Hidden Gems: Meet Leliyah Dew of Leestyledit

Today we’d like to introduce you to Leliyah Dew.

Hi Leliyah, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born and briefly raised in Lumberton, NC; growing up, there weren’t many beauticians in my family, so I didn’t see myself doing hair as a child. I enjoyed getting my hair done and playing pretends beautician with baby dolls back then. When I moved to Charlotte with my mother, she started a YouTube page where she would review different hair vendors and weave companies. She would DIY most of the hairstyles I would wear to school—this sparked many compliments from classmates. Her interest in hair extensions and braiding versatility caused me to develop a passion for hair braiding. A few years later, I picked up a comb and braided hair and started on my first client—who happened to be a really good friend of mine.

You wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been smooth?
There had been a few obstacles with starting my hair business. I began doing hair while I was an upperclassman in high school. I would style most of my clients in the bay room area of my mother’s house until 2020. Once Covid hit, I had to buckle down on the number of clients I was accepting and maintaining Covid protocols — which was hard. The pandemic, followed by college, caused me to step away from my hair business. Since then, I’ve reconstructed my business, which has been booming. Being a full-time student and running a business is overwhelming at times. I find that because I can create my schedule, It’s best to have days off for school and “mental breaks.”

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us a bit more about your business.
Leestyledit is the hair business I’ve created. I work with natural hair extensions and sell products and merchandise. I am known for being quite affordable, as I base my prices on most clients I style who college students are. I’m proud to be able to style men and women, leaving them feeling brand new or giving them a confidence boost. I often offer deals and ongoing loyalty programs such as “refer a friend” and punch card rewards. Hair is always included in my services to allow clients to worry about 1 less thing!

Before we go, can you talk to us about how people can work, collaborate, or support you?
I strongly believe in social media, so those who want to support me can repost my work and refer others! Those who want to collaborate can reach out to me via Instagram @Leesryledit!

Pricing:

• Invisible Locs :$145+
• Bohemian Knotless Braids: $120+
• Passion twist: $135+
• Men’s Styles: $55+
• Edge scarf: $7.50

Contact Info:

• Website: https://leestyledit.as.me/
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/leestyledit?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@LeeLavish
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@talaniilee?_t=8Zo6rSLHebD&_r=1