We recently had the chance to connect with Carmelle D and have shared our conversation below.
Carmelle, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
What’s Misunderstood About My Business
A lot of people think hairstyling is just about “doing hair” and pocketing the money from clients, but there’s so much more behind the scenes that most don’t realize. As hairstylists, we actually have to pay to work. We cover booth rent just to have a space, and a large portion of what clients pay goes right back into the business: rent, professional supplies, insurance (to protect clients if something unexpected happens), continuing education to keep our skills up to date, and replacing expensive equipment.
Beyond the financial side, hairstyling is a career built on skill, creativity, and ongoing education. It’s not just a job—it’s about listening to clients, protecting their hair health, and helping them feel confident and beautiful. It’s self-care, not vanity.
And while people may also know me as a nurse, both my professions connect at the same core: caring for people. In nursing, I heal the body. In hairstyling, I uplift the spirit. Both require integrity, dedication, and professionalism—values that guide everything I do.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Carmelle D, and I’m a licensed hairstylist and nurse in California, originally from Missouri. I specialize in multicultural hair, where all textures are welcome. I’m building my brand, Beautiful Hair, and created Charlotte Flowers Growth Oil to support healthy hair growth. What makes my approach unique is blending my nursing background with hairstyling—educating clients on how nutrition, hydration, and overall wellness directly impact their hair health. My mission is to not only style beautiful hair on the outside but also guide people toward healthier hair from within.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
The person who saw me clearly before I could see myself is my Aunt Donna. She has always been my rock, inspiring me and reminding me that I’m a warrior who doesn’t quit. When I started my first nursing job and wanted to give up, she told me to give it 30 days—now six months later, I love it. She has always seen greatness in me, treating me like her own daughter and showing me nothing but unconditional love.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: “You are stronger than you think, and every challenge you face is preparing you for the amazing woman you’re becoming. Don’t doubt yourself—your voice, your dreams, and your heart matter.”
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the beauty industry is that healthy hair can be achieved through products alone. The truth is, hair health starts from within—through nutrition, hydration, and overall self-care. Another lie is that one standard of beauty or one type of hair is more valuable than another. I believe all hair textures are beautiful and deserve the same level of care, skill, and respect.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace when I’m in prayer, when I’m doing hair and walking in my purpose, and when I’m at the beach—listening to the waves, feeling the wind in my hair, and embracing that inner calm.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Beautifulhair.life
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carmelleharris/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carmelle-harris-8b835515a
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Beautuifulhair/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/beautiful-hair-lakewood
