Who is Eshae Brown and how would you describe yourself to someone who has never met you?
I would describe myself as a visionary builder. I enjoy taking ideas and transforming them into meaningful experiences, whether that’s through beauty, education or wellness. I have a strong entrepreneurial spirit, a heart for service, and a determination that has carried me through challenges and milestones alike. I’m constantly learning, growing and looking for ways to leave a positive impact on the people and communities I serve.
Where were you born and raised? What was your upbringing like?
I was born in the Hampton Roads area, also known as the “757” to many people. However, I spent most of my childhood growing up in Roanoke. My upbringing was eventful, to say the least. Growing up with six siblings meant there was never a dull moment. Our home was always full of energy, laughter and activity.
Faith, education and family were the cornerstones of my childhood. We attended church every Sunday morning and Wednesday evening, stayed actively involved in sports and were always encouraged to prioritize academics. My mother did an incredible job raising seven children, largely on her own, and she was intentional about keeping us engaged, exposing us to new experiences, and encouraging us to think beyond our circumstances. She has always been incredibly creative and resourceful in that way.
Like many families, we faced our share of challenges and difficult seasons, but having a praying, loving and resilient mother made all the difference. She taught us perseverance, faith and the importance of showing up for one another. Looking back, those experiences shaped my work ethic, strengthened my values and instilled in me a deep appreciation for family, community and the power of resilience.
After high school, what was the next chapter of your life?
I continued my education at Virginia Commonwealth University, where I earned my bachelor’s degree while juggling three jobs to pay for tuition, rent and everyday expenses. To be honest, my college experience looked nothing like the movies – it wasn’t all basketball games and parties. It was long hours, hard work and learning how to be resourceful and independent.
While living in Richmond, I had the privilege of working for an incredible couple who introduced me to entrepreneurship and showed me what it truly means to create something from nothing. They taught me that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of authenticity and that building a business can be both meaningful and enjoyable.
Eventually, I returned to Roanoke and worked as a Qualified Mental Health Practitioner, specializing in supporting adolescents and their families. I spent about two years working as a counselor, which was both rewarding and eye-opening, before deciding to pursue my passion for beauty and entrepreneurship full-time by launching KAE Galore. Looking back, every chapter of my journey – from college to counseling to business ownership – has equipped me with skills and experiences that continue to shape who I am today.
What is your official title, and what do your responsibilities consist of?
I am the founder, owner and CEO of Kae Galore LLC. As a business owner, I wear many hats and oversee nearly every aspect of the company. My responsibilities include managing the day-to-day operations of my brick-and-mortar beauty bar, scheduling appointments, developing and executing marketing strategies, creating business reports, supervising and supporting beauty professionals and maintaining positive relationships with manufacturers and vendors.
How important is family to you?
Family is incredibly important to me because, growing up, we were all we had. My siblings and I share a special bond. Although we’ve grown older, taken different paths and settled in different parts of the country, we make it a priority to come together for holidays and celebrate with one another, along with the new additions to our family – whether that’s spouses, partners or little ones.
If you were building the ultimate music playlist for a six-hour road trip, which artists would be on it?
I’m a huge R&B and neo-Soul lover – both classic and contemporary – so my playlist would be a vibe. It would include artists like Jill Scott, Lauryn Hill, Alex Isley, Snoh Aalegra, Amaria, Leon Thomas, Cleo Sol, Elmiene, Marvin Gaye, Teddy Pendergrass, Xavier Omär, Coco Jones and Lucky Daye.
What are some of your favorite City of Roanoke memories?
My favorites are rooted in my childhood and adolescence, especially my time running track. I competed in the 400-meter and the mile. Those experiences taught me discipline and endurance. My mom never missed a track meet – she was always there cheering me on. Honestly, I don’t know if people came more to watch me run or to watch her sprinting along the outside of the track, cheering me on the entire way. Either way, her support meant everything to me.
I also have fond memories of spending time with my childhood friends – setting up bake sales and lemonade stands that, truthfully, had zero customers because of terrible location and poor marketing, but we didn’t know any better at the time. At the end of every “failed business venture,” we would just laugh and enjoy all the cakes, brownies and cookies we made. Looking back, those were early entrepreneurship lessons without even realizing it.
What are some of your hobbies?
Lately, I’ve really fallen in love with gardening. I enjoy nurturing and watching my plants grow. My patio has become a little oasis filled with okra, jalapeños, green and red peppers, basil, rosemary, thyme, mint, lavender, a lemon tree, hibiscus trees and a variety of flowering plants. Gardening has become a peaceful and rewarding way for me to unwind and connect with nature.
Which people have had the biggest impact on your life outside of family?
My clients have had the biggest impact on my life. Working in the beauty industry has given me the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life, and I’ve learned that you never know who will walk through your doors and change the trajectory of your journey.
I’ve had the privilege of connecting with some incredibly accomplished and inspiring women who have believed in me, opened doors I never imagined possible, invited me into rooms where meaningful opportunities were created, and encouraged my professional growth in ways I never expected.
If you could go back and give your younger self some advice, what would it be?
It would be to be more intentional about who and what I give my time to. Time is one of the most valuable things we have, and once it’s gone, we can never get it back. I would remind myself that not every opportunity deserves my energy, not every relationship is meant to last and it’s okay to walk away from people and situations that no longer align with my goals and values.
