Today we’d like to introduce you to LaRita Francois.
Thanks for sharing your story with us LaRita. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Oddly enough, both my grandmother and great grandmother are cosmetologists. I never actually had an interest in hair and beauty until my early 20’s. After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a few Journalism classes with hopes to become a Video Disc Jockey. While interning with a local magazine, we covered a photo shoot for the 99Jamz Radio Station. While there, I watched the hairstylists that were on set the entire time.
The lead stylist caught me watching and asked if I was a hairstylist. This was the second time that someone sparked my cosmetology curiosity. After receiving the 3rd confirmation in church about embarking on my career in the beauty industry, I immediately enrolled in cosmetology school. I became extremely focused on my education and focused only on my beauty industry goals. After completing cosmetology school, I worked at various local salons to build my career. Eventually I moved to a corporate salon position at Ulta in order to expand my knowledge and client base. While at Ulta I gained skills in leadership and salon operations. I excelled greatly and brought diversity to our store offering Extensions services. As a result, our salon became the top earner in the company for Extensions services and was awarded highest honors in the President’s club. All of the education and preparation that I experienced working in different salons eventually allowed me to open the doors of my very own salon in March of 2014!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Admittedly, this hasn’t been a smooth road, but my struggles have led me to my greatest resources and victories. After splitting with my business partner (a nail technician), I was forced to take full financial responsibility for salon operations. We launched our business using our own funds and no access to business credit or additional assistance, so sustaining the salon’s bills was a struggle to fulfill alone. Assuming full responsibility for my salon led me to discover grant and funding programs for small business owners. I was able to find funding for salon upgrades, staff payroll, retail products, salon marketing and more. I also started a non-profit organization in June of 2017 called “Business Beyond Beauty,” that was birthed out of my experience hiring and working with stylists at different phases of their career. I discovered that our industry is so much more than the work itself, but that having a work-life balance, career direction, and being able to manage yourself as a beauty professional is a necessary skill in this field.
There are so many talented beauty professionals that are struggling financially and personally because they lack these essential tools. I have taken all that I have learned from being a stylist and a business woman and helped others professionally and personally to get a grasp on organizing their future path.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Royal Treats Beauty Lounge story. Tell us more about the business.
Royal Treats Beauty Lounge is a sophisticated and trendy beauty consulting salon that educates our clients about all things beauty. With the input of our fashion forward customers, we design an easy step by step daily beauty regime that is tailored to fit their needs. We are a total beauty destination that offers an array of services such as, hair care, custom extension services, nails, make-up, brow/lash applications, and a host of other things, just to name a few. This allows our clients to make a comfortable and easier transition while undergoing a new process that naturally enhances their look.
Every woman desires to look her best, but often times many of us have put our hair and skin through harsh processes trying to look good and keeping up with the latest trends, while some just have no clue where to start. That’s why we have designed a system that works with each client to help them get on the right beauty track and keep them there.
We pride ourselves in working in a spirit of excellence, by focusing on details, quality, and putting clients at the center of our business, which is why we only use the best products, and provide appointments to avoid rushed services. We view our company as a partnership between our staff and customers, and we are committed to helping individuals locally and worldwide reclaim their looks, self-image and dignity by providing services that will help restore their confidence. Our goal is to bring our brand awareness to women all over the globe, by taking advantage of social media outlets, and with our videos, tutorials, and educational programs that will help groom the next generation of beauty professionals.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I wouldn’t call it luck…I would say “favor” and “wisdom” have played a major role in my company’s growth and success. I have gone to lots of business seminars and classes that aren’t directly related to what I do, but simply because the information applies to any industry. I have been fortunate to build really good relationships with my clients and a lot of them are business women themselves or help run major corporations. They have been very generous with useful information and resources that have helped me to expand overall. I would also say that my follow-up skills and my ability to stay the course has assisted in my company’s growth as well.
Pricing:
- Designer Haircut & Style $110
- Full Sew-In $300
- Full Highlights $150
- Shampoo & Style $50
- Microlinks $250
Contact Info:
- Address: 1807 NE 164th st.
- Website: www.royaltreatsbeautylounge.com
- Phone: 786-274-7774
- Email: royaltreatsbeautylounge@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RoyalTreatsBeautyLounge/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Royaltreatsbeautylounge/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/royaltreatsbl
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/royal-treats-beauty-lounge-north-miami-beach
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/theempressofhair
Getting in touch: VoyageMIA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
