Today we’d like to introduce you to Leandra Frost.
Hi Leandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My name is Leandra and I’m owner and operator of #Extentionsbylee salon and mobile vip services as well as my new project Lee Loc’s. I’m a Mother, Partner, business woman and lover of all things that are positive and pushes us forward.
During a friendly competition with a friend at a pool gathering, my interest in braids began. A friend and I were challenged by a guy to braid his hair. We each chose a side and hers was better than mine. My interest was peaked mostly because I didn’t like losing. So I decided I was going to learn exactly how to braid. After more practice ensued I realized I had the talent of my family. I come from a lineage of hair dressers from great aunts down to a cousin who currently owns a salon close to mine.
Practice lead to me being good in my teenage years but I didn’t take braiding seriously, I used it as a side gig, mostly because I didn’t have the confidence yet. I went to school and worked as a CNA/RNA at a local hospital for many years. Eventually, I felt this calling to believe in my abilities and myself and start a business doing something that was going to nurture my spirit in a creative way. What really pushed me was a chance encounter with a man named Bishop Clemons who looked at me one day and said I would have so many clients I wouldn’t know what to do with them and would have to choose. That man touched my life that day and sure enough, I did have to choose when my clients for hair began to take up my schedule. I took a leap that lead me to leaving the hospital and starting Extensions by Lee.
I’m so grateful to all of the people who trust me to braid and take care of their hair. I have clients who fall asleep in my chair, comfortable and trusting this is a safe space for them no matter their walk. That makes me feel amazing.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Because of my family I had an idea of how to start a professional cosmetology business but I still had to learn how to be a family woman and a business woman at the same time. That comes with plenty of challenges and learning. For anyone who is looking to start their business or have already begun and have a family, it’s a journey. Sometimes you might have a drop clients and you have to figure out budgeting such as what you make and what you pay out. Just because it comes easy doesn’t mean you can spend easy. Financial literacy was the one main obstacle I had to quickly overcome. Just because you make a lot does not mean you make a lot.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am known for braids, mostly individuals and cornrows. My hands are quick and my parts a clean. Clean, quick, upscale, and reliable are the words which sums up Extensions by Lee. Braiding hair is included with the service and so are the snacks. I also do kid’s hair which is great for parents and guardians.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The one thing that I would advise to those who are just starting out would be to give your future self a chance by doing what you have to do before you do what you want to do.
Contact Info:
- Email: extensionsbylee00@gmail.com
- Website: styleseat.com/leandrafrost
- Instagram: @leandrafrost
Image Credits
Sabrina Davidson
