Conversations with Paiton Brewer

Today we’d like to introduce you to Paiton Brewer.

Hi Paiton, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’ve always dreamt of being a hairstylist, there was nothing else I wanted to do growing up. As soon as I was physically able to actually use a comb, I probably never put it down. My mom even has pictures of me as a little girl combing my babydoll’s hair. As a young pre-teen, I stayed in the beauty shop getting my hair done and I remember being there all day waiting for my turn in the chair. In the Black beauty shops, you may have an appointment early morning, but nine times out of ten you wouldn’t leave until late afternoon, sometimes evening. That was just the Culture of the shop, and I loved every bit of it! I would sit there amazed and intrigued at how the stylists would transform and beautify these different brown-skinned girls and women. Some would come in with afros and leave with a silky press and others would come with long wavy hair and leave transformed with luscious curls. It was at that moment, I knew I wanted to be the one behind the chair creating masterpieces like the ones I’ve seen growing up.

When I wasn’t at the beauty shop or school, I’d be at my Auntie’s house from time to time watching her braid different client’s hair. That really was the start of it all! I’d just sit and watch as she made crisp parts, greased scalps, and cornrow different designs to create this amazing work of art. I’d ask questions and soak up all the game she gave me, and soon enough began practicing on whatever family members and friends would trust me too. I did this all throughout my pre-teens up into high school. Hair became such a love and obsession I used to even braid hair during my lunch breaks in the quad of my high school. I remember being a Freshman anticipating the day I’d be able to get into the ROP program of Cosmetology so I could further pursue my dream after graduation. Unfortunately, budget cuts prevented me from getting into the program my senior year so I had to put off my dreams for a little while.

After graduation, I got accepted into Cal State Dominguez Hills in Carson. Although college was the top priority at the time, doing hair still was heavy on my heart. I decided to let people know I did hair so I could still practice my craft and make a little money on the side. I never thought about getting a job in college because deep down I knew hair was ultimately what I wanted to do as a career. Besides, all throughout high school doing hair was my side hustle and was more lucrative than I anticipated so I figured why not do the same in college. Unfortunately, college for me only lasted a short time. A year to be exact because shortly after my first semester, I ended up pregnant. I continued on through my second semester and then ended up moving back home, but even with my circumstances I didn’t let that stop me.

I had my son in 2012 and within a year, I had him in daycare and was hired in a local barbershop as the new braider and assistant to the other stylists in the shop. This was the beginning of my journey as a hairstylist and I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way of making my dream come true!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
It wasn’t a smooth road at all! I was a young single mom still living with my parents, enrolled in online courses for college and working as a braider not actually a licensed cosmetologist. At the time working as a braider didn’t really require me to be licensed, but as my clientele grew so did the request for other services. I had to think quick on my feet because I didn’t want to lose the clients that now trusted me and my craft. I decided to get a job in retail so I could pay to start the apprenticeship of Cosmetology.

It was a struggle trying to balance everything, I had a lot on my plate. I was now going to junior college, working in retail to save up for my apprenticeship, working at the shop and dealing with clients, along with making sure my son was taken care of and making sure I was emotionally available for him and being present tired and all. Being a parent is a whole other job in itself, and being a single one at that is even more of a challenge. But I knew with my ancestors having my back, I was built for this and I’d be just fine!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a licensed Cosmetologist! I do it all, from color to braiding, extensions, silk presses, locs, everything in hair that you can imagine, for the most part I do. I specialize in weaves (extensions), natural hair, and braids. I would say I’m known for my natural silk presses, locs, and braids. But honestly, it’s hard to say because I do an equal amount of all services.

I’m most proud of the brand I’ve created for myself thus far. I’ve managed to become a pretty well-known stylist in my area that’s in high demand and I’ve also managed to create my own product. My brand is me, Paiton Timia and the product I’ve created which I hand make is a hair growth oil that can be used for both men and women!

I think what sets me apart from other stylists is the fact that this is really my passion, it’s not just a job for me. I deeply care about the health of my client’s hair. I pay attention to every detail of a client’s hair from their edges to their kitchen (the nape of the neck). I’m a perfectionist and I’m very honest with clients! If I don’t think a service they’re requesting is the right route to go for their hair health I let them know and give my professional recommendations which they appreciate more than anything. I’m also big on vibes, I always try to make sure my energy is positive so my clients have a great experience when they visit with me!

What does success mean to you?
I define success as the journey a person wholeheartedly takes in pursuing their dream or passion. I believe success is never-ending, it’s an experience that continues on as you grow and learn new things.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.paitontimia.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/paitontimia
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/paitontimia

Image Credits:
PierrePierre Jamela Kemp Kayla Murkison