Today we’d like to introduce you to Dr. Acia Williams.
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?
A NEW IMAGE BY ACIA LLC & HAIR LOSS REJUVENATION CLINIC is a black-woman owned based business that’s not your typical salon. Being a black woman and small business owner has shaped my life in so many ways. Young teen mom at 17, three children by 24 building a career over 25 years despite the odds has shown me I have the strength to keep going and achieving even more. I am unstoppable. I am determined. I am strong.
Dr. Acia Williams has been in the hair industry for over 25 years. She has been a Master Educator since 2003 preparing future cosmetologists and barber stylists to successfully obtain required credits in theory study and practical service for the State Board Examination. She is the CEO-OWNER of A New Image by Acia, Hair Loss Rejuvenation Clinic ©, and The Image and Grooming Professionals Institute. She served on The DC State Board of Cosmetology & Barbering as a State Board Examiner (Proctor) for three years. Her inspiration for versatile styling comes from her creative gift in the Vocal Arts. She attended Duke Ellington School of Performing Arts in Washington, DC studying Vocal Classical Music. This experience enhanced her attention to detail work with an experienced eye. She studied cosmetology at Bennett Career Institute and obtained Cosmetology, Instructor, and Barbering Certifications. She is Certified as a Non-Surgical Hair Loss Practitioner for over 8 years providing services in SMP, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection services, and Permanent Eyebrow services. She is a Certified Pravana Color Specialist and acquired useful techniques from attending Paul Mitchell, Clairol, and Farouke classes. She attended the Institute of Cosmetology (IOC), where she has obtained her Bachelor’s degree, Master’s I & II Degree, Doctorate Degree, and Post Doctorate Degree in the Professional Science and Art of Cosmetology.
Dr. Acia Williams is a Native Washingtonian. She is the Hair Image Consultant in Washington D.C… Chief Executive Operator-Owner of two established and growing businesses and one new growing business A New Image by Acia Salon & The Hair Loss (Alopecia) Rejuvenation Clinic I launched as a brick and mortar four months before the c-19 shutdown. I’ve worked as a licensed Instructor since 2003, now having registered my own school, The Image & Grooming Professionals Institute. What do these three businesses have in common, HAIR CARE? The reason I’m able to do all of this is because of my 25 years of education, certifications, and experiences I AM considered an expert; that’s why I’m the GO TO Professional.
Over 25 years ago, I never would have thought this was going to happen in the way that it did. But, in the early years of becoming a hair professional, my clientele were mainly mid-aged (30’s & up) career women that suffered severely with Alopecia which is the medical term for baldness. Just leaving a beauty Institute from the study of hair and getting licensed. The only thing our books trained us on was the growing phases and if they had further issues to send them to a dermatologist. While I followed all of those instructions, my clients weren’t getting the scalp care they needed medically. All cases weren’t alopecia; it could’ve been seborrheic dermatitis, etc… Everyone just continued to come back with the same instructions and topical scalp care, THAT DID NOT WORK! Then I began to take my studies, degrees, and certifications further, and I am here today expecting to lead and successfully care and treat all types of hair and scalp disorders.
I have now become certified to administer the FDA-approved PRP hair growth injections. This medication has been proven to get great results within a 3–9-month period if the patient successfully follows the program. Platelets Rich Plasma is taking the beauty industry by storm in skin care. As I have a Nurse Practitioner on board as my medical advisor. I have been making further enhancements to HLRC and more is needed to do as we are growing in this area. As we look to get 12 patients in the next 30 days to continue to show the success stories that Alopecia can be revised.
As I know the hardship for many businesses during the shutdown, I am so grateful to be able to have my doors open while I have lacked receiving enough capital to recover and used a lot to stay open while still excelling.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely, this journey hasn’t been smooth. I’ve spent many years in training and further education. Especially since becoming a brick-and-mortar four months prior to knowing we are all about to be shut down because of c-19, WOW! Honestly, I still struggle. It was a hardship for many businesses during the shutdown, I am so grateful to be able to have my doors open while I have lacked receiving enough capital, enough business to recover, and used a lot of funding to stay open while still excelling. My new product service, and equipment are getting costly and becoming a financial hardship on me personally. Whatever can be added in capital for me to further grow and help those that come to a facility for our hair strengthening programs from experience, training, and study will help.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Having a dual business in hair isn’t the normal. My expertise in being a Non-Surgical Hair Loss Practitioner treating those that suffer from scalp disorders, hair thinning, and severe cases of Alopecia always separates me from just being a Hairstylist. I am most proud of me owning and operating three businesses all at one time, watching them expand right before my eyes; even though it’s still a little rough, I see the end. Especially my soon-to-launch hair care line that I am in formulation with a chemist. In the meantime, I have one proprietary formula oil base, “The Follicle Buster” that has many success stories. Now adding PRP Hair Growth Scalp Injections really topped it off for me.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Ministry, I have a heart for Jesus… I know He has guided me through this path, and as I go further in Instructing and training, Image & Grooming, I will be touching the lives of His people. I am looking to start an etiquette group for youth (boys and girls) and women/men. Basic but advanced Life Skills, building them up and helping to sharpen what’s already inside of them.
Pricing:
- $80 & up on hairstyle services
- $250 $ up on weave style services
- $175 & up on hair loss consultation
- $800 & up on PRP services
- $1500 & up on SMP services
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DrAciaWilliams.com
- Instagram: @DrAciaWilliams
- Facebook: A NEW IMAGE BY ACIA & HAIR LOSS REJUVENATION CLINIC
- Linkedin: @DrAciaWilliams
- Twitter: @Anewimgbyacia
- Youtube: @DrAciaWilliams
- Yelp: A New Image by Acia & Hair Loss Rejuvenation Clinic
Image Credits
Octobermooningbrand and Leila Antakly
