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An Inspired Chat with Maura Surles of Durham

We recently had the chance to connect with Maura Surles and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Maura, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
What’s misunderstood about my business is my professionalism, my prices ,and my boundaries

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Maura Surles, the founder of She by Maura Sherese Inc., where we celebrate beauty, confidence, and the power of protective styling. I specialize in natural hair care, weaves, and protective styles — helping women protect their crown while embracing their natural beauty.

What sets She by Maura Sherese apart is the care and intention behind every style. I focus not just on how you look, but on the health of your hair and the experience you receive. It’s more than a service — it’s a vibe, a safe space, and a celebration of Black beauty.

Right now, I’m working on something exciting — a rebrand that reflects the next level of this journey. New name, new energy, same commitment to excellence. Stay tuned!

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. Who taught you the most about work?
Who taught me the most about work?
My mother. She was the definition of strength and independence — always two steps ahead, always making a way even when there wasn’t one.

She taught me that real work isn’t just about showing up — it’s about staying prepared, staying focused, and never depending on anyone to hand you anything. Watching her move with grace, hustle, and strategy shaped how I approach everything I do in my business today.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering taught me resilience — how to stand back up when no one’s clapping. It taught me patience, humility, and how to trust myself when things fall apart.

Success shows you what’s possible.
Suffering shows you what you’re made of.

In pain, I learned how to be still, how to listen to my inner voice, and how to move with purpose — not just pressure. It revealed who was real, what truly mattered, and what I could survive.

And most of all, it taught me that even in the dark, I still shine.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
They’d probably say what really matters to me is truth with compassion—being honest, but never careless with people’s hearts. I think they’d also say I care deeply about people feeling seen, heard, and understood, especially those who are usually overlooked or dismissed.

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
“She was real. She didn’t fake it for anyone. She carried pain and power at the same time, and still showed up for others—especially when they needed a reminder of their worth. She believed in beauty, not just on the outside, but the kind that grows from resilience, from rising again. Her hands did hair, but her presence did healing. You didn’t just leave her chair looking better—you left feeling better.”

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