Today we’d like to introduce you to Ariel Howard.
Ariel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Where do I start? Well, as a child, I’ve always had a passion for hair! I remember as a little girl, my older sister used to put my hair into ponytails and I would always change or add my touch to them because I didn’t like them. At the age of nine, I begged her to teach me how to braid. Once I mastered that, it was a wrap! I began braiding every Barbie and doll head I had. At the age of 14, I began doing all of my friends & younger cousin’s hair. I remember I was the queen of baby hairs & “sleek” ponytails. I eventually moved to Atlanta at 16 and my love for hair expanded. In high school, I did my senior project on my future career goals on Cosmetology and I put my all into it because it was truly a topic I felt passionate about. Of course, I got an A+. After graduating high school, I must admit, I was discouraged so I went into the medical field & collections. While working a 9-5, after a long day, I would still take clients and I didn’t have a problem with it because it didn’t fill like work to me! I did that for two years and I knew it was time for a change! So, that’s when I started to move forward with my passion and dreams and I created my baby, Styles By Ari Denisea and with GOD and my strong support system it made all my dreams and aspirations come true.
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?
I’m not going to lie, being that I’m a mother of twins, it has been a challenge. I was stuck in between having a stable job with benefits or being my own boss. Well, I decided to step out on faith and I must say it was the best decision I made in life. I enrolled in the Cosmetology program at Empire Dunwoody School. While attending school, it wasn’t really a struggle financially because I believe I made the proper preparations leading up to my first day of class! Also, I had a strong support system. I must say I did struggle with doing things “the correct way.” I self-taught myself a lot of things so it was a challenge dropping my “old habits” and doing things in a more “professional” or “proper way.”
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Styles by Ari Denisea LLC currently offers hair enhancements such as Traditional, Closure and Frontal installations. We also make custom units and sell Virgin Brazilian bundles. We specialize in extensions but our client’s natural hair is our first priority. We promote healthy hair while wearing extensions. We’re most proud of our Closure install technique we don’t use any glue or tape, we only use thread! It’s nice, neat and flat! Most importantly, it’s a great protective style. I think what sets me apart from other stylists is that I don’t let my clients walk away from my chair unless they’re completely satisfied. I don’t care if I have to redo it a million times until I get it to the customer’s liking, I will, at the end of the day, it has my name, my brand on it!
What were you like growing up?
I was born in Chicago, IL then moved to Omaha, NE. My family stayed there for a few years, then we relocated back to Chicago. At the age of 16, I moved to Atlanta, GA. No matter where I moved to, I was an honor roll student throughout grade, middle & high school. My favorite subject was Art. I also took other electives that I felt was a way to express my creativity. I was always one who got along with others and had many friends. I could sit and talk to a complete stranger for hours. Which made me more comfortable in making the decision to own my own business because I am a great people person.
Pricing:
- Lace Frontal install -$200.00
- Lace Closure install -$150.00
- Traditional install -$110.00
- Quick weave -$60.00
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.styleseat.com/arielhoward
- Phone: 404-201-8991
- Email: stylesbyari.denisea@gmail.com
- Instagram: @ari_denisea
- Facebook: Ari Howard
Image Credit:
Photographer @usfjrain
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