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Meet Guyla J

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Today we’d like to introduce you to Guyla J.

Guyla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I opened Guyla J Styles in January 2016, I’d just graduated from cosmetology school and took a leap of faith. I’ve had a love for hair and styling hair since I was nine. I would style friends and family growing up, but I didn’t consider going to cosmetology school after graduating from high school. Instead, I enrolled at Grambling State University and later received a bachelor’s degree in marketing, then I moved to Los Angeles.

For about four years, I worked in the marketing industry and then I found myself at a crossroads when I didn’t get selected for a job that I’d done three interviews with. I was at a crossroads for a year or so, trying to figure out if I wanted to get an MBA or get back to my love for hair. It didn’t seem crazy, and when I mentioned that I may be going to cosmetology school to close friends and family their responses were, “About time” and “I think that’s a great idea.”

So, I enrolled and completed in 10 months. Instead of going into a hair salon and renting a chair, I decided to go out on my own and get a salon suite. It was a bold move, I was licensed in December 2015 and making preparations for my own space in January 2016. I didn’t think twice about it. I was confident in my craft, I have a business degree. I can do this, and that’s exactly what I’m doing. I’ve been in business for almost three years now.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Overall, it’s been pretty smooth – maybe because I’ve been preparing myself for this journey. I didn’t go into this with fear, questions or doubts. Becoming a business owner has actually helped me grow in some areas personally. I’m a better listener, I’m more cautious about how I speak and behave because I am my brand. I want my clients to be proud that I’m their hairstylist.

My salon is very tranquil and intimate. Most of the time the salon visits are one on one, so it gives me and my clients a chance to bond. I never really thought I would have the bonds that I do with my clients. If I’m down or stressed going into the salon is the one thing that brings me peace. Hairstyling and creating is so therapeutic to me. I’m still a new business so I know some obstacles will arise and I will handle them accordingly.

My overall goal is to satisfy the hair and beauty needs of my clients and to provide exceptional customer service.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I’m a licensed cosmetologist, and I provide professional haircare, hairstyling and beauty services. Some of my services include Sew-In Extensions, Updos, Silk Press, Women’s haircuts and hair coloring.

I specialize in haircutting, which is what I’m known for. I would describe my haircuts as sleek and sophisticated and at times edgy. It really just depends on the “look” the client is trying to achieve.

I’m most proud that I actually started Guyla J Styles. As of now, it’s just myself, so I would say that I am also proud to have a growing business and having maintained a steady clientele over the last three years.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents, Guy and Doris Wilkerson are my first and biggest supporters. Growing up my parents allowed me to be me. I was sassy and prissy at a young age, and they embraced it all. At the age of 12, I was competing in beauty pageants and began to model. My parents always taught me to be strong minded and never to give up no matter what. Which is why I when I moved to California I had no problem finding my way.

Shortly after I moved to California, I met two lovely ladies Tina Singleton and Melody Signater. They have been my mentors for the last six years. Six years ago, Tina said “Guyla, your hair always looks nice. Style my hair.” I styled her hair, she loved it, and I was getting a feel for hairstyling others again. Tina became my “guinea pig” as she would say. She would let me try all my haircuts on her, which I loved!

Melody pushed me to enroll in Cosmetology school once she knew that hair styling was my gift and passion. She also allowed me to practice different hair coloring and highlighting techniques on her hair. Next, we have my lovely clients!!! They are truly amazing. I have a bond with each of them. They allow me to use my creativity and try new hairstyles, cuts, and trends. They trust me, and I thank them.

I also have two really close friends who are in the Marketing and Digital Branding field. I have learned a lot from them over the last few years. They are both entrepreneurs, which has given me some insight on how to run an effective business, tips on how to market my business and just simply helping me along the way. It’s nice to have friends that listen to all your ideas, offer advice and hold you accountable!

I thank you all for inspiring, motivating and most importantly believing in Guyla J Styles.

Contact Info:

Image Credit:
Egyptsia Nevers

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.

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