Conversations with LaNaya Walton

Today we’d like to introduce you to LaNaya Walton.

LaNaya, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
As a 19 years old braider in Atlanta is definitely hard. But like they say hard work pays off. When I was in highschool I attended a college and career ready school. However I was one of those kids who never knew what I wanted to do. It took me until my 12th grade year to finally realize that I was going to take cosmetology seriously. As a high-school student, I was always told I was never going to make it in life if I didn’t attend college. I decided I was going to prove everyone wrong and life out my dreams because my dreams make me happy and make me who I am. Fresh out of high school I got a job at walmart on Gresham road as a stocker. As much as I loved the job I knew it wasn’t for me. I left my job to pursue my career as a ATL hairstylist. I got into my first shop which was really dope. But everything is not always as it seems. I had to leave the shop wondering what I do next afraid to never braid in a shop ever again. so I got a job as a cashier at publix. And that was harder than ever. They wanted me to be somebody that I am not, and that was very uncomfortable for me. I kept thinking to myself, how many losses am I going to take. I was jobless just doing Instacart every now and then to stay a float. Scrolling down TikTok one day I came across the shop of my dreams. The Glam Trap! I immediately got an interview and started work the next week. since i’ve been there it’s been a dream come true. I make tons of money a week and I don’t have to deal with working a 9-5! I started my own small business @slaayedbyynay! And im on the verge on moving into my own place at 19!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely having Jobs! Struggling to keep clientele.
Struggling to keep a decent shop.
Struggle to keep posting.
struggling to not know what to do next.
Struggling to move.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a braider / Hairstylist. I specialize in my soft locs and my knotless braids. I am most proud of how far long my work has come, from sloppy to super neat. At what makes me different is the I’m one of those genuine hairstyles. in Atlanta most hairstylist will take your money. and most of them will leave you very unsatisfied. however not me I’m going to always make sure my customer is satisfied. I am also very understanding. most Atlanta hairstylist will charge you for every little thing. That’s not me.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
my favorite child hood memory was always the big family reunions. We’d cool and have big pool parties and water ballon fights! Our Parents would rent out big bouncy houses, popcorn machines, and even cotton candy machines!

Pricing:

• Small Knotless $250
• Smedium Knotless $225
• medium Knotless $200
• Large Knotless $180
• Jumbo Knotless $150

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.styleseat.com/lanayawalton
• Instagram: @slaayedbyynay / luhbit.nay
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCuMzfEZsmGG-wsRNn_D-uKQ
• Other: @luhbit.nay