Today we’d like to introduce you to Aaliyah Hassan.
Hi Aaliyah, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Growing up with five sisters, I quickly realized I wanted to do hair. My mother would brush, comb, grease our scalps, and put our hair in a twist. I loved it but my big sister would go above and beyond and add many more twists and ornaments in my hair. I was six years old and having my hair done made me feel beautiful. I admired my sister Sakina’s work and I tried to recreate the style on myself. I would practice night and day on my size barbies and on my sister’s. In high school my passion and talent for braiding hair grew. My classmates and friend’s parents noticed my work and they began asking if I could do their hair. When my talent for doing hair was increasingly recognized and more people inquired about my services, I was then thrusted into the beauty industry all without professional training.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Shortly after graduating high school I found out I was pregnant. Knowing I had a passion for doing hair I attempted to enroll in one of the Marinello Schools of Beauty. I toured the campus but after considering the financial costs I knew I wouldn’t be able to enroll. I had a beautiful daughter, Raja, and as a single mom over the next few years I would works whatever jobs that could support my family. When I was working at a call center, I realized I was miserable and needed to pursue a career I would enjoy. Luckily, I was presented with an opportunity to attend beauty school for free at Barstow Community College. I quit my job in pursuit of my passion and never looked back. The program was two years and throughout that time I stayed motivated through the thought of making a better life for myself and my daughter. While in beauty school some of the obstacles I faced was the loss of two sisters and my father. Rather than letting their deaths negatively affect my progress, the encouragement they gave me while living continued after their deaths and strengthened my determination to finish school. I completed the beauty program at Barstow Community College and began my career as a cosmetologist.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I take pride in braiding and styling for 15+ years and now that I do it professionally, I try to put my best effort in every day. Through my work I appreciate being able to network and meet all kinds of people. I have a diverse set of clients from kids to older adults and people from various ethnic and social backgrounds. The most common styles I do are knotless braids and locs, but my services also include invisible ponytails to bobs. I continue to perfect my craft by learning new concepts and expanding my services. I have recently completed a course on making braided wigs which will add another income stream to my business. Since the outbreak of COVID-19 I have been working from home, but I also travel to be accessible to more clientele.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
The most important lesson I learned on my journey is perseverance and to never give up. It’s a beautiful life a beautiful journey and I quote in the words of my idols #THEMARATHONCONTINUES#MAMBAMENTALITY
Pricing:
- Knotlesss start $200 for large mediums 250 small $385
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: StyleSeat.com/aaliyahhassan
Image Credits:
Instagram: @piksbynaenae
