Meet Ariana Hall of A Is For Color in South Central/ Long Beach

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariana Hall.

Ariana, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I did not plan to be a hairstylist. Growing up, I told myself I wanted to be an obstetrician-gynecologist, OB-GYN. I would watch delivery shows like “Deliver Me” and “Special Delivery. I was preparing myself for my career.

Through all the research of how I was going to become an OB-GYN, my mother had no idea what to do with my hair. I know those two things had nothing to do with each other but hey, it’s my story, right? Anyways, my mom would send me to the hair salon every week. I would always get a shampoo, blowdry, press and style. The smell of pump it up hairspray and hot metal brought excite to my spirit because I knew once I walked out those doors, after sitting in the chair for three years, I was pretty. Mind you, I’m about thirteen at the time.

So senior year comes along and I was ready to throw in the towel. My high school years sucked. I didn’t want to look at another book. I knew that after I graduated, I had about eight more years of school to become an OB-GYN. I said to hell with that.

So I’m sitting in my room trying to figure out that I want to do with my life. Then, I came across those feelings of being thirteen walking out the salon. BINGO! I’m going to cosmetology school. I ran to my mom’s room told her I’m going to cosmetology school and walked right out. I didn’t want to hear what she had to say because my mind was made up. She came in my room and asked, “Why did you walk out room like that?” I told how I felt and she gave me a reaction that I wasn’t excepting. She was ready to support me through my journey of being a cosmetologist. My mother has really been my biggest supporter and I couldn’t thank her enough.

Now, I’ve been a licensed cosmetologist for a little over three years. I currently work at a salon in Long Beach. I specialize in hair coloring and natural styles such as braiding and locs. I absolutely love my job. If I had the chance to do it all over again, I would not change my decision to be a cosmetologist.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My journey to becoming a hairstylist is like driving down Crenshaw during reconstruction hour. It had its detours, bumps and potholes, but eventually it smooths out. I was working two jobs, mentoring, taking care of my grandmother and on top of all of that, I was going to school. There was a lot of nights without sleep. My social life was non existent. But I know now it was all worth it.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the A Is For Color story. Tell us more about the business.
I am a cosmetologist. I specialize in braiding, natural hairstyles, and hair coloring. I am known for my braid styles because I am very detail orientated so my braids are always neat. I’m also known for having growing hands. I ensure that the integrity of my client’s hair is in good condition so I can achieve the style my clients desire. I am proud of myself by staying committed to being a hairstylist. I usually pick up different talents that I enjoy doing but not for long term. I believe what sets me apart from other is that I care. I don’t do hair for the money or to become well known. I do hair because it brings me peace. My coworkers have even told me that I go into my own little world when I do hair. It’s just me and my client. She sees how passionate and at ease, I become when a client is in my chair.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe luck. I believe that there is God, or higher power beyond myself, that puts me in positions to succeed or fail. For example, my mom was on the phone with one of her good friends. My mom told her how I recently got my cosmetology license and how I’m currently looking for a shop to work at. My mom‘s friend told her that a mutual friend of theirs just opened up a salon in Long Beach. Come to find out this friend used to do my mom’s hair back in a day. My mom told me about the salon I went and loved every inch of the room. So no, I’m not gonna say that this was all luck. This was literally by the grace of God.

Contact Info:

• Address: 4501 E Carson Street Long Beach California 90808
• Phone: 3237871927
• Email: aisforcolor@gmail.com
• Instagram: @a.isforcolor, @colorculturehairartistry
• Facebook: A Is For Color

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