Meet Latarsha Ellis | Master Cosmetologist/Instructor

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

Hi Latarsha, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I have been in the hair industry for over 27 years. In these 27 years, I’ve had some great experiences. Starting Evolutions Beauty Bar in October of 2018, however, was different for me. I have come so far, EVOLVED so much, gained so much knowledge, learned in the process, met some amazing Educators and fellow entrepreneurs, as well as having the absolute pleasure of working with some great Hairstylists. Because of all the above mentioned, it has made me the Hairstylist I am today. In turn, I have been able to impacted so many people. And I’m NOT done. My salon is a ministry. I am grateful to have been given an amazing gift to restore confidence, mentor and minister to everyone that sits in my chair. That is my purpose and passion in this life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Master Cosmetologist (27 years), Licensed Cosmetology Instructor(6 years) and a Mentor. My career started my junior year in high school. There were opportunities given to high school students to take technical courses as an elective. I signed up for Cosmetology. This was a two year program in which I would have the required hours needed to take board upon completion. Back then as most teenagers do, I didn’t understand how not being in attendance would impact my hours when it was time to graduate.

I was raised by my Maternal Grandmother. She didn’t have much but I never went without. I believe she always saw the potential in me becoming a Hairstylist. I recall as a young girl how I would sit on the top of our sofa and she would lean back for me to comb and play in her hair. She was a woman that was well keep. I remember us visiting the hairdresser at least once a month. She, along with my mother,  played a significant role in my life especially when it pertained to self care, and our hair was important. My grandmother, who we affectionately called Granny, would always tell me, “your hair is your glory.”

She was the first person to invest in me. Upon graduating from high school, I was able to make up remaining hours needed to go to the board. After two failed attempts at Board, on the written exam, I felt defeated. After a year had pasted, I had to return back to school to get brush up hours. Upon completion, I took the written part of Board again in July 1996 and passed.

My Granny rented this duplex that was across from our home so I would have somewhere to do hair. It was always a packed house. No AC!! Every woman and child from my neighborhood came to that duplex for me to do their hair. Let me just tell you, I wasn’t half as good then as I am today, lol. Nonetheless, the neighborhood supported me.

I grew up in a neighborhood that was socially/economically challenged. This didn’t set me apart from anyone else within my community with a dream to be successful. However, my Granny instilled in me to always take pride in everything I do and be the BEST at it. Whenever someone sits in my chair, they are entrusted me with “their glory”. My goal is to always provide them with exceptional hair care services and bring confidence to their day!

There have been many sacrifices I’ve had to make along the way. I became a single mom at 20 years old and then a wife four years later. I spent tirelessly hours in the salon. The majority of the time my daughter had to come to work with me. I had to juggle branding myself, being a mom and a wife.

I’ve always aspired to be a Great Hairstylist while impacting my community in other ways such as mentoring, teaching, community services, providing complementary hair services to low income based mothers, providing makeup services for the deceased and more. It’s not about the money(that’s a bonus) for me but the experience I give everyone that sits in my chair. As a black woman, it is important to me that my clients leaves restored, feeling beautiful and confident, empowered and heard.

Being consistent in everything I do has made me successful in my career. This industry has taught me that. When someone new comes to me, in some cases, they have left another Hairstylist that has dropped the ball on them in some shaped form or fashion. For me, that is unacceptable! My clients choose to patronize me. So I choose to give the the BEST OF ME!! This is what set me apart! Being considerate of my client’s time. Actively listening to their needs and concerns. Demonstrating patience with them. Treating each of them with respect.

One of my favorite quotes by Maya Angelou reads, “I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

One wise Hairstylist I had the pleasure of working with in the beginning of my career said to me once, “everybody ain’t meant to sit in your chair.”
For the longest I pondered on that. What was she trying to tell me? I was young, in my early 20’s. My thought process then was, if you want you hair done,  I am that Hairstylist, lol. As I started to become more seasoned in my career, I remembered what she told me. Then the question was answered. I am not everyone’s Hairstylist. Everyone can’t sit in my chair. I was chosen for this. There is an anointing on me so I have to PROTECT that. I heal through my hands. God has confirmed that. I mentor, I teach and impact lives through the wisdom He has blessed me with. I have to protect my space and my calling. There are a lot of opportunists and negative energy everywhere even in Georgia. EVOLUTIONS BEAUTY BAR IS MY MINISTRY!! Not only do I restore confidence, I also teach the Word of God. Each one I teach is one I reach.

This is my brand … this is my story. Evolutions Beauty Bar. When we evolve, we grow… I never stop evolving!!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh my!! You know it is said, you are a reflection of your friends, lol. In all honesty, I’m really a home body. However, I do travel. I love to travel. Being that I’m new to the State of Georgia. I’m still familiarizing myself with my new environment.

I moved here to be close to my children. Their Dad and his wife have been great in helping me get acclimated.

If my friends visited for a week, they would definitely want to be in on the planning. Lol

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want first thank God for blessing me with the most amazing children. They have always been the reason I hustle hard and try to be the best version of myself. They have encouraged and supported me tremendously even more prior to my relocation and afterwards. My family and friends are amazing!! Their support and love have been unwavering. The Ladies and Gents of Evolutions Beauty Bar, their consistent loyalty they have shown me, some for over 25 years. They have entrusted me with more than just their hair. Last but not least, my Therapist. She has been that “behind the scenes” person providing me with ways to identify personal goals and potential solutions to problems, strengthen self esteem and optimal mental health. In order for me to show up for my community and the people I service regularly, I have to make sure Latarsha is good mentally, physically and spiritually.

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Image Credits
Professional Photo Credit: Will Sterling/CEO of Sterling Photography Photographer: Ty Pleas Makeup Artist: krousardavis