Meet Ella aka Elz A James Andre | Educator & Wellness Enthusiast

I was raised in New York City. Harlem to be exact. It was called Sugar Hill when I was growing up. My family is from the Island of Dominica in the Caribbean. A small island between Guadeloupe and Martinique. My background helped shape me into the woman that I am today. My parents believed in education and working hard. I think that I heard about those two topics the most as I grew up. That is what motivated me into becoming a lifelong learner and pursuing my Ed. S. degree. I am glad that I achieved that goal, and I am hoping that it will assist me in growing my brand of Hairellacarte wellness. I believe in the more you know, the better off you will be. Therefore, I am continuously reading and researching for the best avenues of overall wellness, which includes, mental, physical and spiritual.

The name of my business is Hairellacarte. I started out as a Master Cosmetologist over 25 plus years ago. I was satisfied doing hair and skin services but I always knew that I wanted more. Over the years I made my cosmetology business part time and focused more on becoming an educator. Through my years as an Educator, I received my Cosmetology Educator certificate in 2002 and my Academic Educator certificate in 2005, I crossed paths with people who saw things in me that I did not even see in myself. I had always loved to write and give people advice on healthy eating habits and skin and haircare, but making it into a business was another hurdle. The thing that really made an idea into a reality was the pandemic. When you have nothing but time on your hands, you can really get creative. I started off with my blogs back in 2019 but once 2020 hit and we were all under quarantine, the idle time made me want to give something more to those who followed me on social media as well as my circle of friends and family. The Hairellacarte movement began with just natural sugar scrubs, and then I started to make hand whipped body butter to complement the scrub. Not long after those started to sell quickly, I added a body mask to the collection, as well as apparel. I think the most important part of my company is the advice that I provide to people about whole wellness. It is invaluable, and I have seen the end result of mental peace touch so many individuals. I am proud of that and will continue with my blogs and one on one consultations that I provide. The biggest challenge was advertising. I had to quickly realize that not everyone who contacts you on social media is trying to help you grow your business and that you have to make sure that when you market your products and services, that it doesn’t matter if only one person comments, just know that consistency and excellent service will get your name out there.

I think that the first place that I would go to would be Divan in Buckhead. The food and ambiance is exquisite. Next for a good time, on a Saturday night, I would visit, St. James Live. This little place off of Butner Road in Atlanta, gives you great music, live performances and a great atmosphere. There is also Pasha restaurant on Miami Circle which gives nice size portioned food and great hookah selections. If you want to just chill and be low key, there is always Bigelow’s bar and grill. I hear the chicken wings are worth the travel. Pin Strikes in Stockbridge is great for some competitive fun and their drinks are great. Then of course you can always visit Top golf which has several locations.

I want o give a big shoutout to Daniel TDA Andre of TDA apparel and Dalles Andre of Monroe Eyez for being my two biggest supporters and cheerleaders. They helped me establish what I wanted my brand and company to represent and I appreciate every repost, advertisement and review that they have provided from my website, and social media post.