La-Ri Douglas

MASTER STYLIST & OWNER

Since I was 6 years old, I knew what profession I wanted to do, and that was becoming a professionally licensed cosmetologist.

I'd watch my mother have her hair styled in our kitchen from a local professionally licensed cosmetologist, Sharon. She was beautiful, cool, sweet, and very talented. EVERYONE went to her to get their hair done and still does!

With watching my mother style my younger sister’s hair, then trying to recreate it on my dolls, braiding the tassels on my mom’s curtain etc... I taught myself to braid. By age 9, I was trying to redo the ponytails my mom would send me to school in just to see if I could, until she realized it and warned me not to play in my hair. That didn't stop me! By age 12, I was trying to style anyone's hair who'd let me, even my mother. When she'd doze off to sleep for a nap, I'd style her hair ever so gently not to wake her so I could get through the style. She'd wake up shocked. I'd say you won't agree to or trust me to do your hair when your awake so I had to find a way to show you what I could do, she was in fact impressed. At age 13, I worked for my dad's business on and off, and as a first-time shampoo assistant in the salon Simply Michelle's (on Broad & Grange), another popular stylist in Philadelphia, I was elated! You guessed it she was super cool, fashionable, down to earth, edgy, and fun. Later by age 14, I had my own salon set up in my parent’s basement in Philly. A very close friend of the family bought me my first professional hooded dryer from a thrift shop that still works 30 years later. I also was taught how to do an even better job at sew-in weaves by an extremely fashionable professional hair stylist, Denise Brown, who also did hair in her home.

I attend Murrell Dobbins A.V.T.S. at 14-years old, and at 15-years old I entered the cosmetology program, took my State Board License and passed on the first try, and since then that little Philadelphia born and raised girl has never looked back. I have never once in almost 30 years stopped doing hair to pursue something else; any other job was always in addition to my passion.

My beautiful sister has been my human doll baby, canvas, best friend, and business consultant along the way. Many have helped me along the way to make my passion into a reality. My older brother has always believed in me more than I did myself. He once volunteered to buy me my first Kizure curling iron set. In the 90's they were very expensive, but he wanted me to have the best. My brother has continued to motivate me along the way with advice, nudging me to realize my potential when I am afraid to see it. My aunt, Sade, is my twin and “She-Ro”! We are so much alike, but her heart is HUGE, she has backed me in EVERY way she could to see me succeed when I bought my first brick and mortar salon and boutique. She was there with the whole family to celebrate and patron. My uncles and cousins have helped me construct and decorate my salons and supported my events. My aunt’s have come to get their hair done which made me feel special and some have donated goods to my boutique.

My great-aunt, Barbara Fennel, has been so proud of me along my journey these years visiting me at every salon I've worked in just to see my success. It has always been an honor doing her hair. My grandmother, Eliza Jane Dow, was a licensed cosmetologist but decided to be a barber in New York. I come from strength so I can only be that!

October 2025 will be 10-years for La-Radiance O.N.E. Salon. Prayer, Faith and Spiritual dedication has sustained my journey. Visit us today to see what’s all the hype!