Today we’d like to introduce you to Ley-Shae Edwards.
Hi Ley-Shae, 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?
Yes! My name is Ley-Shae, and I’m the owner of LeyshaeLayedit, LLC. I am a hairstylist and hair extensions/wig provider based in Pikesville, Maryland.
I started doing hair in 2021 after practicing on myself for a couple of years. People started loving my work, so my friends inspired me to start taking clients. I literally started in my bedroom, doing hair after work and on the weekends while also starting college at the University of Maryland. I grew up with a passion for the medical field so at the time, I really had no idea LLI would grow into what it is today.
In 2022, I started selling hair and wigs in addition to being a stylist and balancing college. This addition really helped me grow my business and offer more for my clients. Then in August 2023, I moved out of my room and into my first office space where I spent two weeks turning it into my own little salon.
This past June made five years of LLI, which is honestly crazy to say. What started as me doing hair in my room has turned into something so much bigger, and I’m really excited to see what God has in store for our future!
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?
I believe that in everything you do, there will be challenges. However, I think these challenges serve as learning lessons and help shape you for your future.
In the early stages, one of my biggest challenges was balancing being a full-time college student while still making time for my clients and trying to scale my business.
I lived in Baltimore but went to school in College Park, so there was a lot of commuting to and from. A typical week meant having classes about four days a week, taking clients after class in my dorm, then driving to Baltimore on Friday evenings, taking clients Saturday and Sunday at home, then heading back to College Park Sunday night to do it all over again — A mouthful I know. Lol.
It was hard, but it wasn’t impossible. Over time, it became more manageable, and looking back, I think my current self could even take a few notes from that version of me. That season taught me structure, discipline, and sacrifice & for that I am grateful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
LLI started as a service-based business where I offered a little bit of everything, from men’s braids to loc retwists. By year two, I realized I was most passionate about extensions, so I shifted my focus to lace installs and sew ins.
Becoming more niche allowed me to really perfect my craft, especially my lace closure sew ins, which have become one of my most known-for services. I’ve learned how to create a beautiful finished look while still prioritizing the health of my clients’ natural hair. Also becoming a hair supplier has also made it easy to ensure that my clients have quality hair to go with their installs.
I’m very proud of how much my talent has grown, but I’m even more proud of how I’ve learned to market and expand my business beyond just doing hair. I’ve rebranded LLI a number of times so I’ve learned that having a strong brand identity helps people recognize your business, understand what you offer, and remember the experience you provide. Each rebrand has helped me become more intentional about how I want LLI to look, feel, and be represented.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Yes, I would advise anyone starting out to understand that it’s okay not to be perfect! Even at five years into business, I still look at every day as a learning experience. There will always be something you don’t know, and that is okay.
It is equally important to not compare your journey to others. Everyone’s path is different, and growth takes time. Stay consistent & be open to learning while messing up because some of my biggest lessons have come from simply figuring things out as I go.
Lastly, I am very faith driven, so in times of uncertainty, I can lean on my faith and trust that even when I can’t see the full picture, things are always working for my good.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://leyshaelayedit.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leyshaelayedit?stkn=bzdoeDZoMGo4ZzMw&utm_source=qr
- Other: https://linktr.ee/leyshaelayedit?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=6d69fb80-778d-4f23-b644-0fcda5b646e2
