Tranzcendent Outlook
26 Jobs by 26...Then She Discovered Her Purpose | Luvina Leslie & The Curly Hair Salon
In this episode of the Tranzcendent Outlook Podcast, I had the opportunity to sit down with Luvina Leslie, owner of the Curly Hair Salon in New Haven, CT, for a conversation that was as inspiring as it was honest. Luvina takes us through the journey that ultimately led her to hair styling — a journey that included trying countless different careers and, as she shares in the episode, having 26 different jobs by the age of 26 before discovering the passion that would become her purpose. She opens up about taking the leap into entrepreneurship and the incredible circumstances surrounding the opening of her first salon. With very little outside support, Luvina relied heavily on her faith, her belief in God, and the commitment of her sister to help her get started. She even shares the remarkable story of how her first landlord went from asking for $15,000 to move into the space to offering her the furnished salon for just $5,000 — with the opportunity to pay in installments. But Luvina’s journey wasn't without its challenges. When her daughter was born with Down syndrome, Luvina made the difficult decision to close her first salon and completely reconfigure her life and schedule so she could give her daughter the time, love, and attention she deserved. Her story is a powerful reminder that sometimes purpose requires us to change direction — not give up. Throughout our conversation, Luvina makes one thing incredibly clear: money has never been and will never be her primary goal. Her goal has always been to wake up happy and excited to go to work. And for Luvina, that happiness comes from styling hair, connecting with people, creating opportunities, and doing what she loves. At the same time, she openly shares how grateful she is for the financial stability that entrepreneurship has provided — from being able to give to her church and help people in need, to providing her children with a great education and creating greater peace of mind for her family. Luvina also talks about the joys and responsibilities of owning her own salon, her deep appreciation for her employees — whom she considers family — and the importance of creating a workplace built on love, gratitude, and community. And she's not done yet. Luvina is preparing to open her second salon in Hartford, CT in October 2026, and her excitement about this next chapter is contagious. This conversation is a reminder that success doesn't always begin with money, connections, or a perfect plan. Sometimes it begins with faith, persistence, a willingness to keep searching, and the courage to pursue the thing that makes you come alive. Luvina is a born entrepreneur with a heart of gold, an infectious attitude, and a powerful story of purpose. Listen. Watch. Be inspired. And remember: Loving what you do is the key. If this episode resonates with you, LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE this channel with someone who needs a little inspiration. Follow Eddie Tranzcendent: Website - https://tranzcendentoutlook.com/ Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/eddie.t.martinez/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/EddieTranzcendent/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eddie_tranzcendent/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@eddie_tranzcendent Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-tranzcendent-martinez-1839b0170/ X: @Eddie_TranzContact Luvena Leslie: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luvena.leslie Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/luvena-leslie-043668252/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/luvenaleslie/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@redlipstickauntie The Curly Hair Studio: Website: https://www.thecurlyhairsalon.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ctcurlyhairsalon Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-curly-hair-salon/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ctcurlyhairsalon/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thecurlyhairsalon
