of Studio E-lan since its establishment in 2005. In addition to her being a licensed cosmetology Instructor, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Although Cleashay has an extensive background in business operations, she has also worked in the beauty industry for over three decades.

Cleashay has worked on the sets of many Editorial photoshoots for magazines such as Black Sophisticated Hair, Black Passion, Salon Profiles, Montage Magazine and Mazaar. In addition, she’s worked on video shoots as a hair, fashion stylist, and make-up artist. Cleashay has also been recognized as an Industry expert and highlighted as a leadership role model through the American University Community Voices project.

Fast forward to 2021, Cleashay decided to start a lifestyle development program Redefined Resilience serving underprivileged youth in the District of Columbia. In her teenage years she longed for mentorship and guidance; She knew that young adults of today’s society were experiencing extreme challenges and poor emotional health due to social media. To strengthen future generations, Cleashay decided to help foster young adults through mentoring and coaching. Providing support and resources that empower them to reach their goals.

Passionate about helping others learn strategies to succeed, Cleashay wanted to help young adults navigate obstacles and circumstances that may hinder their successful movement to the next stage in their lives. While working in Corporate American and as a small business owner, she realized that she was exceptional at identifying individuals’ strengths and weaknesses. Cleashay went on a quest to learn the best methods needed to facilitate coaching in a way she could meet her participants where they are.

Cleashay proceeded to implement a new process in her training that focuses on understanding inequities, and challenges that may impact a person’s ability to transform into their best self. By doing this, Cleashay was able to create a unique coaching experience that assists young adults in reaching their full potential. Now Cleashay helps youth and family organizations provide guidance to at-risk young seeking direction in their lives. Redefined Resilience helps young adults become a positive contribution to their community.

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

After the COVID-19 pandemic, Studio Elan discovered the opportunity to change directions. Moving away from traditional salons, where hours may have been reduced and compliance with social distancing became difficult. Many lifestyle professionals seek the safety and security of their own private suite. Studio Elan discovered that private suites provide professionals with the flexibility to set their own schedules and master their craft in their own state of the art environment.

Converting the current business model offers industry professionals the ability to have business ownership without the large initial investment required to open a conventional salon. Each suite is equipped to meet the requirements of each occupant. Studio Elan will be the first black woman-owned boutique style suites located in Washington D.C. Studio Elan Boutique Suites will serve more than just customers; It is a group of visionaries with similar values who provide each other a one-of-a-kind social function, raising self-esteem and enhancing well-being.

Any advice for managing a team?

To manage a team and maintain high morale, it is important to have clarity and communication with your team. If your staff don’t know what you expect of them, or they aren’t aware of what’s going on in the company, they won’t be motivated. A company’s assets are its leaders and team. Understand the importance of putting your team first including their unique ideas and perspectives as key to improving productivity. A healthy work environment and fewer resignation rates are guaranteed when employees are heard and understood.

Considering both their personal and professional needs. Employees who have built trust are more likely to share innovative ideas that can either highlight issues or enhance the company. Effective staff communication, training and mental well being is crucial. Start by setting clear and realistic goals for the staff and company. Schedule one-on-one meetings to track progress . In addition, host team building activities, this leads to collaborative and motivated work culture, aids in problem-solving among team members, fosters meaningful and open communication among peers, leads to creativity and out-of-the box thinking, enhances productivity, and helps keep creative juices flowing.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.Studio-elan.com, www.redefinedresilience.com
• Instagram: 405Studio Elan, Redefined_Resilience

Image Credits
Shawn | Picture that Design – Mechanicsville, Maryland