We’re looking forward to introducing you to Lastar Anderson. Check out our conversation below.
Lastar, it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: What is a normal day like for you right now?
My days start bright and early. I’m at my mini salon by 8:30 a.m., doors open at 9, and the energy is already flowing! Around 2:30, I switch gears and head to my MBA classes, because I’m just six months away from leveling up in a major way. By 5 p.m., I’m back in boss mode, and yes, I keep the salon rocking all the way until midnight. It’s a lot, but when you love what you do and you’re building something bigger, the hustle becomes part of the fun!
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is La’Star Anderson, and my journey has been anything but ordinary. In fact, it’s the heartbeat behind everything I do today. After a rough upbringing and becoming a 12-year-old runaway who was never caught. I bounced between Michigan and Brooklyn NYC, I learned early how to survive, adapt, and rise. I like to say I grew like a rose from concrete: sharp thorns, strong roots, and still blooming. Despite the chaos, I pushed forward, eventually earning my BSBA in 2013, building a long career in corporate America, and raising five incredible children who are now adults.
But in 2017, something in me said, “Dream bigger, bet on yourself.” I enrolled in cosmetology school for nails, originally just for a little side income, and discovered a passion powerful enough to change my whole life. Six months later, on June 13, 2018, I opened my very own mini nail salon and walked away from the security of a full-time job. Now, here I am in 2025, still in the same cozy spot, still loving what I do, and still blessed to serve over 80% of the amazing beautiful ladies who started with me on day one.
My brand is all heart, hustle, and authenticity. It’s built on the belief that luxury can be personal, that beauty is an experience, and that every person who sits in my chair should feel seen, even when I’m silent and focusing on making their nails beautiful. Now, as I pursue my MBA and prepare to expand into bigger ventures, I’m excited to grow again! This time intentionally, boldly, and with a purpose bigger than myself.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that my circumstances defined me, that because life started rough, I was somehow meant to stay in survival mode forever. I thought I had to fight, be tough, and never expect anything soft or stable. Today, I no longer believe that. I have always been covered with his grace and mercy (connected spiritually): I now know I was built to rise, to reinvent myself, and to create a life full of confidence, joy, purpose, and possibility.
When did you last change your mind about something important?
Honestly, the last time I changed my mind was today, because that’s just who I am! I’m in the middle of renovating my mini salon walls, and I ordered something from Amazon that I was sure was the perfect look… until it arrived. The moment I opened the box, I said, “Nope, this is not the vibe!” and instantly switched gears. Now I’m creating an art wall with spilled paint bottle designs, and honestly, the new idea is way more fun, creative, and so on-brand for me. Proof that sometimes the best decisions come from a last-minute switch-up!
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
For me, the difference between a fad and a real foundational shift comes down to impact and longevity. Growing up, especially coming from environments where resources were tight and trends changed quick, I learned early to look past what’s flashy and pay attention to what actually adds value. A fad makes noise for a moment, but a true shift changes how we move, how we think, and how we build for the next generation. So when I’m evaluating something whether in business, culture, or my own personal growth – I ask myself: will this still matter when the hype dies? And does it push my community and my purpose forward? If the answer is yes, that’s a shift worth investing in.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. When have you had to bet the company?
I had to bet the company during COVID in 2020, when my salon was barely two years old and the whole world felt like it was falling apart. As a new business owner, I didn’t have a cushion to lean on; just faith, grit, and the determination not to let everything I’d built disappear. I had to make tough calls, get creative, and double down on myself at a time when nothing was guaranteed. That season taught me that sometimes betting the company really means betting on your own resilience, and that’s exactly what carried me through.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.avibbe.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lastar_anderson/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lastardatech
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@lastardatech
Image Credits
All Credits go to Lastar Owner/Operator of Studio Nailz
