Written By: Tracey Khan
As Black Business Month celebrates the vision, resilience and contributions of Black entrepreneurs, 23-year-old Jeanel Guelee is emerging as a young businesswoman to watch. With a bachelor’s degree in business management, three New York State beauty licenses and two growing ventures, the Haitian American entrepreneur is building an empire centered on beauty, wellness and empowering women.
Guelee is the founder of Starlight Beauty Bar, a beauty business she launched six years ago and has operated from a physical studio at Sola Salons Studio in North Merrick, Long Island for the past three years. Licensed in waxing, nail specialty and esthetics, she has transformed her passion for beauty into a business rooted in professionalism, creativity and personal connection.
But Starlight Beauty Bar is more than a name. It is a tribute to Guelee’s younger sister, Star, who encouraged her from the beginning.
When she (Guelee) was learning to do nails, Star was one of her earliest clients and biggest supporters. She trusted her big sister’s talent before she fully trusted herself, proudly wearing her early work and promoting the business.
“She has been there for me since the very, very beginning,” Guelee said. “So I decided to dedicate my empire after her.”
That spirit of support has remained at the center of her entrepreneurial journey.
Her path to business ownership began early. At 14, she entered the workforce, gaining experience in retail, customer service, grocery and fast food. Those jobs taught her how to communicate with different personalities, handle difficult situations and understand what customers expect.
She later spent several years at European Wax Center, where she sharpened her skills as a wax specialist and learned the importance of making clients feel comfortable during vulnerable moments.
The young businesswoman says professional training was essential because beauty requires more than technical skills. It requires artistry, patience, communication and exceptional customer service.
Her entrepreneurial vision expanded in 2025 when she launched Bossed and Balance Co., a wellness and community platform for ambitious women seeking meaningful connections and time for themselves.
Through events combining Pilates, brunches, workshops and candid conversations, Guelle is creating spaces where women can build friendships, reflect on their goals and feel seen.
“I just want to see everybody win so bad,” she said.
For her, success is not measured solely by revenue or titles. It is measured by impact, a message that resonates deeply during Black Business Month, when communities across the country recognize entrepreneurs who are creating businesses, opportunities and legacies.
Her ultimate goal is to expand Starlight Beauty Bar, grow Bossed and Balance Co. and create a community where women understand that they belong, regardless of where they are in life.
“Everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen,” Guelle said. “Everybody deserves to find their group.”
At 23, Guelle is not waiting for permission to build the future she envisions. She is creating it, one client, one connection and one bold idea at a time.
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