From the beauty chair to the entertainment industry, LaLa Milan has built a career rooted in personality, persistence and growth. Before becoming known as an actress, comedian, content creator and entrepreneur, Milan began her professional journey in cosmetology—an experience that taught her the importance of building genuine connections and making people feel good.

In this exclusive interview with Hype Hair Magazine, Milan reflects on her beauty-industry beginnings, the realities of entrepreneurship, teaching others how to earn income through social media and the next chapter of her evolving career.

Marshelle S.: Before acting and comedy, you built a career in cosmetology. Looking back, what are some of the biggest lessons from the beauty industry that still guide you as an entrepreneur today?

LaLa Milan: As long as you make someone feel good, they will always come back. As a stylist, people enjoyed sitting in my chair. I may not have been the greatest hairdresser, but they enjoyed the conversations, and I made them feel good.

The same applies to my content and digital products. I like to believe that people enjoy watching and supporting me because I provide happiness, laughter and experiences that make them want to return repeatedly.

Marshelle S.: Entrepreneurship isn’t always glamorous. What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced while building your brand, and how did you overcome it?

LaLa Milan: One of the biggest challenges for me is keeping up with everything new. The internet is constantly changing, which means I have to keep up with it all the time. That can often be challenging.

I overcome it by continuously introducing a new part of myself—a new layer. Since I’m not a one-trick pony, I often enter new spaces, master them and gain more experience for my portfolio. Lately, I’ve dominated affiliate marketing, added an entirely new stream of income to my revenue and even started teaching others how to do the same.

Marshelle S.: Through your “LaLa Teaches” content on TikTok, you share advice, humor and life lessons with your audience. What inspired you to create the series, and what do you hope people take away from it?

LaLa Milan: Hahaha! You must’ve popped into one of my Lives before! I created it because I noticed an increase in people wanting to make money from social media. Since I’ve been doing it for 10 years, I figured, why not teach the game?

I genuinely hope people take the knowledge and turn it into income because, at the end of the day, the money is the motive—Weezy!

Marshelle S.: What advice would you give to cosmetology students and aspiring entrepreneurs who dream of building their own businesses?

LaLa Milan: Don’t share your dreams or passions with small-minded individuals who won’t understand them or who may try to stop you before you even begin. Instead, understand and appreciate the support that may come from people you don’t even know.

Marshelle S.: If you could sit down with the younger LaLa who was just starting in cosmetology, what would you tell her about entrepreneurship, building confidence and trusting the journey?

LaLa Milan: Honestly, I would tell her that the journey won’t be easy, but it will all be worth it.

As far as cosmetology is concerned, I would also tell her to keep that license active because she never knows when she might need it. AND DID!

Marshelle S.: As someone who is continuously evolving, what’s the next chapter for LaLa Milan? Are there any upcoming projects, business ventures or collaborations you’re excited to share?

LaLa Milan: Yes. I don’t know when, but stand-up comedy is going to see me sooner rather than later.

Whether she is sharing business knowledge, being a mom to her son Jayce, creating laughter or preparing to step onto the stand-up comedy stage, Milan continues to expand her brand while maintaining the personality and authenticity that first connected her with audiences. Her journey from cosmetology to entertainment shows that no experience is wasted and that every stage can create new opportunities for success.

Follow LaLa Milan on Instagram at @lalamilan and on TikTok at @LaLaMilan.