Meet Alem Hinton of Lilu Hair & Intuitive Readings by AlemDaDream in Stone Mountain

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alem Hinton.

Alem, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I’m the youngest of six which includes four older sisters and a twin brother. I was always very creative with projects and excelled in learning until around middle school when I realized we weren’t learning about real life in school. I soon began to lose interest in what was being taught and wanted to explore real-life knowledge. My grades suffered as I did the bare minimum on my quest for real-life knowledge. I guess I knew early on my life on this planet I had an important purpose, and I was determined to figure that out. I was always a lover of love and wanted to heal and bring out the best in others. My rebellious nature usually rerouted me to the unbeaten path. I have always been willing to go where my spirit lead me, but I had to learn to listen to what it was trying to tell me. I tried homeschooling, but didn’t want to have obstacles going to college, so I went to Open Campus. I was suspended for smoking weed in my car and had to ultimately leave for missing too many days. The excessive days missed from suspension would have caused me not to graduate. I left and graduated from a military school which I completed in six months to graduate with my class. I can say I’m not afraid to start over if the plan isn’t working. Lol. I had many jobs and was persistent at getting my degree in Early Childhood Education to own my own daycare. Upon receiving my Associates Degree, I began looking for a job that would pay well and allow me to have a flexible schedule to pursue my bachelor’s degree on a full time schedule. I retwisted my own locs at the time but couldn’t style them so I started going to my coworker’s niece to get styles and was so pleased that I made her my stylist. One day she told me she was looking to open a shop and needed stylists. I thought this would be perfect for a full time schedule at school, but little did I know I would fall in love with natural hair and stop at my Associate degree. I began competing in shows and creating shows with the salon. A couple of years later I went on to get my cosmetology license. Being that I wanted to be a business owner, I began to explore different sides of the industry by working in a commission salon and even owning a partnership salon. Through the ups and downs of my career, I learned that this business can be cutthroat although we were all black women and to trust myself and my intuition. The tough experiences taught me about business and cultivated my gift of intuitive reading. In 2018 I produced my first production and proved to myself that my creativity is limitless. Unfortunately, I was battling a toxic relationship at the time, but that was the very thing that got me to dig deeper within myself and I started servicing others as a mediator and Intuitive Reader. I never advertised, people (mostly my clients) just started asking me for my service. Something I used to heal myself was actually my gift for others. I became sick from mold and mildew poisoning and didn’t realize it until two years later after being rushed to the emergency for sharp pains and declined health.  I took the experience as signs from my ancestors that I was in extreme danger on all levels and needed deep healing. My brother moved me in one day, leaving most of my belongings behind and I began a deep emotional, physical, and spiritual healing. I am proud to say that more productions are in the works. I have recently begun to learn about investing and to my surprise, the cultivation of my intuition is a huge asset in this line of work. Now that I flow with my divine guidance, I understand my purpose and power. I will continue to grow so that I can help others do the same.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has been a little rocky because I didn’t understand my power and I didn’t have the proper understanding of business dealings like most young black entrepreneurs. My father owned his own roofing business but he also suffered miseducation in business and passed on what he knew. I had to learn as I go and that didn’t always work in my favor.  I thought I needed people that didn’t always have my best interest at heart. I thought I had to prove to people my worth. When I became grateful and proud of my growth, no matter how small, I no longer looked outside of myself for that pat on the back. I started to recognize my gifts and my tribe. Struggles are always going to arise but I look at them so much differently now. I pick that lesson up quickly and keep it pushing.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Lilu Hair & Intuitive Readings by AlemDaDream – what should we know?
I was born and raised in Atlanta, Grady Baby, so I feel like I give people that homegrown goodness that you get from a real native. My work is done with integrity and professionalism, providing quality and consistency that my clients can depend on. This world has always had strong opinions on natural hair, especially locs, so I take pride in helping build the self esteem of my clients. I love to make people feel good when they come see me whether it’s for hair or intuitive readings. I make sure I don’t bring any personal baggage in my workspace and they feel comfortable having healing conversations. I’m also very proud at the fact that my customers can spot other customers in the street because of my signature and creative styles. One customer told me I had never done the same style twice on her and I was in awe myself because she had been coming to me for years! Most of my clients have been with me for years and are usually referred. We are like family. You can find me doing more vending events throughout the city as well as producing more show with beautiful hairstyles and independent artists.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
Definitely my clients, I wouldn’t be here without you guys and you’ve stuck with me through my ups and downs.
Katrina, Erika, Alicia, Jocylyn, my really close friends I can talk to about my emotions and pain and don’t feel uncomfortable.
The people who I have learned from along the way, whether they were good or bad lessons, you have helped shape me.
My family for your support and most of all my twin brother Alemu who is one of my biggest cheerleaders. I know when all is lost or to be gained, you are behind me pushing me or catching me. Last but not least, my new mentors Tamica & Will and Ms Ahada. Love you all!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.lilulyfestyle.com
• Phone: 4044922547
• Email: lilulyfestyle@gmail.com
• Instagram: @alemdadream @liluhair
• Facebook: @lilulyfestyle

Image Credit:
Production photos by @brandonshotme on Instagram (Brandon Dixon)

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