Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Abdullah.
Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Whew, taking it all the way back to 2012. I was giving the opportunity while attending high school to go to our local career center and study cosmetology. My love & passion for hair started at a very young age and has grown tremendously over the years. During my time at the career center, I learned the ins and outs of hair. Down to the science that goes be behind it all. My older sister Armelia, cousin/sister JaLisa and bestie Amber always let me practice on them. That is how I really grew as a stylist, without practice you cannot truly improve your craft. I’ll always appreciate them for allowing me to try so any styles on them without complaints and their constructive criticism. Fast forward I graduate and go to the Navy. Even been away in the Navy, it didn’t stop me from doing hair. All my shipmates wanted me to braid their hair to be in “reqs”. I love that my love for hair can be used anywhere at any time. After being in the Navy briefly I was discharged and then went straight to Indiana State University. That’s where I decided I was going to use my love & passion for hair to help pay for my schooling. I founded my hair business in August 2017 “Stylez by Amira”. From there I was a full-time student, full-time worker, and a part-time stylist. Most of my evenings and weekends were dedicated to doing my peer’s hair. I was always so busy in college but no matter what I was doing through I knew I had hair to help ease my mind. When I’m doing hair nothing else matters but making sure my client feels great walking out of my chair. I graduated from ISU with my honors Bachelors December of 2020. Then I made a big move with of one of sorority/line sisters Loryn to Dallas in March of 2021. When I first got here, I wasn’t sure that I wanted to do hair just because I would be starting from scratch with clientele. But I took a leap of faith and started in July when one of my friends Jannel asked me to do some stitch braids for her. I’ve never been a braider, I was more into sewing, silk press, soft locs, and ponytails. But I got outside my comfort zone and did it for her. Since then, I was doing hair in my home till I decided to rent a booth at a beauty bar not far from my home. My clientele took off over the summer from the stitch braids. That’s all the girls wanted and I gave the girls what they wanted. From there I went to another beauty bar and lastly, I’ve found my new hair home at Eleven30 Beauty and Wellness. I love it there and my suite family. My journey from the beginning to where I am not is nothing short of amazing. I give all the glory and honor to God for letting me use my passion to help others feel good about themselves.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Struggles and hardships are things that come with entrepreneurship. I would be crazy to say this was easy for me or any other entrepreneur. I think my biggest struggle this far is selling myself short. What I mean by that is not thinking my work is good enough. Another struggle/hardship is “slow season” which is usually in the end of fall/beginning of winter. Because of the all the holidays most people slow down with their extra spending.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am a hairstylist. I do a variety of things and I love them all. When I first started, I specialized in sewing, quick weaves, and ponytails. Then I learned how to do soft loc extensions and that was very popular for a moment. Coming to Dallas I have been specializing in stitch braids and kid braids. I think I’m most proud of my resiliency. I’m different from others because I am up to the challenge of learning something new and taking off with it.
What do you think about happiness?
What makes me happy is that something I love and am passionate about helps others feel great about themselves.
Pricing:
- Kid Natural Braids start at $60
- Kid Knotless start at $100 (1B hair included)
- Stitch Braids start at $95 (1B hair included)
- Knotless Braids start at $180 (1B hair included)
Contact Info:
- Email: Mjla803@gmail.com
- Website: https://stylezbyamira.as.me/schedule.php
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/stylezbyamira_
Image Credits
Samarcus Hollingsworth
