Meet Lauren “Elle” Howard | Hair Artist & Cranial Prosthesis Specialist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lauren “Elle” Howard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lauren “Elle”, what do you attribute your success to?
The success of my brand lies in my ability to translate my vision and make it relatable for my target audience. I know I’m not for everybody, but my Mane Course clients know that I will continually exceed their expectations. I am my brand and the bulk of my success comes from me being true to myself. When I step outside, I represent my brand. My success comes from me being authentic. I am relatable and I have worked hard to convey the message that beauty via haircare is attainable. I want every woman who sees me to know that this is self-care. The Mane Course brand represents a woman at her best. Ridding myself of negativity and undue relationships has helped elevate my brand. I spent a very long time supporting a friend in the haircare industry who I thought was a supporter and later found out that it was toxic competition. Embracing change and working in a space where I can continue to improve as a stylist and business woman has been key to the success of my brand!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Hello Everyone! I’m Lauren “Elle” Howard, the C.E.O. and Curator of Mane Course By Elle Hair Extensions, I know a little something about hair!

As a  self-taught stylist, I  started very young doing Pigtails (later known as microbraids), microwave ponytails, braids and  box plaits in my West Little River neighborhood. After seeing how I could transform my clients with different styles I honed her craft even more by obtaining professional licensure in Cosmetology in the State of Florida.

For over a decade, I have created sought after high end and everyday styles for my ever-growing clientele. My work has appeared in Hype Hair Magazine and my signature bob cuts, seamless sew-ins and micro-links keep heads turning.

After a longtime struggle finding the perfect hair from here today, gone tomorrow vendors, I decided to take matters into my own hands. Thus, I  birthed Mane Course by Elle to provide my top tier clients with hair to withstand style after style!

While, developing a hair line, I wanted a way to give back to girls and women who had lost their hair to cancer, alopecia, lupus and other medical reasons. That’s when Mane Course Rx, was born. Mane Course Rx provides realistic, custom medical grade hair pieces and cranial prosthesis.

Recently, one of my long-time clients underwent treatments for breast cancer.

As she began losing her hair, I saw her confidence dwindle. She got a prescription for a wig to offset the hair loss during her treatments, but the wigs that were offered were for straighter hair textures, none of them had that “it-factor”. I knew Mane Course Rx was the right fit for her and I knew I had to share it with the world!

I’ve upped my game and now I have the proper certification to provide medical grade, custom cranial prosthesis to those in need. My goal is to be the retailer who caters to our culture  with the right hair and the right style that suits  my clients’ lifestyle, personality and appearance.  I just want to spread a little Black girl magic

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Visiting South Florida is likened to going to an island…it just happens to be in the continental U.S.

While most visitors to sunny South Florida make a beeline to South Beach, I’d take a group of out of town friends to Brickell Key. It’s an upscale, low-key, tendy area of Miami with tons of shopping options and restaurants with views of The Biscayne Bay. Brickell gives you the big city feel without the crowded, touristy feel of SoBe.

I’m all about a great restaurant experience and a Black owned eatery that is a must on your visit to Miami is Bar One Miami, owned by Peter Thomas of Real Houswoves of Atlanta fame. Bar One has a lengthy menu of Caribbean-fusion dishes that fit right in line with the Miami vibe. It’s swanky and consistently serves up amazing offerings.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my Shout-out to my daughter, Jai’La! She is the light of my life. Without her watching, I don’t know if I would have the same drive to accomplish my goals and make Mane Course what it is today!

Website: https://www.manecoursebyelle.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/_manecourse?utm_medium=copy_link

Image Credits
Professional images by Maybelline Photography