We caught up with the brilliant and insightful LaDonna Babe a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

LaDonna , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with a hypothetical question – if it were up to you, what would you change about the school or education system to better prepare students for a more fulfilling life and career?

To enhance the education system for a more fulfilling life and career, I would integrate more practical, hands-on experiences like my Lash Extensions, and Brow & Beauty program, The Babe University. Emphasizing real-world skills, mentorship, and shadowing days allows students to bridge the gap between theory and application. Personalized guidance in areas like business essentials, marketing, and my private community group ensures a well-rounded education, preparing students for success in their chosen fields. I would advocate for an overhaul of the education system. Implementing entrepreneurship education, and the development of soft skills (teamwork, communication, and leadership) contributes to better career readiness. Also, a continuous learning environment. Encouraging students to seek knowledge beyond the classroom setting and stay updated in their chosen fields.

By implementing these changes, we can ensure that the education system not only has academic knowledge but also equips students with the practical skills and mindset needed for a successful and fulfilling life and career.

What does my story from schooling or life/career illustrate why such a change is needed?

In my journey through a vocational high school with a focus on business, I realized the curriculum primarily covered administrative basics. I learned how to type, and organize paperwork, and gained a bit of independence, but the core elements of starting and running a successful business were missing. I wished I had a mentor who could guide me through the intricacies of entrepreneurship – from opening a business to understanding taxes, credit, loans, and the essentials of successful management.

After school, my attempts to seek guidance from other business owners were disheartening. They viewed me as a competition, and my questions were met with reluctance. Even efforts to secure jobs in salons for hands-on learning were met with rejection. It became clear that a lack of mentorship and real-world application in my education left me unprepared for the challenges of entrepreneurship.

My experience highlights the urgent need for a shift in education towards practical skills and mentorship. Imagine if my high school program had included mentorship sessions covering crucial aspects like business planning, financial management, and strategic expansion. Such an approach could create a collaborative and supportive business community, better equipping aspiring entrepreneurs for the complexities of the real world. Contributing to a more effective educational approach.

LaDonna , 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?

Hey Babes!, I’m LaDonna Babe, a multifaceted, and passionate entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience in the beauty industry. Starting as a makeup artist while working full-time as a correctional officer, I juggled multiple roles to pursue my dream. I faced challenges while raising my son, including audits and personal setbacks, but the loss of my father fueled my determination to turn dreams into reality. I ventured into microblading, 3D brows, and lash extensions, eventually becoming a licensed esthetician. I founded The Babe Spa, specializing in beauty and body enhancement services, now thriving for eight years. Despite the lack of a mentor (even though I know if I had guidance and my hustle and motivation I would’ve arrived here 4 years ago lol), I’ve successfully grown my business through a lot of trial and error, and I’m now committed to guiding aspiring beauty professionals. My Beauty Program focuses on mentoring young adults, providing practical skills, and a supportive community. My ultimate goal is to help thousands of students transition successfully into adulthood, equipped with the skills needed for success. I am passionate about guiding the youth, building communities, and creating opportunities for families.

What sets me apart is not just my skill set but my journey from a makeup artist working out of my car to a successful business owner. I travel to speak to different beauty schools, high schools, and beauty events. Im currently expanding The Babe Spa program The Babe University to Texas. I bring a unique blend of entrepreneurial hustle and a genuine passion for transforming lives. My commitment to mentoring young beauty professionals and providing a Beauty Program sets me apart, focusing not only on skills but also on personal development and community building. My goal is to empower clients and students alike, ensuring they have the practical skills and mindset for success in the beauty industry.

Now, I’m about speaking engagements, encouraging others, and giving back through mentorship. I want you to know that my brand, The Babe Spa, is not just about beauty services. Is a community where we focus on skill development, personal growth, and creating opportunities.

Speaking engagements, workshops, seminars, online platforms, and mentoring are my ways of sharing my experiences and inspiring others in the beauty industry. I’ve been where many aspiring professionals are, and I want to emphasize the importance of resilience, overcoming setbacks, and the transformative power of mentorship. My beauty program is a testament to my commitment to education, community, and making a positive impact.

Can you tell us about what’s worked well for you in terms of growing your clientele?

The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been connecting with other beauty professionals who have existing clients but offer different services. Collaborating allows for cross-referrals, expanding my reach within their established networks. Additionally, leveraging platforms like Groupon has proven successful in attracting new clients with special promotions. Gorilla marketing tactics, such as creative and attention-grabbing efforts, have also played a key role in increasing visibility and client engagement. These combined strategies have significantly contributed to the growth of my clientele over the years.

Have you ever had to pivot?

Certainly! One significant pivot in my life occurred when I made the decision to resign from my stable state job as a correctional officer to fully pursue my dream of establishing The Babe Spa. It was a daunting shift, leaving the security of a full-time position to dive headfirst into entrepreneurship. The decision was driven by a deep desire to pursue my passion for beauty and body enhancement, turning my side hustle into a full-fledged business.

Resigning from a stable job brought both excitement and uncertainty. The transition required careful planning, financial considerations, and a willingness to embrace the unknown. Despite the challenges, the move allowed me to fully invest my time, energy, and skills into building The Babe Spa. This pivot marked a turning point in my career, where I traded the familiar for the potential of something extraordinary. It was a bold move that ultimately fueled the growth and success of my business, proving that sometimes taking a leap of faith is necessary to pursue one’s true calling.

Contact Info:

• Website: LaDonnaBabe.com & TheBabeSpa.com
• Instagram: LaDonna Babe & TheBabeSpa
• Youtube: LaDonna Babe & The Babe Spa
• Other: The Babe Spa – Instagram and Facebook Website: (Thebabespa.com) services, Lashes, Brows, Body waxing, Facials, Skincare treatments, Body shaping, Microblading/Ombre Powder Brows LaDonna Babe – (LaDonnaBabe.com) online courses, speaking engagements, classes, private community

Image Credits
Quania Prince LaDonna Babe