Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivy Monae.
Ivy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Ivonna Gray, but I go by Ivy. I’ve been into hair for as long as I can remember. From watching videos to trying new styles on myself. It’s crazy that I’m doing hair professionally today because just a few years ago, I was pursuing a career in the medical field to become an athletic trainer but I knew in the end that wasn’t what I wanted to continue to do with my life. I didn’t want to make good money but hate my job because no matter how much I would’ve made, I would’ve quit sooner or later. So after three different people suggesting that I should go to a cosmetology school, I finally did where I studied at the Aveda Hair institute here in Atlanta.
I love what I do even when there are challenges I face. I started off just knowing how to care for my hair but now I can care for any texture and density of hair. Try me. I’ll get it done from the finest to the most coarse hair everybody has good hair it’s just all in the care. Every Tuesday, we have a silk press special for $55/ 15% if the trim is needed. I plan on growing and learning as long as I can. My IG handles are @emeraldobsessions and @_iamivymonae.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
No, the road hasn’t been that easy. From thinking I was going to be an athletic trainer to now being a licensed cosmetologist. My transition from a traditional setting to a more hands-on setting wasn’t too much, but in order to really benefit I had to put in the work to learn the different skills and techniques. While in school I was faced with some unfortunate events that forced me to take a month off. Everything that happened during that time just turned into motivation to keep striving for the best and to make it.. I don’t want to be famous but to know i made a difference in someone’s life would say it all. I hope my path continues to be filled with knowledge and great people along the way.
Please tell us more about your work. What do you do? What do you specialize in? What sets you apart from competition?
Emerald Obsessions is currently working under “The W on Ponce”. I am a stylist at that location we’re located right next to the Ponce City Market its a great place to hang out or get lunch after your service. We service everything from men’s cut to frontal installs. At our salon we use nothing but Aveda products, which are made from plant-based ingredients. From the shampoo and conditioner down to the color. I specialize in all-natural hair, color and micro links. I’m known for natural hair and micro links. I’m most proud of the fact that I can stand on knowing my main goal is healthy hair and growth.
I want to care for and treat your hair in whatever means it needs. And I know that I’ve been able to do that thus far. What sets me apart is that I don’t want to just do your hair. I want to help your hair. I want to see it become healthy and flourishing, I’m in not in this industry to just get the money and dip. If I can help every one of my clients, I’m some way from just having a genuine conversation to giving a damn good shampoo to even educating them on at-home care, I know I’ve done my job by making their day. I strive to set my own trends and follow those and taking the trends now and putting a twist on them.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Being true to yourself, being open to criticism and help, having loyalty and dedication to your business and knowing it’ll succeed no matter what. You have to have drive and determination to be successful. Being patient and being compassionate and understanding of others.
Pricing:
- Microlink install is $350 hair isn’t included
- Silk press with treatment is $75
- Traditional sew-in is $200
Contact Info:
- Website: https://na0.meevo.com/OnlineBookingApp/?tenantId=101243&locationId=103600
- Phone: 4044900904
- Email: emeraldobsessions@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/emeraldobsessions?igshid=18p2h4gh8mg4a
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