An Inspired Chat with Shayla Iyana

We recently had the chance to connect with Shayla Iyana and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Shayla , it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I am walking a path. Wandering may feel freeing, but it rarely takes you where you’re meant to go. Without direction, distractions pull you in every way. For a long time, I wandered—I knew what I wanted, but I didn’t know how to get there. The moment I created a plan, it became my map. That map gave me clarity, structure, and confidence to move forward.

Now, walking with intention has transformed not just my hair brand, but my life as a whole. Being on a path means paying attention to every choice: the people you surround yourself with, the partner you choose, even the “small” decisions you think won’t matter. They all matter. Each one shapes the outcome of your journey.

If you find yourself wandering, it’s time to pick up your map—your vision, your plan—and start walking the path toward the destination you’re called to reach.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Shayla, and I’m the founder and CEO of Shayla Iyana Hair, a luxury hair extension company I first launched in 2017. In 2022, I stepped away to focus on my personal life and moved from Baltimore, MD to Atlanta, GA. During that time, my daughter, Zori, underwent extensive brain surgery that required my full attention—thankfully, she made a full recovery that same year.

From 2022 to 2024, I spent time reflecting, resetting, and preparing for a stronger return. In October 2024, I relaunched Shayla Iyana Hair with a refreshed logo, brand colors, and elevated vision. Over the years, I’ve shipped to multiple countries and built a loyal fan base who value both the quality of my extensions and the luxury experience I provide.

Right now, I’m focused on continuing to shape the brand, expand my offerings, and build a strong team that can help me scale while staying true to my vision.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
The part of me that I’ve released is the version of myself that played small and second-guessed everything. For a long time, I knew what I wanted but let fear, doubt, and overthinking hold me back. That season served its purpose—it taught me patience, resilience, and what happens when you’re not walking in your calling. But I don’t need to carry that anymore.

Now, I’ve stepped into a place of confidence and clarity. I trust my vision, I stand firm in my brand, and I know that being myself is enough. Releasing that old version of me has allowed me to grow, not just as a businesswoman, but as a woman, mother, and leader.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Thank you. It’s because of you that we’ve made it this far. Every mistake you made became a lesson, and those lessons shaped the woman I am today. You taught me resilience, you sharpened my judgment, and you gave me the courage to keep going even when things weren’t clear.

I’d also thank you for never losing your imagination. That creativity planted the seeds for the projects I’m building now. I’m becoming exactly who you always dreamed of being—and I couldn’t have done it without you.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
The biggest lie the beauty industry tells itself is that you constantly need to switch your look. Change can be fun, but identity is power. Having a signature look creates recognition, confidence, and presence—people remember you for you, not just for the trends you follow. The industry often pushes reinvention, but the truth is, consistency and authenticity will take you further than chasing every new style.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. I give my best regardless of whether anyone praises me or not. I’ve learned to value personal gratification—the feeling of knowing I gave it everything I had. People won’t always clap for you, but you can’t live for their applause. At the end of the day, you’re the one who has to sit with your own feelings.

I wake up and put my best into everything I do. Eventually, people notice—and if they don’t, that’s fine too. What matters most is that I’m proud of my work and confident that I’m doing it well.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Shaylaiyanahair.com
• Instagram: Ricky_roshay & shaylaiyanahair