Welcome, Marie, and how are you?

Hi! I’m doing great, thank you. I’m excited to be here and share my journey with everyone.

What is it that fascinated you about the world of cosmetology and led you to want to become a licensed cosmetologist? 

Growing up biracial, my hair was something many people didn’t quite know what to do with. My mom would take me to different salons, and women in my neighborhood would style my hair in a variety of ways—sometimes relaxed, sometimes braided. I remember sitting for hours as a kid, waiting for my hair to be done, feeling the frustration of the stylists because I have a lot of thick hair, and also feeling my own insecurities about my hair type.

Around 11 years old, I realized I needed to figure this out for myself. I started asking stylists how to braid, and while some were willing to show me, others weren’t. I vividly remember one stylist telling me, “If you want to learn how to braid, you have to learn the pattern of braiding.” That advice stuck with me and helped me understand that I needed to master the foundational skills of cosmetology. 

From that moment, my curiosity turned into a passion, and I knew I wanted to become a licensed cosmetologist—to master these skills and help others feel confident in their own hair.

Tell us about your business—Insure Beauty, LLC—and the inspiration behind starting it.

Insure Beauty, LLC was born from my desire to provide high-quality hair and beauty services in a welcoming, professional environment. I wanted to create a space where clients could express themselves openly, share their beauty concerns, and explore what has or hasn’t worked for them in the past. 

Whether services are performed in the privacy of their home or in our salon suite here in Fredericksburg, VA, my goal is to make every client feel seen, heard, and confident. The inspiration came from my own experiences in the beauty world and my dream of building a business that reflects both excellence and care.

What kinds of services do you offer, and what are the benefits of using a chemical-free hair care product?

We offer a variety of protective styles such as braids, crochets, and locs, makeup services, and hair extension services. For hair extensions, we also provide alternatives like Rebundle, an organic hair extensions brand, which allows us to cater to clients who have allergies or sensitivities to typical synthetic hair. 

Our chemical-free approach means that we do not offer relaxers, color treatments, or perms, which helps keep hair healthy and strong.

How has the entrepreneurial journey been for you thus far? 

My entrepreneurial journey has been exciting, rewarding, and full of learning experiences. Social media has played a huge role in helping me connect with clients, showcase my work, and grow my brand. 

One key lesson I’ve learned is not to get caught up in the follows, likes, or comments. Instead, aim to be consistent and genuinely connect with your current audience—that’s what truly builds relationships and trust over time.

Where can people connect with you if they are interested in your services?

People can connect with me through our website at www.insure-beauty.com, or find us on social at @insure.beauty. I love connecting with clients online as much as in person!

When you’re not busy working, how are you practicing self-care?

Self-care for me is all about balance. I love spending time outdoors, journaling, and doing simple hair and skincare routines for myself. It’s important to recharge so I can show up fully for my clients and my business.

Thank you so much, Marie!