Bebe began her career in the beauty industry in 2003 as an apprentice under one of the nation’s best stylists, Elliot Simpson. His mentorship remains a cornerstone in her professional development as a stylist, designer, and business owner.

Q: So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your business BeBe Lee Beauty Lounge. 
TPL: We are a full service salon located in the heart of shady side. We are a two floor salon.

Q: How long have you been in business?
TPL: I have been in the industry since 2003 under the leadership of Elliot Simpson.

Q: How would you consult a client on adopting a new hair style?
TPL: I would see what a client is able to maintain and look at the integrity of their hair and what their hair is able to handle. 

Q: 2020 was a crazy year for everyone, how did you do?
TPL: We made a pivot and changed directions by selling color kits and shampoo kits. 

Q: How do you keep updated on the latest hair trends?
TPL: Social media plays a huge factor in all the new trends.

Q: Where do you see your business five years from now?
TPL: Franchised, multiple locations, cutting edge technology in the industry and making Bebe Lee a brand.

Q: What has surprised you about business ownership?
TPL: The overhead 

Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today?
TPL: Dealing with the demands and schedule of a clientele.

Q: What are the best practices you have employed to build a successful career? 
TPL: Continuing education courses through the Heinz Entrepreneurial Fellows Class. I was able to develop skills like building a strategic foundation, moving from strategic planning to implementation, and developing financial metrics and dashboards that work. 

Q: What is it about your job that most excites you?
TPL: It is not a job; It is my passion.

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
TPL: Never be afraid to assert yourself.

Q: What's the greatest fear you've had to overcome to get where you are today? 
TPL: Being confident in your skill set and being able to stand out among others who carry the same skill set.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career?
TPL: Working with celebrities, to community members, clients in academia, and working with clients with adverse needs. 

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
TPL: Do not personalize or internalize anything.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
TPL: There are multiple women who have inspired me. From family members to clients, they have all inspired me to be better … they drive me!

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
TPL: Work life, family balance. Managing a business with a husband and kids. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
TPL: Find a mentor and listen to the mentor. 

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you? 
TPL: I always wanted to be in the medical field.

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
TPL: It has been a challenge, but I surround myself with a village. 

Q: What would be the title of your autobiography?
TPL: From Teriney to Bebe; stepping into ME

34 Things About Teriney Peterson-Lee

1. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 
My mom, Malcom X, My grandmother and Mya Angelou. 

2. What's your favorite family tradition? 
Christmas Eve

3. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Lebron James 

4. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Socializing 

5. Who is the most fascinating person you’ve ever met? 
Elliot Simpson 

6. What was the last book you really got into? 
The Bible 

7. What’s the most amazing adventures have you’ve ever been on? 
Puerto Rico, Jamaica, and Las Vegas 

8. Among your friends, what are you best known for? 
Having a giving spirit.

9. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been? 
Zumanity Sensual Side of Circus Cirque du Soleil

10. What’s your favorite international food? 
Jamaica or Thai 

11. Who is your favorite author? 
Mya Angelou and Eric Jerome Dickey

12. What’s your favorite app on your phone? 
Text app 

13. Best and worst flavor ice cream? 
Best: Half-baked by Ben & Jerrys. Worst: Mint Chocolate Chip 

14. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid?
Family Matters and Martin 

15. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? 
Traveling without plans 

16. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
“Here’s my thing”

17. If you unexpectedly won $10,000, what would you spend it on? 
Invest 

18. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Little bit of both 

19. What would your perfect vacation look like?
White sand, and turquoise water 

20. Favorite Dessert? 
Cake and ice cream 

21. Favorite City? 
New York 

22. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken. 
Jamaica because I got proposed to

23. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut? 
Read reviews 

24. What’s your big passion? 
Philanthropy 

25. What’s your signature drink? 
Coffee 

26. What would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Betty Right- no pain no game 

27. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? 
Basketball

28. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? 
Smell 

29. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be? 
Wouldn’t have let my mother die 

30. What were you like in high school? 
Small and shy 

31. What would your perfect Saturday be like? 
Not working, outside or on vacation 

32. Would you rather cook or order in? 
Order in 

33. What was your favorite subject in school? 
Chemistry 

34. Cake or pie? 
Cake