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Community Highlights: Meet Anaiyah Barker of TheLocPharmacy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anaiyah Barker.

Hi Anaiyah, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I started my journey as a loctician after graduating from Johnson C. Smith University, fueled by a passion for natural hair and a dedication to perfecting my craft. My breakthrough came when I styled my very first NFL client, Shaq Thompson. His support and trust opened the door for me to connect with other players and teams, rapidly expanding my network. From that pivotal moment, my career took off, and I began traveling as a loctician, growing my business from Charlotte to Atlanta, Miami, Texas, New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and more —bringing expert loc care to clients across the country.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some of the challenges I’ve faced along my journey include being away from my family for long periods of time. My career as a traveling loctician demands a lot of time and commitment, which often means missing out on special moments—but through it all, my family has supported me wholeheartedly. One of the most difficult experiences I endured was being involved in a car accident that left me with a broken leg and required surgery. The recovery process was physically and mentally demanding—I had to teach myself how to walk again, learn to operate at my usual pace, and most importantly, rebuild trust in my knee. Another major challenge has been being self-employed. It pushed me to truly understand the business side of my work so I could effectively run and grow my brand on my own.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about TheLocPharmacy ?
I specialize in locs and natural hair care, and what truly sets me apart is my experience and the energy I bring to each appointment. My clients leave with more than just a service—they leave with joy, happiness, and confidence. One of the things I’m most proud of is how my clients have become walking billboards for my brand, and how I’ve built a platform where people look to me for guidance on their hair journeys. This year, I reached a major milestone by hiring my first stylist! Our services cater to all hair types and textures, and I’m excited to share that I recently released my very first coloring book for all ages—a fun and creative extension of my brand.

What does success mean to you?
Success to me is not about the money—it’s about leaving a lasting legacy. It’s about making a real impact on the lives of those around me and creating something that lives beyond the moment. I believe we have a responsibility to be the change we want to see in the world, and that change starts with us. Every step I take in my journey is rooted in purpose, growth, and inspiring others to rise with me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Surfmitchell

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