Introducing...Lashunda Davis, Owner Cure Beauty Bar, Fort Greene Brooklyn, NY

Suncear Scretchen: What is the inspiration behind business?

Lashunda Davis: I got tired of going into the city (Manhattan) for different beauty treatments; I wanted something in my neighborhood. After I was laid off from my job in fashion, I thought about the next step and how I didn't want anyone to hold my fate in their hands anymore. I did research, got my nail school license, wrote a business plan, found a space and began building it out.  It will be 3 years in August since we've opened.

 
SS: What made you decide on starting a business specifically in wellness?

 
Lashunda Davis: I believe in taking care of the natural self, especially the fingernails. Instead of buying tips you can take good care of your nails.  Also, I love that you can be whomever you want with your fingers and toes in Corporate America.

 
SS: Who is your clientele?

Lashunda Davis:  I am.  I know what my senses like: pretty smells, great music.  I get everyone from grandmothers to high school students.  I just provided services for an 8 year old birthday party.  We also do bridal showers and wedding days. 

SS: What sets you apart from the other beauty bars?

Lashunda Davis: I want my place to be a home away from home; a place where people can feel good from a customer service perspective.  I think that's something that's missing in BK- niceness. I try to remember everyone's name and we sometimes serve our customers tea and wine.  You are not going to get the typical "get in and get out" mani/pedi. Also, we use all natural products for the facials and all of our polishes are formaldehyde and camphor-free.

 
SS: Describe your most memorable customer.

Lashunda Davis: I had 2 women come in (at separate times) and they both went into labor having a pedicure.

SS: What's next for you?

Expanding the business. Maybe have a Cure Beauty Bar in Vegas (where I'm from).  I would also like to hook up with a small boutique hotel that would sell my [future] Cure Beauty products.  Lastly, I would love to have a reality show; maybe webisodes that talk about looking good and feeling good at the same time.  And you don't need any of that artificial stuff; you can use what you got to get what you want.
 

SS: What is your definition of a Hot Shot?

Someone who follows their passion and makes it happen.  They know how to make a living out of it.  So many people do things b/c they programmed.  When you are living your dream, no one can take that away from you.

http://www.curebk.com/