We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Shronda Seay a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Shronda, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The mission behind Essence of Beauty Lounge is deeply personal and rooted in my life’s journey. My love for hairstyling began at the age of 12, a simple passion that grew into something much more significant. When I lost my mother at 15, my world changed overnight. Suddenly, I had to take care of myself, and hairstyling became more than just a hobby—it became a means of survival. It was through this craft that I managed to support myself, finding strength and purpose in the art of making others feel beautiful.
This experience taught me the profound impact that beauty can have on a person’s confidence and well-being, especially during tough times. I realized that looking and feeling good isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity that can provide comfort and self-assurance when life feels overwhelming.
With this understanding, I founded Essence of Beauty Lounge with a mission to make beauty accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. I know firsthand the struggles that families face, and I believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to feel their best. That’s why I am committed to offering high-quality hairstyling services at affordable prices, so that more people can experience the joy and confidence that comes from feeling beautiful.
This mission is meaningful to me because it’s a reflection of my journey—one of resilience, empowerment, and giving back. It’s my way of honoring my past and helping others navigate their own challenges with dignity and grace.
Shronda, 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?
I’m thrilled to share my story and introduce myself as a braider, a craft that’s not just a profession but a deep-rooted passion for me. My journey into the world of braiding began when I was just 12 years old. What started as a simple fascination with hair quickly grew into a lifelong commitment to the art of braiding, a skill that would later become both my livelihood and a way to connect with others.
When I was 15, my life took a significant turn. I lost my mother, and in the wake of that tragedy, I had to find a way to support myself. Braiding became more than just a hobby; it became my means of survival. With each braid, I not only earned a living but also found a sense of purpose and resilience. This experience shaped my approach to braiding as both an art form and a way to serve others.
At Essence of Beauty Lounge, I specialize in a variety of braiding styles, including box braids, cornrows, twists, and more intricate designs tailored to each client’s unique preferences. I understand that braiding is more than just a hairstyle—it’s a form of self-expression, cultural pride, and a way to protect and nurture natural hair. My goal is to solve the problem many clients face: finding a skilled braider who understands the importance of detail, care, and creativity in every braid.
What sets me apart from others is the personal connection I bring to my work. Braiding isn’t just about technique; it’s about creating a comfortable and welcoming environment where clients feel valued and respected. I take the time to listen to my clients, understand their needs, and deliver styles that not only enhance their beauty but also boost their confidence. My own journey has taught me the importance of resilience and the power of community, and I strive to reflect these values in every interaction with my clients.
I’m most proud of the relationships I’ve built through my braiding. Many of my clients have become like family, returning not just for the quality of my work but for the trust and connection we share. I take immense pride in knowing that my braiding has helped people feel more confident, beautiful, and empowered in their everyday lives.
The main thing I want potential clients to know is that Essence of Beauty Lounge is a space where you can feel comfortable and cared for. My work is deeply personal to me, and I’m committed to using my skills to help you express yourself, protect your natural hair, and leave my chair feeling beautiful inside and out. Braiding is my craft, my passion, and my way of giving back to the community that has supported me through every step of my journey.
How’d you meet your business partner?
The story of how I met my business partner, Merline Diegue, is one of those moments that feels like divine intervention. It all began at a Wawa in Miami Gardens, where my sister and her husband, who were visiting from out of town to celebrate my birthday, needed to charge their car. As they pulled into the charging station, they noticed a woman already there and decided to ask for help. That woman was Merline.
Merline, who was charging her own car, graciously offered her assistance. While they were figuring out the logistics, I got out of the car and found myself captivated by this stranger. There was something about her energy that drew me in, and I couldn’t help but stare—there was an undeniable connection that I felt instantly.
As we started talking, it became clear that this meeting was no coincidence. Both Merline and I were in a place where we were looking to expand our businesses, and our conversation quickly turned into something more profound. We talked, we connected, and we prayed together. By the time we exchanged numbers, it was clear that we were brought together for a reason—total strangers who felt an immediate bond.
From that moment, I knew that Merline was sent by God to be a part of my life, not just as a business partner but as someone who would help and protect me, and vice versa. She is truly a blessing from above, and our partnership is built on faith, trust, and a shared vision that goes beyond business. We believe we were meant to find each other to create something special, and every day, I’m grateful for that divine connection that started at a Wawa in Miami Gardens.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
One story that stands out in my journey and truly illustrates my resilience happened not long after I lost my mother at the age of 15. It was a time of immense challenge, both emotionally and financially. I was suddenly faced with the reality of having to fend for myself, a teenager trying to navigate a world that felt overwhelming and unforgiving.
With my mother gone, I found myself in survival mode. I had a passion for hairstyling, but at that time, it was more of a hobby than a skill I thought could sustain me. However, as the pressures of life mounted, I realized that this passion could be my lifeline. I started offering to braid hair for friends, neighbors, and anyone who would trust me with their hair. It wasn’t easy—there were days when I questioned whether I had the strength to keep going, whether I could make it on my own.
But every time I finished a braid, saw the smile on my client’s face, and received their appreciation, I felt a renewed sense of purpose. I began to realize that hairstyling wasn’t just about making ends meet—it was about creating something beautiful in the midst of hardship. It gave me a way to channel my grief, to turn my pain into something positive and productive.
One particular moment that stands out was when I had a client who came to me on a day when I was feeling particularly low. She was going through a tough time herself, and as I braided her hair, we talked and shared our struggles. By the time I finished, she looked in the mirror and started to cry—not because of the hairstyle, but because of how it made her feel. She told me that she hadn’t felt that beautiful or confident in a long time, and that moment gave her the strength to keep going.
It was in that moment that I realized the true power of what I was doing. It wasn’t just about the braids; it was about helping others feel seen, valued, and strong in their own battles. That realization fueled my resilience. I knew that no matter how hard things got, I had a gift that could make a difference, and I wasn’t going to give up.
That experience became a cornerstone of my journey. It taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring hardship—it’s about finding purpose in the pain and using it to lift others up. It’s a lesson that has carried me through every challenge since, and it’s the foundation of everything I do at Essence of Beauty Lounge.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://EOBLOUNGE.AS.ME
- Instagram: EOBLOUNGE
- Facebook: ESSENCE OF BEAUTY LOUNGE
- Linkedin: SHRONDA SEAY
