Today we’d like to introduce you to Marleishia Brown
Hi Marleishia, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I began my journey in the beauty industry straight out of cosmetology school in 2001, joining a salary/commission salon and spa. For six years, I grew and honed my craft there until the time came when I was told I had outgrown the establishment. That push led me to become a booth rental stylist, where I thrived for five years, enjoying the independence and learning the ins and outs of running a small business within a business.
The desire for more freedom and a place to call my own inspired me to open my first salon in 2011. Over the last 13 years, I have nurtured and expanded the business, always driven by my passion for hairstyling and a love for making people feel beautiful. The success of my salon eventually led me to open a second establishment, which now includes a boutique—a dream realized just a year ago.
As my path evolved, so did my ambitions. I am now venturing into a new business, one that may come as a surprise to many who know me. It’s something completely unrelated to hair—a fresh opportunity that has sparked a new passion in me. What I once thought would be my only calling has expanded, with God guiding me to explore a different direction. My love for hair remains, but this new venture symbolizes growth and the endless possibilities life can offer.
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?
It certainly hasn’t been a smooth road. The journey has had its fair share of challenges, starting from the moment I left my first salon job after being told I had outgrown the space. Moving to booth rental was a significant shift; I had to adjust to managing my own clients, finances, and schedule without the security of a steady paycheck. It was a learning curve, but it taught me valuable lessons about independence and entrepreneurship.
Opening my first salon in 2011 came with its own set of struggles. There were financial hurdles, from securing funding to managing operating costs. At times, cash flow was tight, and making money felt like a juggling act. Building a team and maintaining a positive salon culture was another challenge—finding the right stylists who shared my passion and vision wasn’t easy, and there were moments when turnover affected the business.
Adding the boutique last year introduced new complexities. Learning the retail side of things, from inventory management to fashion buying, was outside my comfort zone. There were times when it felt overwhelming, balancing the growth of the salon while launching the boutique.
Now, as I venture into a completely different business, there’s the struggle of navigating uncharted territory again. But I’m taking it as an opportunity to grow, knowing that every struggle along the way has made me stronger and better equipped to face whatever comes next.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As a hairstylist and salon owner, I wear many hats. I specialize in a range of services including short pixie hairstyles, quick weaves, press and curls, known as silk presses, color , haircuts, sew-in installments, ponytails, hair relaxing conditioner treatments and a new fresh fruit steam conditioner treatments. I prioritize healthy hair and scalp care above all else, ensuring that every style I create is rooted in hair health. I’m always open to learning more, but I focus on what I’m passionate about and skilled at—trends may come and go, but healthy hair is timeless.
I’m most proud of sustaining my business for as long as I have and creating a salon that feels like a family. I’m the glue that holds the business together, fostering a supportive and welcoming atmosphere for clients and my team alike.
What sets me apart is my commitment to nurturing a sense of community within the salon, as well as a deep dedication to hair health. While I can take on various styles and techniques, my clients know me for my attention to detail, the care I put into each service, and my genuine love for the craft.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something surprising that many people might not know about me is that I actually love to paint. While most know me for my hairstyling and salon work, painting has always been a creative outlet for me. It’s a way to express myself beyond hair, and I find it therapeutic and inspiring. It’s another passion that adds balance to my life and fuels my creativity in and out of the salon.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/ItsyourTime
- Instagram: time_of_the_essence_llc_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimeOfTheEssence?mibextid=kFxxJD
