Meet Chardae Greenlee | Licensed Cosmetologist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Chardae Greenlee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Chardae, how do you think about risk?
When I think about risk, I think of getting out of my comfort zone to achieve an end goal. Sometimes risk can be seen as a negative thing, but I believe when you have a vision, it may require taking some risk to achieve it. For me, the key to taking risks is having a vision, planning what you can control, and managing expectations by accepting what comes with the risk.

One quote I love regarding risk is, “Those who don’t Jump will never fly.” It takes courage and boldness to step out and make the changes you want for your life, and sometimes, those decisions are not easy. Quitting my 9-5 career of 6 years to start a new career in the beauty industry was not easy. However, I knew for me to walk in purpose and reach my full potential, I needed to step out and do it!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I create art through hairstyling! Hairstyling gives me the creative ability to transform someone’s appearance and elevate it by using different techniques, such as hair color, haircutting, styling, and more. I see myself as more than just a hairstylist providing a simple service. I see myself as a hair sculptor, a painter, a chemist, and a designer playing with various textures and movements of hair to make my clients feel amazing.

There are so many talented cosmetologists and there’s room for all of us. However, what sets me apart is my professionalism, personality, and skill set to adapt to different clients’ needs. I love that I can work with any hair type from straight hair to coils. Lastly, it is my priority that I am professional, but also have the personality to connect with my clients and work through their hair vulnerabilities to create a 5-star experience.

My most proud moment is being selected as a 2024 Top 100 Modern Salon Beauty Game Changer. For me, it confirmed that through hard work and pursuing my passion in the beauty industry I am making an impact. Lastly, it’s an inspiration to myself to keep evolving! Where I am today will not be my ceiling because I have so much more to accomplish. I am where I am today because of God’s favor on my life, my perseverance, and the support of my village. It wasn’t always easy, but when I understood my “why” I knew it weighed more than the challenges I faced. I made those challenges become my motivation. One lesson I’ve learned thus far is that learning never stops. Therefore, I value education, new experiences, and challenges.

What I want people to know about my brand is that, It’s more than just showing up to receive or provide a service. It’s about the experience, tackling hair vulnerabilities, and my clients leaving my chair better than when they came.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I enjoy trying new restaurants, roller skating and experiencing new adventures like museums, art/painting classes, walking nature trails and sporting events. Some of my favorite restaurants so far in Charlotte are Tupelo Honey, Kid Cashew, Waterman Fish Bar and Jenni’s Splendid Ice Cream. Two places that are next on my list to try is Deluxe Fun Dinning and Little Mama’s Italian restaurant in Charlotte NC.

To me skating is a great indoor activity to build community, exercise, and enjoy good music. Kates Skating Rink has Adult Skate Nights that provides great music from a live DJ, connects you with new people and safe place to have fun. However, if it is nice out, taking a walk on a trail or observing Nature/ beautiful trees is super peaceful in NC. I’ve visited Freedom park, Little Sugar Creek, and other trails in Winston Salem, NC to name a few. Trails outside of Charlotte I would love to visit are Hanging Rock Park and Crowders Mountain State Park.

Lastly, sporting events will always hold a special place in my heart . They are fun to enjoy with friends. I worked in athletics for 6 years, so attending a variety of competitive NC based college basketball and football games / teams is always exciting!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have been very fortunate to have a great support system in my life. I won’t be able to name all of them here, but first and foremost as a follower of Jesus and a woman of faith, I have to give my first shout out to God. He has given me all that I am and have. Including the gift and passion as a beauty creative which allows me to greatly impact others. Lastly, I would like to shout out my family, friends, and all the staff at Paul Mitchell the school Charlotte. Everyone in my support system has been super encouraging, through all my wins, challenges, cries, and laughter – especially in the last 11 months to get me through the finish line to graduate cosmetology school this January (2025). It truly takes a village because you are only as good as the ones around you. And I must say I have a great group. As I continue my journey in the beauty industry post-graduation, I look forward to finding new mentors and building relationships that will bring out the best beauty-prenuer I envision myself to be and vice versa.

Instagram: @chardae_greenlee

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chardae-greenlee-ab029390/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A3WBdnPRF/?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Other: https://web.beautista.com/canvas/chardae-greenlee

Image Credits
C. Greenlee (2024, 2025) – Cosmetology School Portfolio