Lesha Wincher of E L L E É on believing in your vision and never giving up

Describe your business in a few words?

E L L E É is the perfect atmosphere to relax and unwind for mind, body, and soul. Our business is different from the rest as each one of our services are specifically tailored to each one of our guests.

What made you take the leap to start your own business?

With Houston being such a big city, I wanted to create a luxury atmosphere that our guests could come in and unwind. I am also really big on skincare, and have also found it intriguing to learn more about different products and ingredients that I am actually putting on my skin. Partnering with the best of the best estheticians and dermatologists to evaluate formulas that are a complex part of knowing what to put on your skin and what not to.

E L L E É removes the need to spend time driving to different locations for your appointments for hair, aromatherapy, spray tanning, skincare, and waxing. Our state-of-the-art facility allows for each guests to experience the absolute best services as possible. Having providers who are specially specialized in their craft is a huge void filled for our guests.

What was your background prior to starting your own business?

I worked for 4 years as a NFL Cheerleader for the Houston Texans. Following, I was crowned Miss Houston 2018. Being in cheerleading, as well as pageants, I've been able to learn so much about the beauty industry, the do's and don'ts, and different techniques to become one's best self.

Did you always know you wanted to be an entrepreneur?

At a very young age I always knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur. I knew deep down that I had what it takes, but I definitely had to take a leap of faith to make it all happen.

Take us back to when you first launched your business, what was your marketing strategy to get the word out and did it go as planned?

My marketing strategy was very interesting. I wanted to market from every angle possible. I had to put myself as an consumer, and where I look the most when I see different advertisings. Of course with today's large social media presence we really took an aim on that. I also wanted to be sure that individuals who weren't on social media would be able to hear and learn more about E L L E É salon + spa.

We always learn the most from our mistakes, share a time with us that you made a mistake or had a challenging time in business and what you learned from it?

I can honestly say that I have made a few mistakes along this process, but with each mistake I learned tremendously from it. In the beginning, I heard so many people tell me "no", for a while I actually took a break on working on my business because I was discouraged. But, I had a pep talk with myself, and said, "I'm going to make this happen, rather I hear 100 more "no's", I wasn't going to stop! Even looking for my building. Before our current location, there was another location that I absolutely loved, but it just didn't work out for me. However, when I saw our current location I just knew it was the one!

What is the accomplishment you are the most proud of to date?

E L L E É salon + spa has been my biggest accomplishment yet! I could of only dreamed of having my business. Every time I go to the spa I am seriously in awe because I am so proud of the hard work and dedication that went into it.

When hiring for your team, what is your go-to interview question? Please share any hiring tips you can share from your experience?

When hiring for my team, my go-to interview question is: What made them get into the beauty/wellness industry? I love getting a background on why? and how? they started in this industry. It's so inspiring to hear their stories on how they started, and seeing how everyone's journey is different. I've heard the most incredible stories!

What's next for your business? What can we expect to see over the next few years?

E L L E É salon + spa has huge plans on expanding to states all over the country!

What is the biggest lesson you have learned in 2020?

The biggest lesson I have learned in 2020 is NEVER GIVE UP! I know it's something we may hear all the time, but as challenging as 2020 was I have learned no matter how many people tell you "no" you have to keep going! Remember, when you have a dream and passion where you can see the vision, never let anyone who may not see your vision tell you it can't happen, because it can and it will!

What do you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting your business?

Definitely that the construction process may take a little longer than expected. It's important to have a lot of patience, especially when you want your building to be perfect! Patience is definitely key!

How have you managed to stay grounded this year?

It's so important to me that I remain grounded. Each and everyday I am just so thankful and blessed, and I remind myself of how far I have come. No matter what stresses or worries I may have, I constantly remind myself to remain in faith.

Do you believe in work/life balance? What are some of your best tips?

I am a HUGE advocate of a healthy work/life balance. No matter how hard your work I believe it's so important to remember that you have a life as well. I tell this to my employees all the time. Being in this industry it's our jobs to make individuals feel great about themselves, that we must remember to take time out for ourselves as well.

What's something our audience would be surprised to learn about you?

I believe something that the audience would be surprised to learn about me is that I am also a graduate student at Houston Baptist University. I will be obtaining my Doctorate degree of Executive Educational Leadership August 2022. So I will soon be Dr. Lesha Wincher.

What are your top 3 tips to stay productive each day?

1. I start each day being thankful, as well as reading my morning devotional. I am huge on faith, without faith I know any of this would be possible. 

2. I am a huge planner. Every afternoon I write down in my planner everything I hope to accomplish for the following day. 

3. I also like to end the day with a good workout!

What does being an Entreprenista mean to you?

Being an Entreprenista means everything to me. It means there is nothing that one can't do to make their dreams come true. If there is something that you want in life, go out and get it. Never let anyone stop you. The world is yours!