“When leaders throughout an organization take an active, genuine interest in the people they manage, when they invest real time to understand employees at a fundamental level, they create a climate for greater morale, loyalty, and, yes, growth.” – Peter Lencioni

10 years ago, Coral Pleas had a vision. Even in the midst of a crashing economy, she could not deny the call on her life to take a leap, gather a new tribe, and begin building the dream she had carried in her mind, and make it a reality. Failure was not an option.

Anyone who has encountered Pleas would agree, that she consistently demonstrates selflessness and genuine interest in growing people.

These qualities were what attracted present day employees Yvonne Armstrong and Cheyanne Clark, to work with Pleas.

Armstrong and Clark were recruited by Pleas at Manatee Technical Institute. Clark, only 17 at the time, was eager and vibrant in her enthusiasm towards the industry. She says that she felt it was hard for her to talk to people that were two or even three times her age, but Pleas gave her confidence towards her future in the beauty industry. Armstrong related to Pleas on a personal level and was eager to work for someone who shared her passions.

10 years invested, Armstrong and Clark have had no regrets, and attribute several monumental moments to their connections with Cutting Loose.

“I met my husband at the salon! As well as several of my closest friends,” Clark said.

“I have been blessed with meeting so many interesting people and traveling to new places. I will always cherish time spent with my colleagues, especially in Paris and Japan,” Armstrong said.

Approaching it’s first decade of existence, Pleas and the Cutting Loose team have innovated many new systems, approaches, fashions, and developed strong relationships with entertaining experiences to share.

“When you have around a hundred women in the salon everyday, there’s a new story…” Clark said.

Community is one of many aspects of pride Cutting Loose has. The influence and participation from members of the CL family are what it all is credited to.

“Cutting Loose is Family, friends, education and fun. Not many people can say they love their job, but I do!” Armstrong said.

Clark adds that Cutting Loose is everyone’s favorite place to relax, feel beautiful, and empowered. Each year gets better and better.

“At the end of each year, we look back and go, ‘wow!’ We never thought we would ever be here. Dreams are fulfilled that you didn’t even know you had,” Clark said.

As the saying goes, “the leader sets the tone,”. Cutting Loose is grateful for the leadership of Coral Pleas and her infectious devotion. Our brand is home to many stylists, like Armstrong and Clark, who believe in the vision Pleas has to elevate the consumer experience and elevate the craft of hairdressing for the sake of a dream.

Thank you, our loyal and valued guest, for believing us. And giving us a reason to dream.