Today we’d like to introduce you to Cassie Roland.
Hi Cassie , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I never imagined I’d own my own business or lead a team. My leadership journey didn’t begin in business, it began in childhood. Growing up in an unstable family required me to mature quickly, make difficult decisions, and become someone others could rely on.
Being one of five kids shaped me in ways I didn’t fully appreciate until I became a business owner. It taught me to solve problems, adapt quickly, communicate through challenges, and find creative solutions – skills I now rely on every day as a leader. While those experiences weren’t easy, I realize now that they laid the foundation for the leader I am today.
As a teen I was always the go to girl for hair, makeup, sporty braids and I took every art class that I could. Looking back, I realize I was destined to do something creative and help people. But what did that look like? I had no idea.
At 17, I moved out on my own and had to hustle to make ends meet. College was something I had always hoped for, but without financial support or guidance to make it happen, it simply wasn’t an option at the time. Instead, I learned the value of hard work by taking whatever opportunities I could find.
I worked multiple jobs just to pay rent and cover my bills, Pizza Hut, factory jobs, home health care, coffee shop barista (my favorite job of all time!), front desk hotel clerk, waitressing, and more. Every job taught me something different about people, perseverance and what it takes to show up and work hard.
Along the way I quickly realized what made a workplace feel supportive, and what made me never want to return. Those experiences shaped not only my work ethic but also the kind of culture I was determined to build and be a part of one day.
After 3+ years of hustling and working 40-60 hour weeks at many different jobs, I saved up enough money to sign up for Cosmetology School and never looked back.
Fast forward 18 years of beauty industry experience later, we are 5 years into Luxe ownership and growing every minute, personally and professionally.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Success is not linear. It’s a combination of doors that you choose to walk through and somehow decide which ones are worth moving towards. It’s taking roads that may lead to nothing, failing, and trying again, and again, and again. My path hasn’t been smooth at all. I often struggle with Imposter Syndrome. Am I good enough for this? Am I capable to lead? I quickly learned that who you surround yourself with will determine who you become and what you are working towards. I practice gratitude daily and reflect to remind myself of all the obstacles I’ve overcome.
We are now 5 years into owning and operating Luxe Hair and Beauty. After year 2 the salon was so busy, we were often running out of parking. Luxe is a beautiful 101 year old building nestled in the bluffs of Winona, MN. When I say nestled, I’m not saying it lightly! We utilize every square inch of our space, including parking.
After trying to brainstorm new parking ideas & our salon neighbors constantly calling us mad for parking in their way, the two rental properties went up for sale across our street.
I’m not overly religious and call it what you like, a higher power or “God nod”.
But, there is a higher power looking over us always giving us hints and signs, you will always hear me now say with full confidence, it’s a God thing – and working hard helps.
My husband Joe and I put our brains and hard work together and figured out how to purchase the 2 rental properties, Elzo Properties, and add another small parking area for Luxe.
Joe, is my partner in every sense of the word. Professionally, we’ve built businesses together while each focusing on our strengths. He has always had a passion for real estate and is committed to updating and improving our rental properties over the next five years, creating quality homes for our community. At home, we’re equally invested in raising our 2 daughters, supporting each other’s goals, and growing together as parents. Having a partner who shares both the vision for our businesses and our family has been one of the greatest blessings of this journey.
The village of Luxe and Elzo Properties are why they are successful. The Luxe team and Joe are the heart and anchors of the business.
Did I mention I am just a girl who grew up with absolutely nothing and moved out at 17? If I can problem solve these scenarios, I’m convinced anyone with the right mindset also can.
This year, 2026, Luxe won Best Salon in Southern MN through the Star Tribune Best of MN awards. This was nominated by our clients and voted by them. We are so grateful for all the people that support us. This year has brought some of the highest highs and lowest lows. The truth is, the success of Luxe isn’t because I have all the answers, it’s because I’m surrounded by incredible people who care deeply about what they do. I’ve learned that leadership isn’t about knowing everything, it’s about being willing to ask questions, learn, grow and keep showing up, even when it’s hard.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Luxe Hair and Beauty?
At Luxe Hair and Beauty, we believe a salon experience should be about so much more than great hair and skin.
It should be a place where people feel welcomed, confident, and truly cared for. Our clients often comment on the positive atmosphere and how they feel like they can talk to any service provider. Luxe is a luxury-eco friendly hair salon known for its skilled service providers, high quality products and wide range of services for women, men and children including advanced skin care services, hair extensions, color, haircuts and facial waxing. We are known for our exceptional team culture and creating customized looks that fit each guests lifestyle while providing an elevated experience in a fun, laid back and welcoming environment. Our team takes pride in staying educated on the latest trends, techniques, and products so we can offer our guests the highest level of service possible. We have grown our menu with Advanced Aesthetic services and created a spa room. Our parking and team is expanding and we have so many ideas for the future, and we are just getting started.
We are proud to be an Eminence Organics skincare partner and Moroccanoil partner. We are continuing to research the best brands in the industry and can’t wait to announce what we will carry next!
Stay tuned!
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding a mentor is the most valuable thing you will do as a business owner, solopreneur or intrapreneur.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that growth never stops. For the past two years, I’ve been investing in myself through mentorship with Qnity. Learning from experienced coaches and industry leaders has challenged me to think differently, become a stronger leader, and continue growing both personally and professionally. I don’t believe anyone ever has all the answers, and I’m committed to always learning.
Mentorship doesn’t always come from one person or happen overnight. I am a product of everyone I have admired and learned about. My advice is to find someone you look up to and ask so many questions that it gets weird. Knowledge is power, and many people have learned before you, so learn from their mistakes and use it as your advantage to grow even more.
I love an environment where women can lift each other and grow together. I’d recommend finding a place that you feel valued and you can grow.
If you are ever feeling stuck or not sure about life, and can’t find a mentor? I recommend going to visit an elderly person and asking them what they wish they would have did or didn’t. I guarantee your perspective on life and decisions will shift drastically.
Pricing:
- Haircuts 45+
- Haircolor $125+
- Facials & Advanced Skincare Services $115+
- Hair Extension pricing upon consultation
- Hair and Skincare products $30+
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.luxehairwinona.com
- Instagram: luxehairwinona
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/luxehairwinona
