Today we’d like to introduce you to Aj Byrd.
Hi Aj, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
Growing up, both of my mom’s did my hair until they didn’t anymore. So, I learned to twist and braid hair by watching and practicing on my dolls and myself. Over time, I would do other people’s hair, including family, friends, and teachers, but mainly myself. Doing hair became something I could decently do, but I didn’t have a passion for it yet. It wasn’t until 2020 when that began to change, and I was teaching. One day after class, I did my two students’ hair. When they got home, their mom took pictures of their hair and sent them to a natural hair salon owner in Lancaster. The owner contacted me, hired me, and taught me more about locs and natural hair. From there, I would teach during the week and work at the salon on the weekends. The more I learned and could do, the more passionate I became about doing natural hair. Once the school year ended, I became a full-time stylist at the salon.
I am grateful that Ms. Eyat gave me the opportunity. I took the skills I already knew and the ones I acquired to set out and open my own natural hair salon suite in February 2022, called ‘Flourish with Aj’, located in Irving. All praises to The Most High. As I approach the first successful year of my own business, I thank those who let me do their hair. I thank those who support me, those who love my work, and those who root for me. I am more appreciative of the process, the progress, and the growth from then to now. I am flourishing.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
More like a road with some bumps here and there. I went to school to be an educator, and here I am running my own business. It has been a learning experience, putting myself out there, but I wouldn’t trade it. I love what I do and what I am doing. For the most part, I think I am doing a pretty good job running and managing my business ventures.
When I started working at the salon, one of my biggest struggles was speed. I learned quickly, but the time it took me to do a client’s hair was a bit long. I’m not saying I am the fastest stylist, but now I am most definitely faster. I can move and groove, ya dig.
From working at a salon to having my own, I have had experience with clients who were difficult to please. Having those kinds of clients can be overwhelming and frustrating, but it’s all about the push-through. If they come back, they come back, if not, that’s okay too.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
My name is Aj Byrd, and I am an artist who makes, creates, and does art in many forms. I have my own style and my own way of doing things. I like to think my work speaks for itself as I flourish. As of right now, I am known as a natural hairstylist, working with loose, kinky, coily textures and locs. Hopefully, I’ll be known for my artwork. I post some work on Instagram, host paint and sips, sell custom pieces, and I put together my first art show, called ‘Master Pieces: The Art Show.’
I am proud and thankful for the growth of my business. I love that my clients leave my salon chair seeing their scalps, feeling good, and recommending me to others. Your girl is booked and busy, ya dig.
I also would like to talk about how proud I am of putting together and hosting my own art show, ‘Master Pieces: The Art Show’. I got the idea because I wanted to push myself out of my comfort zone and showcase my artwork, but I didn’t want to do it alone. I know some talented people, and I know Dallas is full of talent. I wanted this event to be something for artists, made by an artist. My art show was going to have art, live music performances, drinks, good music, and positive vibes. If I got us to come together, I knew we’d be able to show just how talented we are, creating a masterpiece. I made an ‘open call’ flyer and posted it on Instagram, and more people than I expected were interested in being a part of the show. That’s how it started.
I worked on putting the art show together for some time, and it was not the easiest. For most of us artists, this was our first art show. Because I envisioned my art show to be a certain way, it had to be a certain way, not just for me, but for all of us involved. I will admit, as I was organizing the event, a number of things were not working out my way and I was almost ready to call it quits. But I needed this art show to happen, so I made it happen.
All praises to The Most High; I’m pleased it turned out how I envisioned it to be. I and other Dallas creatives were able to come together and showcase in front of supporters. There was nothing but mad love in the room, and it was an awe-inspiring experience. I know I can and will do it again. Stay tuned for ‘Master Pieces: The Art Show II.’
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
To anyone, go after what you want, do the work, and have patience while pursuing it. Whether it’s gaining clientele, an idea, mastering a skill, etc., it will come to you. While you’re being patient, try to be consistent. Consistency is vital, so keep going. Appreciate the process and enjoy the growth because you’ll flourish, and you’ll see it. Also, create on your own until you can build a team. Thank you so much.
Pricing:
- Starter Locs and Style (Wash Included) | $90
- Loc Retwist and Style (Wash Included) | $85
- Loc Retwist (Wash Included) | $75
- Two Strand Twists (Wash Included) | $65
- Custom Art Pieces | Varies
Contact Info:
- Website: www.vintaj.us
- Instagram: @vintaj___ and @flourishwithaj
- Facebook: facebook.com/flourishwithaj
