Sess Lee Cannon’s journey from a $30,000 side hustle to a million-dollar natural hair empire is nothing short of remarkable.
The owner and founder of Flourish Curls Salon in Arlington, Texas, has broken barriers in the beauty industry. Her success story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and strategic business acumen.
From Accidental Discovery to Hair Styling Passion (Natural Hair Journey)
Lee’s entry into the hair styling world was serendipitous. In 2007, while getting a tattoo, she gave a friend a haircut. The tattoo artist’s compliments sparked her interest in hair styling as a career. At the time, Lee had left Monmouth College due to pregnancy and was working at Maui Jim.
Despite a promotion to an accounting clerk position, Lee’s newfound passion for hairstyling beckoned. She took a leap of faith, enrolling in a cosmetology program at Regency Beauty Institute in Peoria, Illinois. In 2009, she completed her training and earned her cosmetology license.
Building a Clientele: The Power of Social Media (Hair Styling Business)
Lee’s journey as a professional hairstylist began modestly. She started working from home and part-time at a local salon specializing in natural hair. Her unique background, with both black and white heritage, made her particularly popular among biracial clients and those with curly hair.
Leveraging social media, particularly Facebook, Lee showcased her work. She posted photos and videos of her hairstyling transformations, rapidly building a following. This strategic use of social media, combined with word-of-mouth recommendations, led to her earning nearly $30,000 in her first year.
Flourish Curls: A Salon Dedicated to Natural Beauty (Curly Hair Specialists)
In 2016, Lee made a bold move. She relocated to Arlington, Texas, and invested $50,000 of her savings to establish Flourish Curls. This salon was dedicated to natural and curly hair, filling a gap in the market.
“There’s not a ton of salons that specialize in curly and natural hair in our neighborhood,” Lee explained. Her expertise in these hair textures, often overlooked in traditional cosmetology training, set her salon apart.
Million-Dollar Success: A Testament to Expertise and Marketing (Beauty Industry Success)
Lee’s business strategy paid off handsomely. In 2023, Flourish Curls broke the million-dollar mark in annual revenue. The salon now boasts 11 stylists, including Lee herself. Remarkably, Lee has achieved a six-figure income while working just three days a week.
This success is attributed to Lee’s strong social media presence and the salon’s specialization in curly and natural hair. Her ability to cater to an underserved market segment has proven to be a winning formula.
