We were lucky to catch up with Josei Harris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Josei, thanks for joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

I believe the ethos of entrepreneurship is the art of taking calculated risks. My life has been a series of experiences where I’ve done just that. From my very first home search at the age of just 18 years old to my most recent spa businesses and training academy launches. Experience has always taught me that the greatest risk is to not try.

My journey into the “World of Wellness” was not planned. As I learned more about alternative health I observed the lack of representation and specialized care for women of color. My community as a whole deserves more inclusive wellness options. These are the factors that ignited my passion to learn more. The gift of helping the people around me look, feel & heal better if the force that continues to drive me each day.

This is definitely a challenge filled journey. Securing funding was the largest hurdle. I had to try for my community & my family. I had to take risks like leveraging my personal savings, credit and loans. I’ve even sold my home at one point. There were so many moments or fear and uncertainty without any guarantee of a profitable return. There were moments of doubt. However, there was so many more moments of growth & confirmation that my vision remained clear and I kept pushing forward.

An amazing thing happens as a business scales. The owner will face a precipice “to expand or not”. As Black Bella DC grew I was embraced the risk of expansion of; systems, people and real estate. I knew that these critical decisions each carrier their own risks. I also knew that these components were necessary for me to bring to life Black Bella DC.

The most rewarding part of my journey has been seeing the the joy and appreciation on the faces of my team members and clients. Knowing I’m making a positive impact on each person we touch and seeing our community embrace us is incredibly rewarding. Each day I walk into Black Bella DC & Black Bella Spa locations I am reminded that taking risks and believing in myself is absolutely worth it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I am the proud owner of Black Bella DC®️, Black Bella Spa & Black Bella Contouring Academy. Fourth generation Washingtonian, committed to servicing my community. I am a licensed massage therapist, esthetician and certified lymphedema therapist in Washington, DC & the state of Maryland. My journey into the wellness and beauty industry began with a deep passion for creating a space where Black women could receive specialized care and feel truly valued. At Black Bella, our globally sourced services are tailored specifically to address the unique needs of each clients. Our services include skincare, massage therapy, lymphedema therapy, holistic spa and non-invasive body treatments designed to enhance natural beauty. We aim to nurture both body and spirit.

What sets Black Bella apart is our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. We strive to celebrate and elevate the beauty of Black women through personalized care and attention to detail. Our team is dedicated to creating an atmosphere of luxury and comfort where every person feels “seen”, welcomed and appreciated.

I am most proud of the community we have built at Black Bella. Seeing the positive impact this business has created on our team and our clients’ confidence and well-being is incredibly rewarding. We solve the problem of underrepresentation in the wellness industry by offering a space where every person can relax, rejuvenate, and get measurable results.

Training and knowledge matter of course, but beyond that what do you think matters most in terms of succeeding in your field?

In the vibrant field of Wellness, what really propels us to the height of success is a ceaseless pursuit of knowledge, an unwavering dedication to constant learning, and the bravery to accept vulnerability. These traits are high-powered engines driving individual growth and career progress, as well as fostering profound relationships with clients. They empower wellness practitioners to deliver empathetic and efficient care. By keeping their minds receptive to fresh concepts and experiences, and turning vulnerability into an asset, wellness experts can innovate, transform, and flourish in this ever-changing industry.

Any advice for managing a team?

At the heart of a thriving and energetic work environment, you will find vigorous team engagement and an unwavering drive to maintain high spirits. My guiding principles lie in transparent communication and cultivating an uplifting atmosphere where everyone feels a sense of worth and importance. Establishing clear expectations, providing continuous feedback, and enabling everyone to bring their distinct capabilities to the table towards our shared objectives is paramount.

My methodology is to “Lead with Love”. I stand by the praxis of leading through action and nurturing a bond of fellowship among team members. Recognizing milestones, both grand and humble, and creating an ambience of trust and esteem is equally important. Recognizing the aspirations and needs of each team member empowers me to provide tailored support and avenues for growth, which ultimately amplifies morale.

Finally, I underline the significance of advocating for work-life harmony and wellness initiatives. When our team members feel wholesome support, both physically and emotionally, their engagement and motivation skyrocket. By placing equal importance on professional advancement and personal wellness, we lay a solid foundation for enduring success and a vibrant work culture at Black Bella.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://blackbelladc.com/
• Instagram: @BlackBellaSpa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBellaDC
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVj-0h95O4XlId3ZaSgPBCQ
• Other: https://www.instagram.com/blackbelladc/
  

Image Credits

Briana Gardener