Today we’d like to introduce you to Najah Aziz.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I spent sixteen years in corporate America doing a job I was not excited about. I always loved hair and beauty. My father always taught my sisters and I about keeping a journal of our life and writing your dreams down. I finally took the leap of faith and quit my job in 2005 to purse the beauty industry full-time. I attended cosmetology school part-time at night while working full-time corporate during the day. The “ah-ha moment” came when I fell asleep in my annual performance review. When I woke up, I decided from that day I would move forward with my dreams. I opened Like The River Salon in 2008 with three hairdressers and an assistant. I expanded and grew so much that I couldn’t keep up with the water temperature constantly going from hot to cold. At first, it was overwhelming and embarrassing until I realized it was actual growth. Here we are 11 years later and we have built an amazing brand – signature cuts and styling that is recognizable across the world. I now teach in the industry giving classes to my fellow industry professionals. Leap and the net will appear.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Owning your own business always comes with challenges and obstacles. I believe the biggest challenge is finding professional people that think like you and understands vision and core values of the business. There are those times where you have to terminate people. It’s never a feel good moment. I remember once attempting to fire a team member and she begins to cry, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes too. I ended up letting her stay on until she fired herself. Of course, this was in the beginning. I’m much stronger now.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Like The River Salon story. Tell us more about the business.
Like The River Salon is a full-service salon for women. We specialize in trendy short hair cuts and styles. I am a full-time hairdresser behind the chair. I am known for my cuts, styling and business acumen… I am most proud of our education brand (Beauty Beyond The Hair) where hairdressers are taught our cutting and signature styling techniques. I started teaching the Short Hair Boot Camp in 2012. It was created out of the many requests from fellow hairdressers about showing them how we do what we do. Our professionalism is second to none. Our salon is in a house that was built in 1930 in West Midtown in Atlanta. I wanted to create a home, relaxing environment where clients feel like they are getting their hair done at home. From the flowing waterfall to the signature coffee mugs, to the silk robes, clients are actual guest in our salon house. This model definitely sets us apart.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t know if I call it luck but, I believe in being your authentic self. Let your inner talent shine tastefully and naturally. If you continue to do the work that you are naturally gifted at things will come to you. I have been fortunate/lucky to work with celebrity clients and travel the world doing what I love and passionate about. In turn, this has helped my business exposure on a national level.
Contact Info:
- Address: 1512 Howell Mill Road NE Atlanta, GA 30318
- Website: www.liketheriver.com
- Phone: 404 941-7099
- Email: salon.liketheriver@gmail.com
- Instagram: @liketheriver.com
- Facebook: Like The River The Salon
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