By Alex Popa
Sabine Bellevue is a woman on a mission. As the founder of Sabine’s Hallway Natural Hair Salon LLC, she has dedicated her life to uplifting others through hair care, education, and community engagement.
Her journey from corporate America to successful entrepreneurship is a story of resilience, passion, and purpose. More than just a salon owner, Bellevue is an advocate for natural hair, a mentor to young stylists, and a pillar of her Brooklyn community.
Early Life and Education
Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, Bellevue’s journey has always been shaped by her deep connection to her family and Haitian heritage. Growing up in a culturally rich environment, she learned the value of hard work, resilience, and giving back to the community.
Her academic journey led her to earn a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts with a minor in psychology. While education provided her with a strong foundation, her passion for natural hair care pushed her to further her expertise.
She obtained a cosmetology license, a hair care practitioner certificate, a certificate in health and wellness, and a Sisterlocks certification. These credentials equipped her with the knowledge to approach hair care holistically, prioritizing both aesthetics and health.
The Birth of Sabine’s Hallway Natural Hair Salon LLC
The origins of Sabine’s Hallway Natural Hair Salon LLC date back to 2001, when Bellevue was working in the corporate world while styling hair on the side. She transformed the hallway of her apartment into a makeshift salon, building a loyal clientele who appreciated her expertise and personalized approach.
However, the tragic events of 9/11 changed the course of her life. The aftermath led to widespread layoffs, and she found herself without a job. Instead of seeing it as a setback, she seized the opportunity to turn her passion into a full-time business. That same year, she obtained her business license and began operating her home salon officially.
In 2006, Bellevue took the leap to open her first commercial space. From the beginning, her vision was clear—Sabine’s Hallway would be more than just a salon. It would be a place where people could embrace their natural hair, receive expert guidance, and learn to care for their hair confidently.
Challenges, Achievements, and Future Goals
Like any entrepreneur, Bellevue faced her share of challenges when building her business. One of the biggest obstacles was securing funding. With limited credit history and capital, expanding her business required strategic financial planning and perseverance. Despite these hurdles, she remained committed to her vision and continued to grow.
By 2024, Sabine’s Hallway had achieved significant milestones. Bellevue secured her first business loan, allowing her to reinvest in the salon and expand its services. She introduced a new healthy hair treatment room, providing specialized care for clients focused on maintaining strong, vibrant hair. Additionally, she completed a children’s hair care course, set to launch in the New Year, aimed at teaching kids how to properly care for their natural hair.
The salon’s success in 2024 was driven by Bellevue’s strategic approach to business. She streamlined her services, carefully managed inventory to align with client needs, and focused on providing high-quality products and treatments. By listening to her clients and understanding their hair care concerns, she created solutions that truly made a difference.
Looking ahead to 2025, Bellevue has even bigger plans. She aims to launch an academic program in schools, educating children on the importance of hair health and self-care. She is also preparing to release a series of educational books designed to teach children about natural hair in an engaging and empowering way.
Beyond 2025, her long-term vision includes opening two more salon locations and integrating her children’s program into multiple schools across the tri-state area. By expanding both her business and educational outreach, Bellevue hopes to create a lasting impact that goes beyond hairstyling.
Words of Advice for Young Haitians
Bellevue’s journey serves as a powerful inspiration for young Haitians and aspiring entrepreneurs. Her success is a testament to the importance of resilience, adaptability, and community support.
One of the key lessons she has learned is the value of celebrating small wins. Entrepreneurship is a long journey, and recognizing progress—no matter how small—keeps the motivation alive. Every milestone is a step toward a larger goal.
She also emphasizes the importance of relationships. Whether with clients, employees, or business partners, building strong and genuine connections can open doors to new opportunities. The success of Sabine’s Hallway has been built on trust, loyalty, and a deep understanding of her community’s needs.
One of her greatest missions is to spread knowledge worldwide, teaching children of textured hair how to love and care for their hair. By instilling confidence and self-care habits at an early age, she hopes to create a new generation of individuals who embrace and celebrate their natural beauty.
Sabine Bellevue’s journey from styling hair in her apartment hallway to running a thriving salon is a story of perseverance, passion, and purpose. Through Sabine’s Hallway Natural Hair Salon LLC, she has built a space where natural hair is celebrated, clients are empowered, and the community is uplifted.
