Meet Niarree Hargrove

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

Hi Niarree , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?

Being the only one in the room who looks like me hasn’t always been easy, but it’s definitely made me stronger. There were times I felt out of place or underestimated, but I learned to use that as fuel instead of letting it stop me. Opening my beauty salon and lounge in Atlanta has been a dream that came with a lot of hard work, late nights, and moments where I had to bet on myself—especially when no one else could see the vision. I’ve learned to stand confident in who I am, speak up even when it’s uncomfortable, and stay rooted in my purpose. I remind myself that I’m not just doing this for me—I’m doing it for my 3kids and the people who come after me, who need to see someone who looks like them breaking through. Being the only one in the room taught me how to lead, how to hustle, and how to stay true to my story.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

At Bella’s, we’re creating more than just a beauty destination—we’re building a full experience that blends self-care, community, and culture all under one roof. Located in the heart of Atlanta, Bella’s is a one-of-a-kind salon, barbershop, and after-hours lounge. On one side, we offer a full range of beauty services including hair styling, lashes, nails, and barbering—done by talented professionals who really care about helping people look and feel their best. On the other side, our after-hours lounge transforms the vibe completely, offering good food, drinks, music, and a place to unwind, connect, and celebrate. What makes Bella’s so exciting is that it’s not just a business—it’s a movement. We’re redefining beauty and nightlife by creating a space where everyone feels seen, catered to, and welcome. Whether you’re coming to get pampered or pull up for a chill night out, Bella’s is where beauty meets vibe.

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

Vision was everything—I had to be able to clearly see what I wanted Bella’s to become, even before it existed. From the salon chairs to the after-hours lounge vibe, it all started with knowing the type of experience I wanted to create. For anyone just starting out, don’t be afraid to dream big and be specific. Your vision will keep you focused when things get hectic.

Resilience has kept me going. There were definitely times I felt overwhelmed, discouraged, or doubted myself. But I kept pushing, and every challenge taught me something valuable. If you’re early in your journey, understand that setbacks are part of the process. Keep showing up anyway.

Community building is what made everything come together. Bella’s isn’t just a business—it’s a space for people to feel seen, taken care of, and celebrated. I’ve learned the importance of relationships, collaboration, and creating an environment that people want to be part of. Invest in the people around you, and your brand will grow naturally from that.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

Yes, we’re always open to partnering and collaborating with individuals or brands that align with our vision and can bring value to Bella’s in a positive way. Whether you’re a beauty professional, event curator, chef, mixologist, content creator, or someone with a fresh idea—we’re all about building together and creating something powerful for the culture.

Bella’s is more than just a salon or a lounge—we’re building a one-of-a-kind hybrid experience, and we’re aiming to become the #1 salon/bar lounge in Atlanta. If you bring good energy, creativity, and a shared passion for excellence, let’s talk.

To connect with us, reach out through our social media or email. We’re always looking to build with the right people.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @bella__dadon