Today we’d like to introduce you to Shavaughn Lee.
Hi Shavaughn, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
For years, I felt like I was living in a gilded cage. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit, but I spent decades in the corporate world, feeling a constant dissatisfaction that no job title or salary could fix. My heart was elsewhere, and I knew I had to make a change.
I spent years brainstorming and finally had a breakthrough. I realized my true passion was in the beauty industry—not as a stylist, but as a visionary with a dream of empowering artists. I saw the industry as a community, and I wanted to create a beautiful space where they could thrive.
The day I finally decided to manage my own business instead of someone else’s was the day everything changed.
My opportunity arose in the form of “The Executive Salon & Suites,” a well-established salon that had been a community staple for over a decade. The owner was relocating and was seeking a buyer with passion. Fueled by my entrepreneurial spirit, I made an offer that was accepted. When I received the keys, I felt like I was not just taking over a business but building a legacy.
But I wasn’t done yet. A year later, the retail space next door became available. I jumped at the chance to tear down the wall and create a 6,000-square-foot
dynamic salon space.
I decided to keep the “Executive” salon running as a full-service salon and barbershop, honoring its history and loyal clientele. The new wing would be dedicated to my grand vision: luxurious salon suites that would give artists the freedom and autonomy they deserve.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The initial months were a blur of construction and design decisions. I meticulously selected every detail, from the room layouts and flooring to the modern fixtures and calming paint colors. A significant investment was made in high-end lighting, custom cabinetry, and unique wall designs. Despite the detailed planning, a persistent whisper of self-doubt lingered—a constant internal question asking myself if I had been overambitious to take on such an immense risk.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Executive Salon & Suites. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Executive Salon & Suites is not a traditional salon; we are a premium business platform designed to empower independent beauty and barber professionals. Our mission is to provide a luxurious, turn-key environment where talented specialists can launch and grow their own successful businesses.
What We Do & What We Are Known For
We specialize in providing high-end, fully equipped private salon studios. Our business model allows professionals to escape the commission structure of a traditional salon and become their own boss, setting their own hours and prices. We also cater to professionals needing more flexibility by offering barbershop booth rentals for day and weekly use. This dual model allows us to support a wide range of entrepreneurs, from those ready for a full-time studio to those who need a flexible, part-time space. We handle the overhead and facility management, allowing our members to focus entirely on their clients and their craft.
What Sets Us Apart
What truly sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to a professional and luxurious environment for both the business owner and their client.
•For the Professional: We offer complete business independence without the massive financial and logistical burden of building a salon from scratch. Our private suites come with premier amenities, while our flexible booth rentals offer a low-risk, high-reward option. This variety empowers a wider range of entrepreneurs to get started on their own terms.
•For the Client: The experience is entirely private and personalized. Clients receive one-on-one attention in a quiet, exclusive setting, free from the noise and distractions of a large, open salon floor. It’s a highly sought-after, intimate experience that elevates a simple appointment into a truly luxurious escape.
What We Are Most Proud Of
Brand-wise, we are most proud of being a catalyst for entrepreneurship. We provide the infrastructure for people to pursue their dreams of business ownership. Seeing our members flourish—building a loyal clientele, expanding their services, and creating a brand they are proud of—is the ultimate measure of our success. We are not just renting space; we are building a community of empowered, successful business owners.
What We Want Our Readers to Know
To put it simply, Executive Salon & Suites is where professional excellence meets entrepreneurial freedom. We offer a luxurious, private experience for clients and a thriving, supportive business home for talented beauty and barber professionals. Our brand stands for quality, independence, and the belief that a talented individual deserves the freedom to build a successful career on their own terms, whether they choose a private suite or a flexible booth rental.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
We often think that business success is all about the perfect location or the perfect product. While those things matter, our recent journey has taught us that the real secret lies in a few, often overlooked, principles.
First, adaptability is everything. We had a solid plan, but we quickly learned that staying competitive meant being ready to adjust our services and policies based on real-world feedback. A great location is only great if you can keep up with the changing needs of your industry.
Second, your team is your greatest asset. A high-quality environment isn’t created by one person: it’s the result of a cohesive team, from the owners to the maintenance crew. We found that building a strong, reliable team is a direct investment in the quality of your business.
Finally, managing the finances and embracing a mindset of continuous learning are the two pillars that hold it all up. By diligently managing our cash flow and learning from every success and failure, we were able to navigate the complexities and turn our vision into a profitable reality.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.theexecutivesalonandsuites.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/executivesalonandsuites
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheExecutiveBarbershopandSalon?mibextid=wwXIfr
