Meet Arianna McIntosh

We had the good fortune of connecting with Arianna McIntosh and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Arianna, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own business was a natural extension of my passion for beauty and hair care. As a Consulting Manager in the tech industry for a top consulting firm by day and a beauty business owner, I’ve always balanced strategic thinking with creativity. My love for hair and beauty has been lifelong—I was always the go-to person for recommendations on where to buy quality extensions.

However, I noticed a gap in the market. While many brands offer hair extensions, very few provide 100% raw hair that seamlessly blends with natural textures. I wanted to create a brand that not only delivers high-quality extensions but also celebrates and enhances the beauty of textured hair. Our extensions are undetectable because they swell in humidity just like natural hair, making them a perfect match.

With this vision in mind, I launched my business to cater to the diverse needs of textured hair, offering products such as bundles, clip-ins, ponytails, u-part wigs, bulk hair for braided styles, and even tape-ins. My goal is to empower people to embrace their beauty while providing them with premium, natural-looking hair extensions they can trust.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I started my business, NoireLuxe, in April 2021 on a leap of faith. While I’ve always done hair part-time, stepping into the world of selling hair extensions was new territory for me. I funded my business through my 9-5 job and small business loans to help with scaling, and I quickly learned that running a business is a 24/7 commitment. Managing my time effectively has been crucial in balancing my career and entrepreneurship while staying focused on my long-term goals.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned along the way is that growth takes time—slow growth is better than no growth. Many people expect instant success, but I’ve embraced the process of steady, organic growth. What sets NoireLuxe apart is not just the quality of our raw hair extensions but also the authenticity behind it. I am truly a one-woman show, handling every aspect of the business, from marketing, website building, and ad management to email marketing, social media, and even packing and shipping orders.

The beauty of NoireLuxe extensions is that they are a true investment. With proper care, our extensions last up to five years or longer, making them well worth it. I want the world to know that my brand is more than just selling hair—it’s about embracing and celebrating the beauty of Black hair textures. I’m committed to providing high-quality, raw hair extensions that seamlessly blend with natural hair, allowing people to enhance their beauty while protecting their hair. I have big plans for my business, and I’m excited to continue growing and making an impact in the beauty industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend were visiting Atlanta for a week, I would make sure they had an unforgettable time experiencing the best food, drinks, and vibes the city has to offer.

One of my favorite activities in Atlanta is my “Friday afternoon frolic.” I’d take them along for the experience, starting the afternoon at Fritti for a quick snack and the best espresso martini in town. After that, we’d head over to Barcelona for dinner and wine. I absolutely LOVE Barcelona—it’s a must-visit! I always order at least eight tapas to the table to share with friends over a bottle of wine. And don’t forget to order the olive oil cake with the coffee anglaise for dessert—it’s the perfect way to end the meal. By the time we wrap up, it’ll be around 10 PM, making for a Friday well spent.

Beyond my Friday tradition, we’d explore more of Atlanta’s top spots, from great brunch locations and scenic city views to lounges with the best cocktails and live music. The week would be filled with good food, good vibes, and unforgettable experiences.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I wouldn’t be where I am today without the love, support, and inspiration of so many incredible people. First and foremost, I dedicate my business to my grandmother, Doris Adkins. She was a true hair artist who successfully ran a salon from her home, and I am a reflection of her passion for hair care. She was stylish, beautiful, and always stepped out with her hair perfectly done—a standard of excellence that I carry into my own business.

I am also deeply grateful for my family, who continuously encourage me, offer business advice, and share marketing tips to help me scale my reach and engagement. Their unwavering belief in me keeps me motivated and focused on my vision.

Lastly, my husband deserves a special shoutout for always pushing me to keep going. His constant encouragement and support remind me why I started this journey and why I must continue.

Success is never achieved alone, and I am incredibly thankful for the village that uplifts me every step of the way.

Website: https://www.livenoireluxe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shopnoireluxe/ and https://www.instagram.com/ari_renee_/

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@livenoireluxeextensions-v2m?si=2f1djECgMhk1YGgb

Image Credits
Llyod Mack: Mackayi & Company
Mackayiandcompany.com

DeMorris Marable, MFA
Graphic Designer | Photographer
Cell: (229) 413.2772
dmarable10@gmail.com