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Life, Values & Legacy: Our Chat with Christelle Wilson of Cary

Christelle Wilson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Christelle, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
I think many people assume my business is just about doing hair, when in reality it’s so much more than that. What we do is rooted in education, healing, self love and confidence-building. Hair is simply the entry point. Through personalized care, healthy-hair regimens, and intentional conversations, we help people reconnect with themselves and feel seen, valued, and empowered. It’s about creating a safe, healthy space where transformation happens from the inside out—not just in the mirror.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Christelle Wilson, some people call me “Cece” or “Chris” and I’m the founder and CEO of La Belle Vie Creations. What I do today is deeply rooted in my own journey of faith, healing, and restoration. There was a season in my life when I experienced significant hair loss due to illness, and in that vulnerable place, God began to reshape not just my hair—but my purpose.

Through that journey, I learned that hair is deeply connected to identity, confidence, and emotional well-being. My love for healthy hair and Creating personalized regimens for those in need, was born from the desire to create more than a salon. It became a ministry of care—where education, intention, and compassion meet luxury hair services. (Because being able to get your hair done is a luxury.)
I believe healthy hair starts with understanding, patience, and trust, both with yourself and with the process.

Every client experience is designed to be a safe, calming space where women can exhale, feel seen, and begin their own healing—inside and out. Today, I’m expanding the brand through education, products, and community initiatives, all while honoring the calling God placed on my life: to serve, restore confidence, and remind women of their beauty and worth.

Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that believed I had to constantly give—my time, my energy, my services for free—often without being asked and sometimes at the expense of myself. For a long time, I felt called to always be available, always ready to help, even when my own cup was empty. That season served its purpose by teaching me compassion and service, but it also taught me the cost of neglecting myself.

Now, I’m learning to give from a place of fullness, not depletion. I still lead with generosity and love, but I no longer abandon myself in the process. I’m setting boundaries, honoring my capacity, and allowing rest to be part of my purpose. This new chapter is about self-respect, sustainability, and understanding that saying no can be just as faithful as saying yes.

When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
Recently, 2025. I experienced the loss of someone who had been deeply important in my life for a long time, and it happened without explanation. I now know the reason and am ok with it. That kind of loss forces you to either shrink or rise. I chose to rise, with no regrets. Through prayer and reflection, I began to understand that sometimes God removes people or relationships not to punish us, but to protect and prepare us.

Instead of letting the pain harden me, I allowed it to strengthen me. I used it as motivation to push forward, to trust God more deeply, and to pour purpose into everything I create. What once felt like heartbreak became clarity, and that clarity has allowed me to create impact, lead with intention, and walk more confidently in who I’m becoming. I grieve for the lost and now i’m moving on with grace and clarity.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My closest friends would say that God, family, and helping others are at the center of everything I do. They’d also tell you that I value authenticity, honesty, and continuous learning—I believe growth comes from being intentional about how we live, love, and serve. More recently, they’d add that self-care truly matters to me now, because I’ve learned that you can’t pour into others well unless you first take care of yourself.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, absolutely. I give my best in everything I do because my commitment is personal—it’s not rooted in recognition or validation from others. Once I commit to something, I show up fully and give it my all, even when no one is watching. Excellence, for me, is a reflection of who I am and the standards I hold for myself, not the applause that may or may not follow. I hope when people do things, whatever that may be, they are doing it because its what they want and it brings them joy. Life is too short. You have to enjoy every moment and be happy.

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Image Credits
Christelle, and Friends of Christelle.

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