Staff Spotlight for July
Q&A with Coral Lahiani - Sunshine Enterprises Instructor
Coral Lahiani is an accomplished and versatile professional with extensive experience in business development, operations management, and event coordination. At the Coral Lahiani Institute for Advanced Cosmetology in Chicago, Coral serves as the Principal Educator and Owner. She has dedicated herself to providing continued education for licensed cosmetologists through a comprehensive curriculum. Her knack for successfully marketing and selling educational concepts has seen her ideas reach major platforms like Amazon and local beauty schools. One of her notable achievements includes securing a partnership with Amazon, where she promoted their Beauty Local Associates campaign using various marketing tactics. Coral's engagement with the industry doesn't stop there; she is a familiar face at hair conventions and trade shows, where she teaches new techniques and interacts with attendees, further solidifying her reputation as an industry leader.
In her role as Director of Business Development and Operations at America's Beauty Show in Chicago, Coral led business development initiatives and operational strategies for one of the largest beauty industry trade shows in the country. She managed and coordinated all aspects of the event, from vendor relations and logistics to marketing and budget management. Her strategic vision and implementation of sales strategies resulted in increased exhibitor participation and attendee engagement. Coral's ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams ensured the smooth execution of the event, providing a high-quality experience for all stakeholders. Her analytical skills came to the fore as she analyzed performance metrics and provided insights to refine future events and business strategies.
Coral discovered Sunshine Enterprises through a job listing for a "Beauty Entrepreneur Coach", which she says, “felt like divine timing.” She quickly applied, sharing her experience with non-profits in the beauty industry, her Board of Director service with Cosmetologists Chicago, and her 35+ years as an entrepreneur. Not only is Coral a graduate of our Tech & Digital Community Business Academy, she has been an instructor here at Sunshine for 2 years and has served as a BAS Coach.
Q: What aspect of being a sunshine cohort instructor do you enjoy the most?
Coral: My favorite part of instructing is I have some latitude with the curriculum delivery and of course graduation. It's fulfilling to know I've helped fellow entrepreneurs take significant steps toward their business goals and welcome them into the Sunshine ecosystem.
Q: What topics do you cover in the community business academy and which is your favorite?
Coral: The key business principles I teach directly or through our business simulations are Intoduction to Business Ownership, Business Planning and Strategy, Marketing and Sales, Financial Management, Legal Structures and Compliance, Product Development and Service Delivery, Branding and Positioning, Customer Relationship Management, Digital Marketing and Social Media, Operations and Supply Chain Management, Human Resources and Team Building and Funding and Investment Strategies. I have to say they are all my favorites because I’m learning more each time I teach. This to me, is the joy of teaching.
Q: How do you create a positive and inclusive environment to help all cba students succeed?
Coral: I believe every student can add value to the class, so I make an effort to hear all their voices and experiences.
Q: Can you share some memorable moments or experiences from your time at Sunshine that have had a significant impact on you?
Coral: Watching my students solve problems has the greatest impact on me. When there is an idea that they need to hash out or a hurdle they thought was insurmountable. Watching the lights go on when the solution comes is it for me. I would have to say my favorite moments are when my students finally have a clear linear picture of how to proceed with their businesses.
Q: What strategies do you use to keep your students engaged and motivated?
Coral: I love humor and laughter so when approaching a serious subject like personal budgeting I always find relatable and humorous scenarios to work from.
Coral (sitting front left) with her most recent CBA students who graduated in June 2024.
For More Information about Coral and her business, visit www.corallahiani.com
“Entrepreneurship is tough, which is why it’s important to not be an island. We all need the support of our community and Sunshine Enterprises is such a rich and diverse community whether you want to learn, teach, or grow. Sunshine Enterprises is just a great place to be. ”
