Aj Byrd shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Aj, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
I recently became a certified Mental Health First Aid, and I am extremely proud of myself for that. A Mental Health First Aid is trained to recognize the signs of a mental health challenge or crisis, and knowing how to respond with support and guidance until professional help can step in. I honestly feel like The Most High was calling me to do something in mental health, and this just felt like the right step. I believe it would also help me with my own mental health, and now I have some tools to show up for others in a meaningful way. That’s what it’s about. Giving meaning by being meaningful, words I live by.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Aj Byrd, and I am a versatile artist in many forms. I am best known as a natural hairstylist and loctician, specializing in loose, kinky, and coily textures, as well as locs. Flourish with Aj is my mini salon in North Dallas, but my creativity doesn’t stop there—I am also a Zumba instructor, event host, crafter, and entrepreneur.
In 2020, I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and began teaching that August. A couple of months later, I got hired at a natural hair salon. Two of my students were clients there, but when their mom couldn’t book an appointment for them, I did their hair after school. Their mom sent a picture to the salon owner, who then reached out to me, and I was blessed with an opportunity to work there part-time. I taught on weekdays and worked at the salon on weekends.
Although I had been braiding and twisting hair since I was little, working in that salon taught me even more about natural hairstyles and locs. I caught on quickly, and by May 2021, I decided to leave teaching and work at the hair salon full-time. I worked at the salon until February 2022, when I started my own business, in Irving, Texas.
Stepping into entrepreneurship wasn’t just about hair—I also committed to sharing my artwork with the world. I began posting my art on Instagram, hosting paint-and-sip events, and putting on art shows to build my name as an artist and showcase other talented people in Dallas. In 2023, I became a Zumba instructor, adding another passion to my repertoire.
Now, in 2025, I can look back and feel proud of my growth and my ability to flourish. My business has been successful for three years—two in Irving and one in North Dallas—all praises to The Most High. I am deeply grateful for my clients, the people I’ve learned from, my talented hair family, and the hands that allow me to create. Seeing my clients walk in one way and leave with a clean scalp, a fresh style, and visible hair growth is incredibly rewarding. My work speaks for itself, and while I am always striving to improve, I know I am good at what I do.
To everyone who supports my many endeavors—or me as a whole—I am beyond thankful. I like to say I am the Aj of all trades because my creativity knows no limits. “Give meaning by being meaningful.” – Word to Stalley. That quote defines how I live. To be meaningful is to create, and I pour love and intention into everything in all my creations. My goal is to share them with as many people as possible.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful was when I was a little girl doing hair. With just my hands, some braids and twists, I could change the way someone looked and even how they felt about themselves. Seeing someone smile after I finished their hair made me feel like I had given them more than a style; I had given them confidence, care, and connection. I didn’t know it yet, but my hands were a gift.
I felt that same power again when I became a teacher. Standing in front of a classroom, pouring into my students, and seeing them grow reminded me that power isn’t about control—it was about influence, patience, and being able to pour into young minds. I saw that I could guide, nurture, and inspire, and in doing so, I tapped into a strength I didn’t even know I had. Impact. It’s about what you leave with people after you’ve touched their lives.
Those moments—behind the chair as a kid and in the classroom as an adult—showed me what real power is. For me, it’s not about titles or recognition. It’s about creating, uplifting, and helping people flourish. That’s what I was made to do, and that’s the kind of power I want to keep walking in.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t shrink yourself down to fit into spaces that can’t hold your light. That means not dulling your personality, talents, skills, and dreams to make others comfortable because the right people will appreciate you — all of you. Trust the process and know The Most High got you. You’re doing such a great job, ma.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
“Give meaning by being meaningful.” – Word to Stalley
I heard that line in a song. When I heard it, I decided that was how I would live my life. To be meaningful is to create something of value. I give value to all things I produce, and all the things I do, I do with intention and love. I want to be able to share that with as many people as I can, whether it’s doing hair, making art, hosting an event, being a Mental Health First Aid, or teaching a Zumba class.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I’m gone, I hope people tell the story of someone who lived with intention and poured love into everything I created. I want them to say that I made people feel good about themselves, not just on the outside, but on the inside too. That I was an artist in every sense of the word—through hair, movement, art, and community—and that I used my gifts to inspire and motivate others to embrace who they are.
I hope people remember me as someone who gave meaning by being meaningful, who never shrank herself to fit into small spaces or a box, but instead created spaces where others could shine too. I want my story to be one of growth, gratitude, and faith—someone who trusted The Most High, cared for people deeply, and left behind creations and experiences that will continue to flourish even after me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @flourishwithaj and @vintaj___
- Facebook: Flourish with Aj
- Other: The Flourish Line ✨💚: 903-689-3506
A space to connect when you need encouragement, a kind word, a listening ear, or a reminder that you’re not alone. This is not a therapy or crisis line, but a safe support check-in. If you ever feel like you’re in crisis, please call 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Otherwise, text or call me, and let’s flourish together. 🌱
