Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Markela Sullivan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Markela, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?

The name of my business is BeYOUtiful Salon Suites. I chose to spell “BeYOUtiful” this way because, to me, true beauty comes from being yourself. My vision is for everyone who walks through the doors of BeYOUtiful to feel empowered to be their most authentic self.

Being yourself starts with creating yourself—discovering who you are and embracing it fully. From there, you can confidently express yourself. Each professional who becomes part of BeYOUtiful Salon Suites brings their own unique identity and creativity, expressing who they are through their work.

There’s something truly powerful about simply being yourself—you leave lasting impressions on people in ways you may never even realize. That’s the real beauty of authenticity. No one else can leave the same mark, because there’s only one you.

Everyone is different and unique in their own way, and that’s something to be celebrated. Not everyone will be your audience, and that’s perfectly okay. The right people—the ones meant for you—will always find you.

That’s the heart behind the name BeYOUtiful Salon Suites.

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 I’m a country girl at heart, originally from the small city of Perry, Georgia, and I now reside in Atlanta. I hold a master’s degree in Healthcare, which shaped the early part of my career. Nursing was my dream for as long as I can remember—helping people was always my passion, and I never imagined doing anything else.

Then one day, while working at a private practice in Atlanta, something shifted. I sat down at my desk, typed up my resignation letter, and walked out. No plan, no backup—just a feeling that it was time for something new. That leap of faith led me to an unexpected path.

With the support of my sister Fatima, I was introduced to the film and entertainment industry. For the past six years, I’ve worked as a set costumer, and I’m incredibly grateful for every experience. It’s a demanding industry—long hours, time away from loved ones, and a lifestyle far from “normal.” Still, it taught me resilience and fueled my desire to create something of my own.

Two years ago, while randomly browsing YouTube, I came across Mychel Dillard’s (Snoop’s) channel where she shared her journey of owning salon suites. I binge-watched every video that day—I was inspired, motivated, and locked in. I joined her mastermind group, became active in her Facebook community, and enrolled in her Inner Circle program. That moment changed everything.

Today, I’m proud to say I own my own salon suites. The journey hasn’t been easy—I started with an empty shell of a space and built everything from the ground up. But I didn’t give up, and I’ve learned so much about myself along the way.

Now, I provide a space where beauty professionals can grow their businesses—whether they’re just starting out or looking to elevate to the next level. It’s more than a business to me—it’s a dream realized, and I’m just getting started.

Can you open up about how you funded your business?

I partnered with a company called Fund&Grow to secure funding for my business, and the experience has been exceptional. Fund&Grow provides a premier business credit consulting service, helping entrepreneurs access high-limit, 0% interest business credit through customized strategies and expert guidance.

I’ve used their services twice with great success. During my first experience alone, I was able to obtain nearly $200,000 in business credit. I highly recommend Fund&Grow to any entrepreneur looking to scale their business with smart, strategic funding.

How’d you meet your business partner?

While I wouldn’t call her my co-founder or business partner, I can confidently say that without Mychel Dillard, also known as Snoop, salon suites would have never entered my world. She was the one who opened my eyes to this industry and inspired a completely new path for me.

Snoop is a serial entrepreneur based in Atlanta, Georgia. She owns multiple Remedy Salon Suites locations, Esco Restaurant and Tapas, and several other successful ventures. I discovered her through her YouTube channel, and from that moment on, I was hooked.

Her content, mentorship, and the Inner Circle community have been incredibly valuable. The group is filled with like-minded individuals who are constantly sharing knowledge, insights, and support. It’s truly a space for growth and learning, and I’m so grateful to be a part of it.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.beyoutifulsalonsuites.com/
• Instagram: @beyoutifulsalonsuites https://www.instagram.com/beyoutifulsalonsuites/
• Facebook: @beyoutifulsalonsuites. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563912925843
• Other: TikTok @beyoutifulsalonsuites https://www.tiktok.com/@beyoutifulsalonsuites