Today we’d like to introduce you to Lusette Walker.
Hi Lusette, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I always did hair, even as a young girl I was the go to person for my friends. After I graduated high school, I went to college at the University of Central Missouri while I was there, I became on campus hairstylist. The summer following my freshman year, I decided to enroll in cosmetology school at Ea La Mars Beauty and Barber College. After the summer was over, the owner allowed me to come a couple of nights a week, on weekends, holidays and basically anytime I was home from college to get my hours. I will forever be grateful for their help in getting me through cosmetology school. I basically went to college and cosmetology school at the same time. Fast forward after I finished school, I started working for the federal government and worked in a salon at the same time. After a couple of years of saving money, I was able to open my first salon in Lees Summit. I was 23 years old, excited and ambitious so I had no problem burning the candle at both ends. I worked full time at my day job and worked full time at my business. I eventually grew my clientele and was blessed with some amazing women to work in the salon with me.
After years of doing both jobs. I moved from the federal government to a federal contractor and the new job was less demanding. I decided it was time to expand my business so I opened another location in the Crossroads in Kansas City. I was at a First Friday’s gathering in the Crossroads and I fell in love with the energy. I had just got married the year before and after I was done with wedding planning, I felt like I had time, so I opened the new salon. Full-time job, salon in Lees Summit, Salon downtown, husband and now baby is coming. The comfort of my job wouldn’t allow me to jump and leave my corporate career so I sold the location in Lees Summit and focused on growing downtown. The salon was doing well, I introduced a product line and kept the business going. After 11 years years of doing both. I finally had the guts to become a full-time entrepreneur!!! So I left my day job, focused on the salon and now I felt like I had too much time so I started teaching Business at the Cosmetology school as a way to give back what I felt they gave me. I also got my real estate license and turns out I love it… So now I’m a full-time entrepreneur as salon owner and commercial realtor that helps other small businesses find retail or office space to scale up. I know that wasn’t brief but it’s my story of fear and determination. Determination won!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. I had days when I felt overworked and experienced failure. At times I felt like I was only giving 50% of me to each thing so I was hard on myself a lot. I made investments that didn’t pan out and made decisions that wasn’t the best. Sometimes I wish I would’ve let go of the golden handcuffs of a corporate job sooner but it also gave me the ability to take more risk in my business. I had the struggles of staying focus and remaining consistent in my efforts. Burnout caused me to be inconsistent and discouraged. These challenges are come and go. Some days I feel like I’m not doing enough and I stress over it. Another challenge is keeping others motivated. This industry can wear you out and sometimes you want to give up because working for someone else feels so much easier.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My business is Lusehairs Salon at 2004 Grand Blvd Kansas City, MO. I specialize in bridal hair and I’m known for creating an experience for my patrons. We have a team of amazing, driven women who are dedicated to service and dream chasing. If you sit in one of our chairs and don’t get inspired to follow your dreams then you didn’t talk to us. Our positive energy, fun-filled yet professional environment is what sets us apart. Our clients say we are a whole vibe. Our team does everything hair related, natural hair, weaves/extensions and more. What I’m proud of is the relationships we have built over the years and the fact that women who worked in my salon has went to become successful salon and business owners themselves.
Our brand have a reputation of being professional and being an easy going atmosphere. A lot of people are starting to dislike the salon experience because it is no longer about the clients but we work really hard to always remember to make it about the clients. We don’t have crazy rules, we shampoo with every service, we try not to make you wait all day and we respect our clients.
In my real estate business, what set me apart is the fact that I’m passionate and hard working. I get excited when I see other people reach their goals whether it is through homeownership with my partners at Murrell Homes or through finding someone find the perfect business location as an agent for Clemons Real Estate. I enjoy the process and therefore, I make it enjoyable for the people that I’m helping.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think risk-taking is necessary for progress. I took a risk by leaving my corporate job but have I not left, I wouldn’t have the time to put in the effort to grow my business.
In business, everything is a risk. If you introduce a new product, spend money on the development, design, production there’s a chance that no one will like it and it will sit and eventually have to be discarded. I have been there. If you introduce a new business, there’s a chance something will happen that may be out of your control that causes you to fail. There is also a chance someone will bring a bigger, better version of it.
The best part about taking a risk is once you survive it, even if you fail, you become fearless.
Contact Info:
- Email: lusehairs@gmail.com for Salon, Lusette@clemonsrealestate.com for Commercial Real Estate
- Website: www.lusehairsproducts.com
- Instagram: @Lusehairs and @Letluse_Sellit
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/lusehairsongrand
Image Credits
Steven G Photography Blessed Events Photography
