Today we’d like to introduce you to Maya Byrd.
Maya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
How I started and how I got to where I am today— Started by the infamous “Hot Comb” When I was about ten years of age, my mother would do my hair every Sunday night to get ready for the school week. My mother would do my two little sisters hair first then I’d be last. This one particular Sunday, my mother chose to pick me first- I was a bit snappy because I wanted to go outside and play instead of get my hair done.
Prior to technology today, in the 2000s The “Hot Comb” was something you placed on the stove top and as the stove top got hot you’d take the Hot Comb off press it against a white napkin to determine if it was safe enough to be placed on whomever hair was being done.
Well fast forward, my mother would always say, “it’s just the steam from the comb”. As I jumped or wiggled out of my seat. As she moved closer to my ear she’d always tell me to fold my ear when she was near my ear when using the Hot Comb near my ear. This time I forgot to fold my ear and all I heard was a sizzling sound to the top of my ear, a tightness in my stomach and angry in my eyes… she BURNT me, I looked at her with anger and frustration and said “I got it, I’ll do my own hair for now own.”
All she could do was burst into laughter because my tone and at the fact that a ten years old thinks she can do hair…
A few years later, I became so good at doing my own hair which my mother was very impressed she then gave me the responsibility to now be in charge of doing my little sister’s hair. As I got in my 20s, I started doing styles on my sisters like braids, sew-ins, color, etc.. basically perfecting my craft. I then got my first official client and after the service, I got my first tip.
I looked at my client and was amazed that I just got paid for doing something I enjoy!! At the time, I was working in the technology field and working there became boring, time-consuming and exhausting— And I had a decision to make, I put my two weeks notice in, enrolled into Keune Academy and started my journey!
2018 I graduated as a Master Cosmetologist. Worked for a few big salons in Gwinnett County, Georgia just to figure out my nitche finally figured it out then BOOM! Covid-19 happened, I lost my job as a hairstylist due to the salon being unable to afford to keep business doors open due to lack of clients because of the pandemic. I began working from home as a home-based stylist, saved up money and opened up my own salon suite!
December 2019, I created Mayabstyles. Started working in my own salon suite creating new looks, laughing with clients and welcoming new clients who become forever clients! Even going as far as opening a second business called “Too Much Beaute” designed to treat, conqueror and educate the continuance of healthy hair.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
This journey was as up and down as Goliath at 6-Flags.
The Early pandemic didn’t help at all, I lost clients, lost family, while also catching covid-19 not once but twice. And the pandemic is still an ongoing issue.
Inflammation has been incredibly hard on small businesses— we have more slow days than usual but I’m just grateful for being able to call something I love doing a career. Even if I get one client a day, it makes me happy. We just have to be patient, understanding and positive!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a licensed cosmetologist, I specialize in everything hair!
I love hair braiding, color, cut and styling.
I loved hair so much I created two different businesses for hair.
Mayabstyles is more so dedicated for hair care and braids and I created Too Much Beautè for microlinks and hair care. Both licensed businesses.
I’m most proud of being able to make my clients smile ear to ear when they get out the chair, being proud of having 90% retention of clients due to my professionalism and the experience that I provide.
What set’s me apart for other Stylists is I actually love doing hair, I love turning something from point A and getting point B. I believe in the hair growth of each hairstyle I provide. My clients remind me every day that I’m a blessing to them, I try to help in every way possible also providing a great experience as soon as they walk through my salon door!
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
The best thing I love about Atlanta is the food. Everyone who knows me understands I love food, I could have a not so great day and get some food and feel ten times better after! I faithfully review on Yelp as if they pay me to be a food critic.
The least thing I like about Atlanta would be the unnecessary traffic.
Pricing:
- Kid Braids start at $40
- Knotless Braids Start at $100
- Travel Experience set rate at $100
- Male Braids start at $40
Contact Info:
- Email: mayabhairstyles@gmail.com
- Website: www.mayabstyles.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/mayabstyles?utm_medium=copy_link
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mayabstyles
- Other: www.toomuchbeaute.com
