We recently had the chance to connect with josei Harris and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning josei, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
My mornings are sacred—they set the tone for everything that follows.
Many of my partners are on the eastern side of the globe. On most days I wake extra early to manage timely messages & call at 4am EST.
My “second morning” begins in quiet gratitude & reflection with prayer. Then I typically ease into movement—stretching or dancing with my puppy to clear my head. Once centered, I check in with my leadership priorities: what or who needs my energy most today. From there I check messages and move into action mode.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Josei Harris, founder and curator of Black Bella Spa Collective, and a proud fourth-generation Washingtonian. My passion has always been to learn, grow, and build alongside my community. What started in 2014 as a home-based spa has evolved into a thriving movement centered on wellness, empowerment, and entrepreneurship.
At Black Bella, we curate experiences that speak to the modern woman of color—intelligent, ambitious, and deeply deserving of care. Our approach goes far beyond pampering; it’s rooted in results, education, and connection. From medical-grade body contouring to holistic wellness rituals, we’ve created a space where healing feels high-end, culturally relevant, and deeply personal.
What truly sets us apart is our mission to expand access to integrative care through ownership. Through the Black Bella Spa Collective, we’re helping other estheticians, therapists, and wellness professionals grow sustainable, independent businesses that elevate their communities.
We’re just getting started—launching new wellness programs, creating jobs, and shaping what inclusive luxury truly looks and feels like. For us, wellness isn’t just a service; it’s a legacy we’re building together.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
I’ve held on to this thought for many years. I have a friend named Lance. He’s what I’d consider a MEGA Entrepreneur. Many people will say they are a serial entrepreneurs because they lack the focus and tenacity to be consistent at their endeavors. But Lance… he’s truly a ‘Master of Ingenuity’ and s successful, serial entrepreneur. He SAW ME early in our friendship when I was just about twenty something years old. He pressed upon me how great I would be to the point that it literally frightened me. I couldn’t understand what he meant. Of course my family members have always awarded my bravery & wit. But that’s what families are supposed to do!
Many years later I replay the snippets of the conversations we’ve had. I often wonder what my life would have been if I not only understood but reacted to the motivation Lance and others around me offered. I have no regrets. However, I do wonder.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Suffering & sacrificing are critically defining parts of successful entrepreneurship. I liken suffering as an attribute; “The ability to delay gratification”. So much of building and developing is painful and unrewarding in the beginning of the entrepreneurial journey. No one can see your suffering, only your perceived awards.
Suffering has taught me grace, dedication and discipline to achieve the results I desire.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie our industry tells is that it’s easy — that luxury, success, and wealth are just a few social media posts away. The spa and beauty world loves to glamorize the surface: soft lighting, perfect skin, and “six figures in six months.” But behind the candles and curated feeds, real success in wellness takes grind, education, and integrity.
Too many professionals are chasing influence instead of impact. The truth is, this work requires heart, discipline, and deep respect for the people we serve. It’s not about instant riches or effortless beauty; it’s about showing up with consistency, learning every day, and leading from a place of love.
At Black Bella Spa Collective, we believe in rewriting that narrative. We’re not chasing trends—we’re building infrastructure: teaching, hiring, and mentoring practitioners who want longevity, not just followers. The glamour will fade, but legacy doesn’t.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I wholeheartedly believe I’m doing both—leading and serving. Early in my career, I often turned down leadership roles because I didn’t want to manage people; I wanted to refine processes and make systems work better. Over time—and through a lot of prayer, growth, and divine clarity—I realized that leadership doesn’t always look like authority.
It looks like advocacy, collaboration, and stewardship. I’ve accepted that my role is to guide, support, and create spaces where my team and community can thrive. For me, leadership means showing up with humility, building solution-driven partnerships, and sparking innovation that reflects our shared values at Black Bella Spa Collective.
I am forever honored to be the steward of My Tribe❣️
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.BlackBellaSpa.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/BlackBellaSpa
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlackBellaDC
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/%40blackbellaspa
Image Credits
Studio Muze
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
