Meet Lanée Mcneal

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Lanée Mcneal a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lanée , thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?

My work ethic comes from my father, who set an incredible example of dedication and perseverance. No matter the circumstances, he always showed up to work, only taking time off when he was truly sick or using PTO. Watching him prioritize consistency and commitment instilled in me the importance of always showing up. I’ve taken that foundation and built upon it, applying it to my own business. Now, I not only show up but also challenge myself to keep growing, pushing boundaries, and finding new ways to move forward.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a cosmetologist specializing in healthy hair across all textures, offering a wide range of services including haircuts, color, vivid color, blonding, locs, and protective styles. What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to take on big, creative color projects where I can really express my artistic side but, what’s most special to me is helping my clients reconnect with themselves. It’s incredible to witness their confidence grow or feel the weight of past trauma lift after a service—it’s a reminder of how transformative beauty can be.

My salon, Laux Key, is a Black woman-owned, queer-owned space dedicated to bringing diversity to the beauty industry. We take pride in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels seen and celebrated.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to expand our offerings with services like loc sprinkles, extensions, sew-ins, GK smoothing treatments, and more natural protective styles.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, I’d say the three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are:
– Communication and Connection: Being able to communicate effectively and find a connection with almost anyone is invaluable. It helps people feel seen, heard, and valued, which creates trust and stronger relationships.
– Futuristic Thinking: Having the ability to create a vision for the future and set meaningful goals has been a driving force for me. Goals give purpose to the day-to-day work and keep you moving forward, even when things feel mundane or challenging.
– Lifetime Learning: This industry is constantly evolving, and staying relevant requires a balance of confidence in what you already know and a commitment to continuous learning. Taking classes, staying up to date with trends, and refining foundational skills are all essential.

For those early in their journey, my advice is to take advantage of every opportunity to learn and grow. Seek out mentors in your industry—they can offer invaluable guidance and insight. Invest in yourself, whether by paying for classes that you find valuable or investing your time in working at places that prioritize education and skill development. Always keep your end goal in mind, and align your decisions with where you want to be. With consistent effort, a willingness to learn, and a focus on your vision, you’ll build the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Yes, I’m definitely looking for people to collaborate with! One of my biggest struggles in my profession is managing social media. After spending long hours creating and connecting with my guest, the last thing on my mind is crafting a reel or coming up with a catchy caption—even though I know how powerful social media is as a marketing tool. I’d love to partner with someone who specializes in social media, particularly someone who understands the beauty industry and can help showcase my work and brand.

If you’re a social media expert and interested in collaborating, please don’t hesitate to reach out! You can connect with me directly through my salon’s Instagram @laux.key or email me at lauxkey.columbus@gmail.com. I’d love to explore how we can work together!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://lauxkey.glossgenius.com/
• Instagram: @laux.key
• Facebook: Laux Key, LLC