Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassandra “Bella LaRue” Cannon.
Hi Cassandra, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My story starts at age three with my cousin Michele doing my mom’s nails; I was fascinated. By age five my cousin Jada had started her career as a nail-tech I would beg her to do mine until I had tears in my eyes after hearing her telling no wait until you’re fifteen, lol. My cousin ran a strict program. However, through my family I learned the importance of being in the beauty industry. At age twelve I started receiving an allowance, I’d save up and go to CVS and those little nail kits with the nail tips, glue, nail powder, nail brush, and nail liquid; that’s when I knew what I wanted to for the rest of my life. I became dedicated to the cause by time i reached High School, I skipped school to meet my counselor of my Manicuring program at Crockett Vocational after emailing her quite a few times, lol. She admired my grades and my determination to get into the program and accepted me with just a handshake and told me to show up on the first day of school after summer break. I was so excited and proud of myself for going after something I wanted; got more excited when I received my official acceptance letter because it meant so much to do something I love. Fast forward to ending of my Senior Year in 2007 it was time to take my State Board exam, I passed my practical and failed my theory and it broke my heart. My mom was my biggest supporter and she told me to study and try again, back then I felt so defeated that i never tried retake my test. I went on to Wayne State University briefly because I did nails on campus more than I went to class, lol; through that time I birthed my persona “Bella LaRue”. With many challenging years in between, I worked at numerous salons, I worked for Chrysler but, then my mom and first born nephew passed in 2015. From there I started shifting, I went into a deep depression that I knew my only way out was to finish everything I started. My hairstylist/ Mentor and owner of Dymond Designs, Marlene Brooks who’s given me so many opportunities to do demonstrations for her students; called me and said “Don’t you think it’s time to try again?” She got me into a refresher course to apply what i knew to what’s new and in 2023 I finally became a Licensed Manicurist. Fall 2024 I enrolled back into school to become a Cosmetologist, January 2026 I became Licensed. What got me where I am today is the fact that I never gave up on myself, I never stopped being determined, I never stopped with my education. I’m not stopping now, soon I’ll be enrolling in school once again to work on my Instructors License, I’ve actually created my own Acrylic Nail Brush that I’m looking to put on market very soon! I’m a Silk Press specialist, a Scalp Specialist, I do hair color (which I’ve been doing since I was thirteen), next is mastering K-tip extensions.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No the road hasn’t been smooth, the struggles I’ve had are finding where do I place in this industry, building the right clientele, and adequately sticking to my niche; especially in Metro Detroit. I find myself questioning my work and if I’m good enough.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Im currently can be found at JcPenney Salon- Oakland Mall
located at 700 W. 14 Mile, Troy, Mi
As a Cosmetologist there I specialize in:
Nails: Acrylic Structure, Precision Shaping, and Healthy Nail Care
Hair: Silk Press,Healthy Hair and Scalp Health, Color, in the future I’m looking to work on becoming a K-Tip Specialist
What I’m most known for is my acrylic application and shaping, it’s something i spent years perfecting.
What I’m most proud of is having the ability to do things I love and not feeling limited to do them. I feel what sets me apart is I’m not about trends, I care about the foundational elements of the beauty industry because they never go away.
Any big plans?
My plans are to continuing growing and challenging myself and staying a student to the beauty industry.
Also becoming an educator is definitely high on my to do list.
And last but not least relaunching my brand, Bella LaRue and The Pin Haus Brand in the near future.
Pricing:
- Full-Set: Short $65 and up
- Silk Press $85 and up
- Hair Color: Single Process: $75 and up| Double Process: $120 and up | Highlights: $120 and up
- Sleek Ponytail: $70 | Half up-Half Down $110 and up
- Gel Manicure: $55 Gel X: $85 and up
Contact Info:
