Today we’d like to introduce you to Maïa Nunley.
Hi Maïa , thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Hair has always been a part of me. Ever since I was young, I’ve had a deep love for hair not just for the art of styling it, but for how it makes people feel. I’ve always known I was meant to be in an industry that helps and heals, and for a long time, I thought that path would only exist in the medical field.
I began my professional journey in healthcare, driven by that same desire to make a difference. Then I served seven years in the Navy, where I learned discipline, resilience, and how to lead with purpose. But even while serving, my passion for hair never left me it was always my creative escape, my way of connecting with people.
When I returned home three years ago, I decided to honor both sides of myself the nurturer and the creator. I continued in the medical field for a while, but as I took time away, I realized that beauty was more than just an outlet for me it was a calling. I enrolled in cosmetology school, worked in a salon for seven months, and watched my skills and clientele grow faster than I ever imagined.
By the time I graduated, I stepped out fully on faith and opened The Loc Muse LLC my own salon suite built from passion, prayer, and purpose. Within a year, my business flourished beyond what I thought possible. Now two years in, The Loc Muse isn’t just about doing hair it’s about healing through it. I use my platform to inspire, connect, and pour into others coming up behind me.
Because for me, it’s never just been about locs it’s about legacy.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
By no means has it been a smooth road. Transitioning out of the military and stepping into my true purpose one rooted in connection, healing, and transformation was one of the biggest challenges of my life. I had to let go of what was familiar, what I loved, and what I had already built, to step into what I knew I was called to do.
That kind of shift isn’t easy. I went from a structured, disciplined environment to navigating the beauty industry, where everything relied on my creativity, consistency, and faith. I didn’t have much guidance no roadmap, no mentor at first just a vision, a gift, and a determination to make it real.
From the moment I made that decision, I hit the ground running. Every day, I gave it everything I had. There were times I was unsure, but never unwilling. I knew I was called to build something bigger than me, and that belief pushed me through every obstacle.
My journey has been fueled by pure hard work, resilience, and faith faith in myself, faith in God, and faith in the vision. The road hasn’t been smooth, but every bump shaped me into the woman and entrepreneur I am today.
We’ve been impressed with The Loc Muse LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The Loc Muse LLC is a luxury brand dedicated to transforming clients from the inside out celebrating the beauty, individuality, and power of honoring every crown. We specialize in creating healthy, stunning locs that not only elevate your look but also your confidence. Our focus goes beyond styling; it’s about nurturing your natural hair, promoting growth, and building a connection that inspires from root to soul.
Every experience at The Loc Muse is designed with intention from our expert craftsmanship and premium product selection to our warm, home-like atmosphere. Clients leave not only rejuvenated and confident but seen, heard, and valued.
Our mission is to inspire confidence and teach the importance of hair care that enhances both health and beauty. We take pride in offering education that extends beyond the salon empowering clients to maintain healthy, thriving locs at home.
What sets The Loc Muse apart is our commitment to authenticity and community. Every interaction is personal, every appointment is curated, and every client becomes part of something bigger a movement built on love, transformation, and self-expression.
We provide a full range of luxury loc services from starter locs, scalp detox and steam treatments to loc restorations and repairs each service tailored to promote a healthy, sustainable loc journey. Whether you’re beginning your journey or continuing it, you’ll always feel like part of The Muse community.
The Loc Muse isn’t just a brand.
It’s a lifestyle.
It’s confidence, connection, and care locked in
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Finding the right mentor can be challenging, but it’s essential as you move through this industry. I struggled with that in the beginning of my journey, so I know firsthand how hard it can be to find guidance when you’re just starting out. That’s why, as The Loc Muse continues to grow, one of our next major focuses is creating an open, safe space for aspiring stylists in need of mentorship and community. Helping others find direction, confidence, and clarity is something that’s deeply rooted in our brand’s purpose.
When finding a mentor, the first step is understanding what kind of mentorship you need. Are you looking to sharpen your technical skills, expand your business knowledge, or grow your marketing strategy? No single mentor can be everything, and that’s okay. Having multiple mentors can be powerful ,someone established in the business, someone who’s creatively visionary, and someone who keeps you spiritually and personally aligned. Through it all, the Lord remains my number one mentor, guiding my path both personally and professionally.
Once you identify your needs, start reaching out to those who embody what you’re striving toward. Some mentorships are formal, while others develop naturally and informally, both are equally valuable.
As for networking, it starts by simply showing up. You have to put yourself out there, join the conversations, attend networking events, go to hair shows, support other stylists, and collaborate when possible. For me, overcoming the fear of reaching out and joining those spaces changed everything. The key is to not only look for opportunities that benefit you but also to give back and build genuine, reciprocal relationships.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theelocmuse.as.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelocmuse/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@thelocmuse?_t=ZP-90zEHaTzKk2&_r=1
Image Credits
filmtresss
bridle Chanel
