Business
At 31 Years Natalie McNeill Has Left Her Footprint In The Hair Industry
by Bryan Carter and contributing writer, Jasmyne McDuffie
“I love transforming people and making them happy. Like… when you’re at the barber getting that fresh cut, feeling like you’re on top of the world. When I hand [clients] the mirror, spin that chair around and the “yes” and “yeah” I get? I love it. I like the ability to give back in the industry…. I can mentor, help people going through cancer treatment, help women who may be having issues at home or to be a listening ear.” – Natalie McNeill
African American woman business owner, entrepreneur, hair care specialist, community icon, mentor and philanthropist are just some of the facets that tell the story of one, Natalie McNeill. For over 30 years, owner and founder Natalie McNeil has been a purveyor of customer service including: coloring, straightening treatments, cutting, spa services, manicure, pedicure, eyebrows, lash extensions, massages & facials. Ends Hair Design and Day Spa is an urban oasis in the form of a salon & spa for men, women & children in the Northern Liberties neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. The motto at Ends, “escape, embellish and enjoy” is not only a tagline of the salon, but also the theme for the night at the upcoming, “31 Year Ends Hair Design Celebration!”
31 years in an evolving industry of fashion, hair, beauty and even product adjustments, some can only imagine how it might feel being in business for that length. For Natalie this is her reality that she’s created through her own efforts.
“I think it is amazing. I’m happy to start a career that I remained happy in, made money with and to have a love for what I do. That’s quite rewarding. For me, this isn’t work. The salon is my job, but do I ever feel like I’m going to work? I chose this industry because it’s always changing. Everyday is something new: the people, the products, hairstyles, makeup techniques and all those things make this a fun industry. It’s a fun profession.” – Natalie McNeill
31 years of successful business is noteworthy in itself, yet a formal celebration to acknowledge such noteworthy achievements is even better.
“It’s hard for me to celebrate myself. But, yes I understand the importance for young people to see that you can do anything you set your mind to do. I lived in North Philadelphia, was one of eight children and the only girl. Now, 31 years later, I have a thriving business. If you have that dedication, you can do it. I want to be able to share this event with others. It’s not just about me. It’s about the whole journey as a professional African American woman entrepreneur with odds set up against me.”
In her three plus decades of experiences, certain experiences have stuck out in Mrs. McNeill’s journey. Experiences that have assured her that this isn’t just a job, but a lifestyle and career. Because of her attention to detail, Natalie personally has clientele who have come to her chair faithfully for over 25-30 years every week or every two weeks.
City of Hope Hair Competition 2017
Natalie, while she is the leader of the team, she is far from the only one with gifted hands. Ends Hair Design recently won an award for hair styling in 2017, first place at the City of Hope Hair Competition. Natalie has also volunteered with City of Hope for the last 25+ years, involving young ladies in competitions and hair shows to help broaden their outlook of the industry. “With [a particular] young lady we did everything: the hair, makeup, and nails were all done inhouse. We created it all. I usually let the young ladies take the platform … It’s time for them to get involved and be creative. I may open the doors for them, but I open it for their turn. It’s not about me. I let them be creative.”
“I didn’t know anything other than I strived to be the best person I could be. If you are older than someone else, you are a role model. I don’t know how you’re not a role model when there’s someone younger, looking up to you.” Natalie’s love for young people, especially from her own community is genuine. In her neighborhood she’s affectionately known as “Mrs. Nat,” who kids can rely on for advice from business to practical life lessons.
“The young people come back to me to talk about the professionalism that I tried to instill in them…working at the salon has helped them while trying to open their own business. They will call me 2-3 in the morning randomly and they may not be in this industry because they went off to try new things. But still, the things I taught them or tried to instill in them, they appreciate that it helps them in any walk of life or the things they’re doing. I’m still a listening ear 25 years later. It warms my heart to know I am impacting young people for the better.”
Outside of the community, Natalie and Ends have extended their philanthropic efforts to organizations such as Look Good, Feel Better – The American Cancer Society. They focus on helping women undergoing cancer treatment apply makeup, improve their looks and help them feel better during the treatment process. Ends is also involved with Friends Are by Your Side, a nonprofit that provides free wigs to women in need. Part of the proceeds from the anniversary event will go to Friends Are by Your Side. Anyone can call into Ends for their hair needs. Some clients come in to get fitted while others may need a mail in order. Natalie got involved with the creation of wigs for cancer patients because she saw the need in making a woman feel better. “When a woman loses her hair that’s very devastating for them. What small thing can we do to make them feel better? So, we use this platform as a cosmetologist to give back. I’m a cancer survivor also, which makes this even more meaningful and special.”
For those interested in learning more about Friends are by Your Side, Ends has sponsorship opportunities available for the upcoming May 6th celebration. Tickets are $100.00 and includes a 3-course dinner, live-music, DJ, hair show and fashion show. Click here to purchase your ticket.
Contact Natalie and Ends Hair Design and Day Spa on their website or social media under the spa’s name, call in at 215.627.0092 or stop by the salon in person at location 624 North Front Street. Philadelphia, PA
The XVR Lounge offers a one-of-a-kind experience in the heart of West Philadelphia, right off the intersection of 52nd St and Chestnut St. Their nostalgic atmosphere is complimented with 3 individual virtual reality setups or a 6-person arena-style, where spectators can root, cheer and celebrate as we all watch the players battle for victory.
Book your next party, tournament or date today!
5131 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19139
(215) 486-4697
info@thexvrlounge.com
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Philadephia, PA- Evil Genius Beer Company had their crazy scientist emerge from the lab on Monday evening for a night of retro 90’s fun to announce their newest product, a line of hard seltzers.
In collaboration with their contract brewing partner Wyndridge Farm Brewing, based in York County PA, Evil Genius is launching three flavors on a limited basis of about 5,000 cases in November, as well as being available currently in their Fishtown taproom. You can expect to find it in stores like Wegmans, Total Wine and More, Weis Market, Giant and your local beer distributor or liquor store across PA, NJ, CT, DE, MD, RI and MA during the month of November.
Through a press release, Evil Genius partner Trevor Hayward said, “We really loved the idea of creating something new and different from beer. Our taproom in Philadelphia, while the vast majority of what we sell is beer, has seen a huge rise in the demand for hard seltzer. We love to create new things, and experiment, and saw this as an opportunity to do just that with something we could see our customers wanted!”
At the product launch, the theme was totally retro. Power Rangers, Ren & Stimpy and Beverly Hills 90210 were playing on the TV’s in the taproom, servers were on roller blades handing out samples, and everyone got a fanny pack. Luke Bowen, another Evil Genius partner explained how they were trying to make each drink it’s own throwback experience. “Everyone’s experience will be different, but we hope they’re reminded of a great childhood memory, enjoy the crisp and delicious taste and flavors, and come away feeling refreshed.”
EG has three flavors (and hashtags) they will launch with. Black Cherry and #bestlife which according to some research is one of the most popular flavors in the hard seltzer game currently, lemon-lime with #bigmood, a classic combination that is aiming to check the boxes in both the refreshment and drinkability columns (and my favorite of the three) and grapefruit along with #tbt providing a classic taste without the acidity.
Speaking of things that aren’t coming with the hard seltzer, all three flavors are without sugar, and are gluten free. They also only contain 100 calories, so these drinks won’t give you the guilt that comes with having too much sugar and gluten.
If you want to get in touch with them about their newest product seltzer@evilgeniusbeer.com is the place to do so. If you’re looking for information you can also check out the website http://www.evilgeniusseltzer.com/
ABOUT EVIL GENIUS BEER COMPANY
Evil Genius Beer Company was started in 2011 by best friends Luke Bowen and Trevor Hayward. After almost 8 years, and a motto of “Very Silly Names for Very Serious Beers”, Evil Genius Beer Company now distributes to 7 states ( (PA, NJ, MD, DE, CT, MA, and RI) with 19 different core and seasonal beers to quench their ever thirsty customers. This puts the brewers on Front Street in the top 5% of breweries in the country and the second largest in the city of Philadelphia. For more information, visit evilgeniusbeer.com, and connect on social @evilgeniusbeer
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