Rising Stars: Meet Ayana Turner

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ayana Turner.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started my career off offended and feeling like I had something to prove. I could’ve gotten licensed my senior year in High School, but I was ignorant to the spiritual warfare at battle on the inside of me. As a result of my attitude, I was added to the Do Not Return List and had to start completely over. In 2014, I completed the Cosmetology program at Columbus Technical College in Columbus, Georgia. This was back when I was rocking my relaxer, jet black semi color, and a few glued in hair extensions! A few months later, I chopped my relaxer off to embrace my own uniqueness. My cosmetology instructor noticed my passion with Hair Color and recommended me to a salon specializing in color and blowouts. From there my career took off fast; I was hungry and unapologetic! Over the years, I had a hard time finding the right salon home that offered the guidance I desired and an even harder time with communication my needs. The quality of my work ethics has always been in excellence, but spirits of fear, anxiety, and rejection sometimes held me back. Eventually, I removed myself from the beauty industry because I was burned out. That was apart of God’s plan to strengthen and to build me up! Once, I became a mother my purpose started to reveal itself and my visions and dreams became clearer. I had been stagnant due to my past, but I serve a God who preserves and restores. I’ve been licensed for seven years and today I embrace my worth and I’m expanding in all areas in my life. There are so many opportunities that have been presenting themselves to me, but it’s God’s vision and purpose that has kept me focused. I believe that I am the Moses in my family, because I am breaking generational chains off of my bloodline!

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?

No, it hasn’t always been a smooth road. I grew up struggling with rejection because my parents didn’t raise me. My grandma stepped in to raised me and my older brother. For most of my life, I felt like I wasn’t good enough. Each day, I am intentionally choosing to heal and forgive.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a Licensed Cosmetologist and Service Based Business Owner in Columbus, Georgia. I help Elevate Confidence and Beauty in women with Tight Kinky Hair, so that she can embrace her uniqueness. I specialize in Hair Color, Blowouts, Natural Styles and Healthy Hair Maintenance Education. What sets me apart from others is that each appointment with me is comparable to a Spa Salon Boutique because of the Peaceful Atmosphere, Angelic Music, Empowering Conversations, and Personal One on One Time. You not only leave looking more Polished, but your Spirit Renewed.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was very animated and a class clown, but in actuality I was very shy and reserved. I didn’t know how to deal with the weight of the toxic generational curses within our community, so laughing and being silly was my escape. I also had a lot of wisdom and a matured spirit.

Pricing:

• $50 per hour for basic shampoo and style services
• $80 and hour per color service

Contact Info:

• Email: Ayanacmartin29@gmail.com
• Website: https://square.site/book/KR5TTP343VYJY/ayana-c-turner-columbus-ga
• Instagram: @ayanac.turner
• Facebook: Ayana Turner
• Youtube: Ayana C. Turner

Image Credits
Photos: Auburn Randolph Makeup: Nichele Hardge