Today we’d like to introduce you to Amelia Asali.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I first became interested in doing hair at the age of 12 and began by learning how to braid. By the time I was 15, I got my first job as a receptionist and shampoo assistant in a salon in downtown Atlanta. Around my 25th birthday, I experienced an eye-opening period of self-reflection that allowed me to recognize what steps I needed to take in order to turn my passion into my career. The motivation to apply to Aveda Institute transpired from my deep desire to wake up every day and create with my hands that which exemplifies what I have envisioned or been inspired by. The journey after enrolling in 2016 was filled with countless diverse and remarkable experiences that helped shape my skill set to include both new, yet supportive and old techniques. It felt as though I was exactly where I needed to be every single step of the way. While in school, I worked as an assistant to some extremely talented Balayage artists. After working with these artists, I got an opportunity to work on a television show on CW called The Originals. Given the opportunity to experience different career paths of the beauty industry, I set my sights on becoming a full-time hairstylist in film and becoming an IATSE Local 798 Union Hairstylist. While working in an upscale natural hair care salon in Sandy Springs, the opportunity I was working toward presented itself, and in September of 2018 I began working as a full-time hairstylist on a new CW show called Legacies. Fortunately the show was renewed for a second season and I’m currently working on set for Season 2. On weekends, I am with my beautiful family at Elevate Salon & Spa in Buckhead.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
The road hasn’t been easy but by God’s grace, it’s always felt like I was right where I needed to be. I’ve been blessed to have a strong circle of family and people that have kept me inspired and helped me navigate making my dreams a reality. One of my biggest struggles, even now, has been saying ‘no’. I have overextended myself in the past because I don’t wake up and go to set or the salon begrudgingly. I love my clients as much as I love coming to the studio every day, but as I continue this journey I am learning that resting, taking care of my body, and spending time with the people I love pours back into my cup which allows me to be able to pour into others. Another struggle that I know most stylists go through after cosmetology school was the lack of income. There were so many days I felt like my paycheck didn’t reflect how hard I was working. There were too many times I worked for the experience or networking, not a check. To anyone that has been there or is there right now; the money comes. I believe the work I put in made me that much more deserving and grateful when the money did come.
Please tell us about Elevate Salon & Spa.
I work at Elevate Salon & Spa which is an Aveda salon with three talented stylists. We all each have a wide range of talents in the beauty industry. I specialize in micro-links, natural haircare, silk press, bridal styles, and braids. On the set of Legacies, I work with the cast and background talent in the hair department on set. I offer hair, henna, and makeup services at Elevate. I believe there are several things about my services that set me apart. It’s most important to me that my guests feel welcomed and pampered. I am always taking classes on new and old trends/techniques. In both worlds, my goal is to make whoever sits in my chair see the beauty in themselves that I see.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Hmmm, that’s tricky. I love every peak and pit of my journey so that’s hard to say. I guess I would have changed the way I approached my career after graduating and becoming a licensed master cosmetologist. For some reason or other, I chose to put off taking the classes I really wanted to take and setting up photoshoots to continue creating as an artist. I was intimidated by how saturated the industry is. I would’ve challenged myself more and focused on investing in craft.
Pricing:
- Silk Press, Hydration, & Trim $105
- Men’s Braids starting at $50
- Henna Tattoo Designs starting at $25
- For ALL Braids, Please Text For Consultation
Contact Info:
- Address: 658 Lindbergh Dr NE
Atlanta, GA 30324 (Located Inside of Overture) - Website: elevateatoverture.com
- Phone: 4047891698
- Email: info@elevatebeauty.net
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amelianaireshair/
- Facebook: fb.me/amelianaireshair
Image Credit:
Michelle Wood @ellewoodphoto
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