Sess Lee Cannon, owner of Flourish Curls Salon in Arlington, Texas, has turned her passion for natural hair into a thriving business, with her salon earning over $1.1 million last year.
Flourish Curls specializes in natural hairstyles and offers a wide range of services like twists, scalp exfoliation, and styling.
Cannon’s journey to success began after a life-changing conversation in 2007, when she realized her talent for hairstyling could become a full-fledged career.
Starting from humble beginnings as a cosmetology student and part-time waitress, Lee built her reputation by sharing tutorials and hair care tips on social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram.
Her salon now boasts 11 stylists, and the demand for their services continues to grow, especially in communities with limited options for curly and natural hair care.
Photo: Sess Lee Cannon
One of the key drivers behind Flourish Curls’ million-dollar success is its focus on creating a welcoming space for people to embrace their natural beauty.
“In my 20s, I thought that to be successful, I’d have to work 50-plus hours a week,” Lee tells CNBC’s Make It. “But I’ve been able to build a six-figure career from working three days a week most weeks.”
The salon’s strong social media presence has also been instrumental in its rapid growth, drawing clients eager for specialized hair care.
Cannon balances her entrepreneurial responsibilities with family life, working three days a week and enjoying the autonomy of her own schedule.
She says the most fulfilling aspect of her work is helping people feel confident with their natural hair, something she once struggled with as a teenager.
