July 2, 2021
LL Cool J Partners With Leading Salon Suite to Develop Nationwide Boutiques
The iconic rapper, actor and entrepreneur, LL COOL J (James Todd Smith) is joining forces with Phenix Salon Suites’ to give franchisees an opportunity to own a beauty boutique of their own.
The deal will allow the rapping icon to develop the salon suite opportunity “throughout the East Coast, including Queens, Brooklyn and Manhattan, in addition to expanding the Los Angeles market,” according to a release.
Beauty expert Gina Rivera founded Phenix Salon Suites in 2007, which is a “suite franchise” rental opportunity to enable salon professionals “to have their own salon” suites.
“I love the fact that Gina is not only the founder but also an active stylist with over 42,000 hours behind a chair servicing clients. She truly understands what it takes to make a difference in the lives of cosmetologists and estheticians. Together, we are helping them realize their dreams of owning and operating their very own businesses. With Phenix, lifestyle professionals have the opportunity to flourish creatively, financially, and professionally. I’m excited to be a part of such a winning organization,” LL Cool J said in Phenix Salon Suite’s announcement.
Rivera also shared news of the business deal on her Facebook page.
“LL Cool J is in the house! 🔥 I am so proud to announce this exciting news for my company Phenix Salon Suites! LL COOL J is partnering with our largest franchisee, Kevin Davis, to own and operate Phenix locations throughout the East Coast and Los Angeles Market! I am so grateful to have built this community and watching it grow will never cease to amaze me!! Welcome to the family LL COOL J🙏” Rivera said on Facebook.
LL Cool J’s been making other recent business moves, too. According to MSN, L Cool J’s Rock The Bells business venture—which is described in the article as a site which “includes a carefully curated marketplace”— was launched during COVID-19. “The website is an extension of the Rock The Bells station on SiriusXM that LL Cool J launched in 2018,” MSN also reported. A trip to rock The Bells’ online home reveals that it “is a modern media company focused on Content, Commerce, and Experiences that honor the culture and the core elements of Hip-Hop through a modern lens.”
But LL Cool J also mentioned the importance of integrating faith and gut instincts, when it comes to pursuing business ventures.
“And if something is gnawing at you, don’t ignore that voice inside of you. Don’t ignore that small, still voice,” LL Cool J in the interview. “You have to do something that you’re not only passionate about, and that you can be the best at, but then you have to have the people around you that have the skill set to operationalize what it is you’re trying to do. You know, Rock the Bells is not just about LL COOL J and my knowledge of classic hip hop. I’ve put people in positions who really understand the fundamentals of how to take this business from A to Z.”