Born and raised in the City of Brotherly Love (Philadelphia), Raechelle Bright @chelle_slaysit is a licensed cosmetologist and certified lash technician. She’s better known as “Chelle Slays It”. Doing hair isn’t just a job, it’s her passion, something that she inherited from her mother. On her journey to becoming a hairstylist, she was set on perfecting her craft by studying under those who had become experts in the industry. To compliment her becoming a master, Raechelle took professional courses on team building, branding and client relations.
With over 10 years of experience, Raechelle prides herself of her knowledge and being able to get each client on a path to having healthy hair. After being in her chair, each client is known to leave feeling empowered and with a smile on their face. In August 2020, Rachelle decided to educate and empower clients beyond the salon chair and into their homes by releasing her natural hair care line, R. Marie @r.mariecollection . Keeping in line with her desire to treat each client as a VIP, every product is made with high quality ingredients and a sprinkle of rejuvenation and love.
Raechelle gives back to her community by educating young women ages 9-12 and 13-16. A highly requested class that actually sold out on the first day! In this class, she covers the basics of hair styling, braiding, and also shares a few secrets. As Raechelle empowers and educates others, she has faced some challenges of her own. At the tender age of 16, she was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, an anti inflammatory bowel disease that causes chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Although she stepped away from the chair for five years, Rachelle did not allow her diagnosis to deter her. Today, she uses her diagnosis to educate, advocate for, and connect with others who have been affected.
Raechelle desires to become better every day and to build a legacy. Her main goal is to provide an experience that leaves a lasting impression. You can support Raechelle by purchasing her products here.
Educating young girls on hair knowledge is very empowering. What inspired you to teach teens about hair?
At first I was hesitant about it. It always crossed my mind, but fear held me back. I didn’t think teaching was my niche’ but I always wanted to give it a try. People would ask me and I would just brush it off and say one day. Well one day someone asked and she said you really need to do this you have a gift and these girls need you. From there it was a wrap. I told myself I was going to get the class together and that’s exactly what I did. My classes sold out in one day!
As a stylist, how do you incorporate time to teach?
Making the time to teach was going to be a struggle (so I thought). I work during the week and on Saturdays. When I thought about having the class on Sundays, I thought it was a good idea but I also had to take into consideration that it is most people’s rest day including mine lol, but it actually worked out. Everyone was fine with it. I guess they saw it as being productive!
Where did you learn to braid and how do you come up with your own signature style?
I learned to braid from watching my mom who is also a licensed cosmetologist. I would sit and watch her with her clients and then go try it on a doll or mannequin whichever was available. I was also tender headed so as soon as I could grasp the concept of braiding and doing my own hair, I got it! My mother won’t admit it, but she is heavy handed. My signature style comes from me putting my own spin on it. You should see my braids and my silk presses!
Tell us more about RMarie Collection?
R. Marie has been on my mind for a very long time. Every time I would get around to trying to figure the product line out something would happen to hold me back. I honestly had struggled with starting the line due to my illness so at one point I put it on the back burner and left it there to give me time to just get better. In August of 2020, I was finally able to launch after a much needed quarantine. That gave me ample time to finish figuring out my final touches! The line includes a shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner, silk serum ,which also acts as a heat protectant, sleek edge control, silk bonnet, and a silk edge scarf. My line is unisex and can also be used on children as well.
Crohn’s Disease has made life challenging for you beginning in your teen years.
What is Crohn’s Disease and how do you treat it?
Crohn’s disease is an inflammation of the small intestine. It can sometimes affect your colon (which it did to me) and your large bowel. I was diagnosed at the age of 16 so I’ve received a few treatments. There are many ways to treat crohns. Just to name a few: an infusion, a pill, and a self injection which I’ve done them all. There is also surgery available. I did have to undergo surgery and received a colostomy bag which I will have forever. I also had my colon removed. I was in remission for a while with little to no flare ups, so just staying healthy and stress free has been my goal.
What inspires you to keep going in spite of?
My biggest inspiration and motivation is myself. I told myself that if I could make it out of being on my deathbed and being at my worst then I would live life to the fullest. I wholeheartedly believe that I am now stronger than ever. I am here to show and prove that you are NOT what you’ve been through. I promised myself better and that’s what I’m striving for. Prayer has definitely kept me during every hardship I’ve been through.
Jehovah God really showed me that He was all I needed. I put my trust in Him and made a way.
If you had one wish, what would it be and why?
I have no wish at this time. I know it sounds weird. The one thing I did wish for has made me a better person so nope, no wish. I’m so happy with life right now, I don’t want anything. I’m blessed beyond measure. I want people to just see me for me that’s all!
