Today we’d like to introduce you to Anya Anderson
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
When I think about the origins of Aiya Hair Salon, it feels like the vision was there long before it ever became a reality. From a young age, I’ve always believed that beauty was more than skin deep—that hair held energy, memories, and a person’s story. That understanding only deepened as I worked my way into the beauty industry. I loved transforming clients’ appearances, but over time, I realized that true beauty radiated from within. That’s when I knew I wanted to create something more—something that blended the external with the internal.
The pandemic was a turning point for me. With the salon closed, I was forced to reflect on my purpose and direction. During that time, I dove deep into learning healing modalities like Kundalini yoga, sound healing, and energy work. It wasn’t just a way to pass the time—it became a journey of personal transformation. I did a lot of healing for myself during that period, and I knew that when Aiya reopened, it would be more than just a place to get your hair done. It would be a space where clients could experience both beauty and healing.
That’s why Aiya offers services like the Inner Radiance Treatment, which blends natural oils, plants, and even sound therapy to heal from within. We use only clean, sustainable products like those from Davines, a brand I’m proud to represent as an educator. Davines is a certified B Corp, dedicated to sustainability and eco-friendly practices, and that’s in complete alignment with my own values. As an educator for Davines, I’m not only continuing to grow my own skills, but I’m also empowering other stylists, helping them advance their careers and become leaders in the industry.
Aiya is more than a salon—it’s a reflection of everything I’ve learned and the vision I’ve held for a space where beauty and wellness merge. It’s about creating transformations that resonate both inside and out, helping clients feel as good on the inside as they look on the outside.
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?
Building Aiya Hair Salon has been a journey filled with both incredible growth and difficult challenges. The pandemic, without question, was one of the toughest obstacles I’ve faced. Like so many in the beauty industry, I had to close the salon and suddenly, everything was up in the air. There were moments when I found myself sitting in the empty space, wondering if my dream was slipping away. “How could I keep Aiya alive when I couldn’t even be with my clients?” It was such a surreal and uncertain time.
But in the midst of all this, something unexpected happened—I embarked on a deep spiritual journey. With the world on pause, I decided to fully dive into learning every healing modality I had been curious about for years. I took up Kundalini yoga, sound healing, and explored a variety of other practices that really helped me look inward. It wasn’t just about finding ways to serve my clients anymore—it became about healing and transforming myself.
I went through a lot of personal healing during this time, and that shift within me eventually found its way into Aiya. The salon became an extension of that journey. What started as a challenging, almost isolating experience transformed into something beautiful. I began offering virtual energy healing sessions and deepened my understanding of holistic practices, which now play a central role in Aiya’s philosophy. In a way, that forced pause during the pandemic allowed me to reinvent both myself and the salon.
Another obstacle was learning how to lead others in this space. Managing other stylists and estheticians was challenging at times, especially when it came to balancing technical skills with emotional intelligence. But I grew into my role as a leader, grounding myself in the spiritual practices that had become part of my daily life. It was a test of my resilience, but also a lesson in empathy and kindness—qualities I wanted to infuse into every part of Aiya.
Eventually, the turning point came when clients started seeking more than just beauty services—they came for the full experience of healing, energy work, and holistic care. That’s when I knew all the challenges had led me to create something truly special. Today, Aiya stands as a place of both external and internal transformation, and I couldn’t be prouder of the journey it took to get here. Every setback, every obstacle—it all helped me shape Aiya into a space where beauty and wellness are one.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Thank you for asking! As an entrepreneur, hair color extension specialist, and artist, I wear many hats, each of which I am deeply passionate about. I am also a consultant and educator for Davines North America, a brand that aligns with my values in sustainability and holistic beauty. Specializing in ammonia-free, eco-conscious hair color, I focus on enhancing the natural beauty of each client while respecting the environment.
What sets me apart is my unique approach to hair extensions. I offer a highly personalized service, specializing in Slavic and virgin raw cut hair that seamlessly matches each client’s natural texture and energy. Additionally, I have developed a one-of-a-kind healing method through hair that taps into the DNA’s memory and essence. This method combines natural plant-based treatments with sound healing, honoring hair’s ability to hold memory and act as a gateway for inner healing.
I am most proud of the creation of the ‘Inner Radiance Treatment,’ a custom hair and scalp treatment that integrates these elements, along with Davines hormonal hair loss solutions. This approach allows me to help clients feel both beautiful and aligned from the inside out, a philosophy that’s deeply rooted in my own journey of spiritual healing.
What matters most to you?
At the core of everything I do—whether it’s at Aiya or in my role as an educator for Davines—what truly matters to me is making a real connection with people. I want to help people feel seen, heard, and valued. It’s not just about the service or the transformation you can see in the mirror; it’s about how someone feels when they walk out the door.
Beauty, for me, has always been about more than just appearances. It’s about creating an experience where clients feel nurtured and uplifted, both physically and energetically. Whether they’re coming in for a hair extension or our Inner Radiance Treatment, I want every person to leave feeling lighter, more aligned, and empowered from the inside out.
Sustainability is also incredibly important to me. I choose to work only with brands like Davines, which is a certified B Corp. They’re committed to reducing environmental impact, which is something I’m passionate about. I believe that the choices we make—whether it’s the products we use or the way we run our businesses—should reflect a deeper sense of responsibility to the planet and to future generations.
Ultimately, what matters most is creating a space where clients, colleagues, and fellow stylists can grow, heal, and be the best versions of themselves. If I can make that kind of impact, then I know I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://aiyahairsalon.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aiyahairsalon/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aiyasalon/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@aiyawellnesssalon
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/aura-hair-salon-santa-monica
Image Credits
Alissa Castleton
