photo by steed media service

Leslie Leland, the owner of Hair-Ex store and salon in Sandy Springs, Ga., is a mastermind when it comes to hair extensions. The mane maven is known for bringing Hollywood glam to the everyday woman.

“My mission is to become the [preferred brand] of hair extensions for African American women. We make up the largest percentage of consumers, so we definitely need to be represented in the marketplace,” says Leland of the lucrative weave market that’s currently dominated by Asian retailers.

Leland entered the business three years ago after traveling the world and researching hair extensions. The search led her to India, and now she makes quarterly trips there for the 100 percent virgin Indonesian hair stocked in her shop. Leland says her products, which resemble African American textures, are not processed, delaying matting and tangling for a year.

“The virgin hair isn’t polished … it looks just like our natural hair … but [I faced] challenges re-educating the people about the quality and the authenticity of the brand,” reveals Leland, who also plans to open stores in Houston, Brooklyn and Arizona this year. When Leland isn’t busy managing or distributing hair products, she produces artists. The chic trendsetter was the driving force behind the development of African American country singer Rissi Palmer and she represents Atlanta’s DJ Camille. Leland encourages other women to take charge of their careers.

“Follow your creativity,” she says. “Surround yourself with people who will inspire you and motivate that [creativity] in you.” -marissa mitchell

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