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

Hi Xian, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
I believe that taking risks has played a crucial role in shaping my life and career. Without stepping out of my comfort zone, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Sure, it can be nerve-wracking at the time, but as they say, “the greater the risk, the greater the reward” – and I truly stand by that motto. I think risks can lead to amazing opportunities, as long as you approach them in the right way. You might be wondering, “how can you take risks the ‘right way’?” Well, it’s all about following your passion and making sure that the risk you’re taking aligns with something you truly love and will continue to pursue wholeheartedly. Always take risk on something that you’re truly passionate about.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
It hasn’t been easy getting to this point, but my love and passion for this business have kept me going through all the challenges.

Growing up with a mix of heritages and curly hair, I struggled to find products and tips that truly celebrated my natural curls. Most hair products seemed focused on straightening or controlling curly hair, rather than embracing it. Fast forward to 2021 after completing cosmetology school, I found myself unsure of what I wanted to focus on in the salon world. It wasn’t until I discovered a salon that specialized in curly hair that I found my true passion. I realized that helping others embrace their curls was where my heart truly belonged.

After discovering my passion for working with curly hair, I took the plunge and started doing it on my own in 2022 from a suite I already had. I’ve been loving every moment of it! I’m excited to share that The Curl Lounge ATL is expanding from just a suite with one employee to a full salon. We’re now on the lookout for multiple team members to join us! Our mission is to help those with curly hair embrace and understand their hair’s unique needs. At our education-based salon, we focus on each individual’s curls and tailoring our services to meet their hair’s specific needs. We want to empower our clients to continue caring for their curls properly at home.

It hasn’t been a simple journey to get to where I am today. Along the way, I’ve gained valuable insights about myself, others, and the ins and outs of running a business. Running a business requires a great deal of effort and dedication, as you have to juggle various responsibilities like managing employees, clients, contractors, landlords, and more. It’s definitely more challenging than I initially anticipated, but incredibly rewarding.

Despite all the challenges, I love my job and and can’t wait to see what else is in store for the future. My ultimate aim is to bring as many curly-haired friends as possible to visit The Curl Lounge ATL at least once! I want it to be a cozy spot where you and your curls feel totally at home, leaving with a newfound confidence and glow. I hope to inspire others to embrace their natural hair and feel proud of their unique, beautiful curls! Let’s learn and grow together. Come join the curl community!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If you’re in Atlanta, make sure to check out Ponce City Market for a fun day of shopping and trying out different types of delicious food. Don’t forget to take a stroll on the BeltLine where you can ride scooters, discover more restaurants and shops, and even stumble upon some interactive spots. And if you’re looking for some weekend entertainment, keep an eye out for events happening!

For those “big kids” who enjoy “little kid” activities, Your 3rd Spot is the perfect place to be! From food and arcade games to bowling, a giant slide, and jumbo games like connect four, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I absolutely have to give a huge shoutout to my amazing family for all their support during the journey of building and growing my business. From my parents and grandparents to my siblings, aunts, and uncles, everyone has been there for me since the very beginning! Whether it was with kind words of encouragement, moral support, or even lending a hand in getting my business up and running, they have all played a significant role in my success. I am so grateful for all the ways they have helped me, even if they may not realize it!

Website: https://curlsbyxian.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecurlloungeatl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecurlloungeatl/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@curlsbyxian

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@curlsbyxian

Image Credits
Headshot images credit: Roddy Reelz LLC

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.