Today we’d like to introduce you to LaShante’ Days.
Hi LaShante’, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
How I Got Started as a Licensed Professional Cosmetologist
To say that my journey began with me alone would be impossible. My journey began with God. It began with favor. It began with divine connections.
I was blessed to encounter many mentors prominent women in the field of cosmetology who poured wisdom, knowledge, and understanding into me. They shaped my perspective of the beauty industry and helped me see beyond just doing hair. Because of them, I don’t take all the credit for where I am today. I honor those who came before me and opened doors that I was graced to walk through.
Growing up, my mother always told me, “Your gift is in your hands.” I naturally had an eye for beauty. I loved drawing, decorating, and transforming things. Even as a young girl, I could take something simple and make it beautiful.
I started doing hair in high school over 23 years ago, servicing family members and people in my community. What began as a passion quickly became purpose. I was blessed with the opportunity to attend cosmetology school, but the journey was not without challenges. I struggled with passing my state board exam. There were moments of frustration and doubt but my faith in God carried me through. I didn’t quit. I persevered. And today, I am proud to be a licensed professional cosmetologist.
I am the owner and founder of Salon Elite, located on E. 40th Street in Savannah, Georgia. We have been in this location for about 10 years. But Salon Elite is more than just a salon it’s a place of empowerment, growth, and transformation.
Through Salon Elite, I’ve had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world while making a lasting impact in my own community. I’ve mentored aspiring stylists, encouraged others to start their own businesses, and helped many build confidence and clientele of their own. Watching others succeed is one of my greatest rewards.
My journey is not just about hair. It’s about faith, perseverance, mentorship, and purpose. And I am grateful for every lesson, every challenge, and every person God placed in my path.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
One of the greatest challenges in my journey to becoming a licensed cosmetologist was not passing my cosmetology state board exam the first time. It was incredibly discouraging and tested my confidence, especially after putting in so much time, effort, and dedication to my craft. In that moment, I had a choice to give up or to push forward. I am deeply grateful for the people God placed in my life who refused to let me quit. Their encouragement, prayers, and constant reminders of my purpose gave me the strength to try again. That setback did not define me; it refined me. It strengthened my faith, built my resilience, and taught me perseverance. Looking back, I realize that obstacle was necessary it shaped the determination that I now carry not only as a licensed cosmetologist, but as the proud owner of Salon Elite.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a licensed cosmetologist and the proud owner of Salon Elite. I am mostly known for my flawless installations, specializing in shortcut pixie cuts, long hair extensions and sew-ins, relaxers, custom coloring, silk presses, and hot curls. Precision and transformation are my signature. Whether it is a bold pixie cut or a full extension install, I focus on creating polished, confidence boosting looks tailored to each client.
However, what I am most proud of goes far beyond hair. I am proud of the lives I have been able to touch through the chair. Many people who sit with me are walking through different seasons in their lives marriage challenges, health battles, personal struggles, or career transitions. I count it an honor to not only style their hair but to encourage, uplift, and inspire them. For clients battling cancer, we also provide wig installations to help restore confidence during difficult times.
Giving back to the community is one of my greatest passions. Through my nonprofit organization, The Next Step Program, we have provided Christmas gifts for adopted children and families in need, distributed book bags and school supplies, and created opportunities for growth. I also host braiding boot camps for teenagers, teaching them skills and techniques that can open doors to entrepreneurship and help them become dynamic hairstylists.
What sets my salon apart is that it’s more than a place to get your hair done it’s a place of impact. I intentionally use my business as a platform to serve the community on multiple levels. We don’t just focus on beauty we focus on people. Every client who sits in our chair matters, and we strive to leave a lasting impression on their lives.
Above all, I am most proud of being a wife to my husband, Frank Days. We have been married for 17 years, and my first ministry is my home. I want to be known not just as a talented stylist, but as a servant of God who serves her family, her clients, and her community with excellence and integrity.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
My advice for finding a mentor and building strong networks is simple: get out into your local community. Mentorship doesn’t just come to you you have to position yourself to be seen and to learn. Attend events at your local entrepreneurship centers, business expos, networking mixers, and community gatherings. Put yourself in rooms where leaders, creatives, and business owners are already operating at the level you desire to reach.
Social networking both online and in person has been a powerful tool for me. Showing up consistently, introducing yourself, asking thoughtful questions, and genuinely supporting others goes a long way. I’ve learned that mentorship often grows naturally from relationships built on respect and consistency. Get to know the people who are leading in the marketplace. Observe how they move, how they manage, how they serve.
What has worked well for me is humility and honor. I never approached mentors as if they owed me something. I came willing to learn, willing to serve, and willing to grow. When you stay teachable and intentional about building authentic connections, the right mentors will find you just as much as you find them.
Pricing:
- Shampoo and style 75
- Quick weave installments 150 with braid down 175
- Sew in installments with a leave out 175
- Hair coloring stars at 85 and up
- Relaxers are $100
Contact Info:
- Website: https://salonelitedesigns.com/
- Instagram: Salon_elite_llc
- Facebook: Lashante Days
- LinkedIn: Lashante Days
- Youtube: Lashante Days
