Today we’d like to introduce you to AJ Williams.
Hi AJ, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My name is AJ and I was Born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I’ve always had a passion for the Beauty & Hair Industry. I originally started braiding hair at the age of 12 as a hobby, and in high school, I would do hair as a side gig in addition to my regular job. My mom was the driving force behind me when she took notice of my natural talent. I took a leap of faith and moved to Atlanta in 2012 with the intention of finding a way to make my mark. After becoming a wife in 2013 and mother to four amazing children, I wasn’t sure how I was going to make it work, but I knew a way would be made for me. I founded my AJ Bella Beauty Instagram page in 2015. I would write down and visualize my goals and dreams with the plan to check them off my list.
In July 2019, I got the chance to prove myself when I was hired as a braiding assistant at Gocha Salon (a salon I wrote down in my dreams book) under the direction of DeShara Vaughn. Being immersed around so many talented individuals, I knew I had to be as involved as possible to soak up all the valuable knowledge my fellow stylists had to offer. I’ve learned so much from them that I continuously apply it in my business to this day. In January 2021, another opportunity came through a mutual friend and I jumped at the chance to start over and prove to myself that I can do this on my own. Many wonder how a homeschooling mother of four makes everything work. I plan everything around my children and everything just fell into place. My clientele is continuing to grow, my skills are improving daily and my love for my career remains at an all-time high.
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?
At the end of November 2019, on the brink of the opportunity to have my own chair on commission, I unfortunately had to leave Gocha Salon due to the slowdown of braid season and an assistant was no longer needed. When COVID-19 took over 2020, I became extremely discouraged when everything shut down. I knew it would be hard for me to regroup and gain traction during the pandemic. I continued to practice my skills on friends, family, and mannequin heads I purchased. I refused to give up because I truly love and enjoy what I do. I’ve always had a fighting spirit, so when it comes to something I truly love, I never give up. I want to make everyone who sits in my chair feel great about themselves because at one time in my life, I didn’t. It was scary to be in a dark place with such big dreams and aspirations but I knew deep down in my heart I could overcome it. I want my light to shine so bright because I know what it’s like to be in the dark. I promised myself I’d never allowed myself to go that route again.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in Braids and Dreadlocks on natural hair for Men, Women and children ages ten and up. I am proud of my dedication to my craft and never giving up on myself. I can be my worst critic at times because I know I have what it takes, I just want the chance to be seen and allow my work to speak for itself. I call myself “The Braiding Jedi”, so all my fellow Star Wars fans will understand what that means. I offer an experience because I am a giver of light. I want everyone to try to be their best selves while looking their best. Most of all, I know who I am and I am proud of who I’m becoming.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
What I’ve learned from the COVID-19 crisis is that there’s nothing wrong with going the extra mile for someone. Whether it’s with my safety and sanitation, or just by being kind. You never know what someone is going through behind closed doors but it’s refreshing to know you’re not alone. Take life a day at a time.
Contact Info:
- Website: linktr.ee/AJBELLABEAUTY
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/AJBELLABEAUTY
- Facebook: www.Facebook.com/AJBELLABEAUTY
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/AJBELLABEAUTY
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCL_GsMip0034p20f-fVZCDQ
