Meet Whitney Lyles | Esthetician/Makeup Artist/Boutique Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Whitney Lyles and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Whitney, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
The habits that has helped me succeed is learning how to be disciplined and staying consistent. Without the two it’s impossible for you to succeed. Discipline and consistency is something you’ll forever grow in while being a business owner. It doesn’t come over night.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When I was a young girl I loved to draw cartoons that was my thing…I was really good at it too. I use to make my own comic books and everything, I just knew I’d become a cartoonist of some sort.

As I grew older I found myself binge watching makeup tutorials and fashion get ready with me tutorials on YouTube.
That’s when I decided to start my own boutique named Excellence Noir (meaning Black Excellence, embodying who I am) in 2017 where we sell women and some men accessories and custom Excellence Noir apparel. We started online only, and did a bunch of vendor events around Ohio. Two years later I became an esthetician specializing in skin and make-up. At that point makeup became my art. I found a new way to express myself.

I combined both businesses under Excellence Noir by Whitney Denise. (My first and middle name). While starting both businesses I still worked a FT job with Cleveland Clinic making pretty good money but I knew in my heart i wanted to become a FT entrepreneur.

Well March 2020 I quit my corporate job and took the risk of going into business for myself. The hardest but best decision I’ve ever made in my life.

The month I quit my job COVID happened and we were forced to stay in . I started to panic a bit, I had no clue what I’d do to get by. That’s when I decided to start driving Lyft…I drove Lyft for 2.5 years while building my business.

This year , 2023, was the first year I solely invested in my business alone. No Lyft .

Going into this year I had to think about other things I could add to my business to express my artistry even more. That’s when I came up with my glammed mannequin heads. I glam up mannequin heads for wig makers and I love it!!!! I’m able to assist with enhancing their work. Since I’ve began in January I’ve sold 60 so far.

I’ve learned many lessons over the years, and overcame a lot of challenges. One thing I’d say is, if you want to start a business…DO IT! Take the risk. Anything worth having doesn’t come easy. At the end their is great reward. Keep your faith in God high and keep working!!!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d give my best friend a tour of the downtown area, I love watching the scenery..taking walks grabbing food at DP Dough. Lounges is a nice spot to checkout they’re always throwing really nice events. Rebar is also a nice late night kick it on Friday’s. Shooters on the water for brunch. Improv for a good laugh. If it’s nice out we’d definitely check out the rooftop at the 9. Just to name a few.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to shout out my friends, family and clients who support me through all my endeavors. Thank you.

Website: www.shopexcellencenoir.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/excellence.noir

Facebook: www.facebook.com/excellencenoir

Image Credits
@photocredned @pics_bycharlie