Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlena Williams.
Hi Marlena, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
First and foremost, I give all glory to my Creator for blessing me with life and guiding me on this incredible journey.
My name is Marlena O. Williams, and I am a Master Cosmetologist with a deep passion for beauty, health, fitness, and life itself. My love for creativity began at a young age. Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, I am a true Southern belle, though I can’t claim the title of “Grady Baby.” Nonetheless, I take pride in being a homegrown Georgia peach.
I grew up in a two-parent household for a time, but when my father was no longer able to come home, reality hit me hard. At just seven or eight years old, I realized that I had to learn how to take care of myself. Life became real, and that early experience shaped my independence and resilience.
Throughout my life, I was always drawn to beauty, fashion, dance, and the camera. I found joy in expressing myself creatively, and that passion naturally led me to where I am today. My spirituality and faith in my Creator played a major role in keeping me grounded and focused.
In high school, I completed my courses early and was given the option to choose between dental, nursing, or cosmetology. Without hesitation, I chose cosmetology—a hidden passion that had always been a part of me. While balancing my time between running track and styling hair, I discovered that being creative was my true calling.
However, my journey was not without challenges. Growing up, I lacked proper guidance in many areas, which meant I had to teach myself valuable life lessons. But that’s the beauty of life—it molds us through experiences.
My go-to hairstyles have always been ponytails and braids. I loved creating something out of nothing, and braiding hair became more than just a skill—it was a way for me to support myself through sports and life. I found inspiration in platforms like Pinterest and WeHeartIt, cutting out magazine clippings related to beauty, health, and fashion, and creating vision boards that fueled my creativity.
One of my favorite movies was Barbershop, Whale Rider , and Prince of Egypt particularly the scenes with Queen Latifah, where she played the determined hairstylist working her way up. I saw myself in her journey. Like her, I started from scratch and built my career through hard work, dedication, and perseverance.
My path was far from easy. I struggled to keep traditional jobs, and after being rejected three times before being accepted into the beauty industry, I knew I was destined to never give up on my dreams.
On March 31st, my journey truly began when I enrolled at Empire Beauty School in Morrow, Georgia. Just when I thought I was on my way, life threw more challenges my way. I lost everything—my car, my home, and I found myself sleeping on couches, moving from house to house. The journey was not a breeze, as I had once naively thought. Those 10 months of beauty school were the most intense and transformative period of my life.
But I never gave up. I kept my faith, pushed through every obstacle, and stayed committed to my vision.
Today, I stand grateful and proud as I step into my new life as a professional hairstylist. My mission is to bring back the true professional experience in the beauty industry and to inspire others to follow their dreams—no matter the obstacles.
Nothing and no one can stop you from achieving your goals—not even yourself.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I faced on my journey was understanding the realities of being a professional hairstylist—the highs, the lows, and everything in between. It took time to learn how to attract the right clientele, manage slow seasons, and navigate the business side of the industry.
Another major challenge was dealing with salon owners who lacked knowledge of the beauty industry. Many viewed hairstylists purely as a means to generate profit, without fully understanding the dedication, skill, and financial realities that come with the profession. The beauty industry isn’t just about making money—it’s about artistry, passion, and building lasting relationships with clients.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in color, natural hair, weaves, and lash extensions.
• Color: I have always been a color lover—mixing and creating new shades is an exciting, creative process that brings hair to life. The transformation color can provide is truly magical, and I love delivering that surprise element to my clients.
• Natural Hair: I am passionate about embracing and enhancing natural hair. The versatility of our hair is something I’ve always admired, and I enjoy working with different textures to create beautiful, healthy styles.
• Weaves & Extensions: I’ve always been a sew-in girl! I love the convenience of extensions, especially for an active lifestyle. They allow me—and my clients—to work out and go about daily life without constantly worrying about hair maintenance.
My inspiration comes from many places, including Pinterest, beauty shows, industry events, and social media platforms like Instagram. These platforms allow me to stay up to date with the latest trends, connect with other beauty professionals, and continue growing in my craft.
Through all the challenges, my love for the beauty industry remains strong. I am committed to elevating the hairstyling experience while inspiring others to pursue their passions—no matter what obstacles stand in their way.
But let me be honest—this industry is not for the weak. Many dream of becoming a hairstylist, but few truly understand the sacrifices, patience, and resilience it takes to succeed. If you’re not willing to put in the work, adapt to change, and stay consistent, this career will test you in ways you never imagined.
So here’s my advice: Know your worth. Don’t let anyone undervalue your skills, time, or creativity. If you’re stepping into this industry, do it with purpose, strength, and a clear vision of the future you want to create.
This industry will test your patience, creativity, and determination. There will be days when you want to quit, when the slow seasons feel never-ending, and when people try to take advantage of your hard work. But if this is truly your passion, never let anyone or anything stop you.
Stay hungry. Stay humble. Keep pushing. Because once you make it through the struggles, the success is even sweeter.
Pricing:
- Base color /Root re-touch/highlights
- Sew-in
- Silk Press /Natural Hair
- Lashes
- Ponytails
Contact Info:
- Website: https://marlenahov.as.me/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lenathebeautyfairy?igsh=b2JtaXk5d2d6b3l1&utm_source=qr
