Meet Trailblazer Alicia Igess

Today we’d like to introduce you to Alicia Igess.

Alicia, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I moved to the city of Atlanta, Georgia to start my career as a hairstylist, and I became homeless in the process. No, seriously, I lost all I had in a fire. No clients, no comb; I had nothing but my car. I did not come to the city with a built in clientele. Instead, I had to build a business and a home at the same time…from scratch. With God’s divine guidance, grace, and provision afforded me more success than I could have asked for or imagined. He can and is willing to do the same for you.

Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road at all!

It is almost unbelievable to reflect on how I went from being a 22-year-old from Memphis, Tennessee, with nothing, to owning a thriving hair salon in Buckhead (Atlanta, Georgia).

I love the beauty industry, and there are far too many talented stylists struggling to build a lucrative business. I literally get questions all the time by stylists, salon owners, aspiring stylists and students on how I did it. How did I make this business work for me? If I can encourage one person to stay on track and follow her passion, I will have done my part, so do not give up.

I was born in the projects of Memphis, Tennessee. My mom was on public assistance my entire life. For some reason, God gave me the talent of doing hair. From the time I was three years old, I was playing in hair (my dolls, your dolls, my head, your head, whoever would allow me to practice). At the time, of course, I did not know I was practicing. I could sit around a salon all day long.

I literally started doing hair when I was 11 years old. I was finger waving for five dollars, and if you wanted it dried and lifted, I charged seven. Even at this point, I did not know I was practicing. All throughout junior high and high school, I had the opportunity to make money by doing hair. I meet people all the time that say, “I bet you knew the whole time you would do hair.” I did not. It just so happens that I never stopped doing it.

I went on to college after high school, and I did hair in college. After I graduated from college, I finally decided to go to cosmetology school. That was the hardest thing in my life. I had a hard time because I thought I knew everything. But many of us know that God’s Word is true when it states that “pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall” Proverbs 16:18 (NIV). Once I changed my mindset, I was able to learn more of what was offered. I am so glad I listened.

We’d love to hear more about Urban Tangles.
I focus on makeovers. I color really well. I was voted Best Colorist in Modern Luxury Jezebel Magazine in 2017 and 2018. I cut really well. I can add hair extensions and they will be undetectable. I was voted Best for Hair Extensions in the same magazine in 2014. I am a makeup artist. I like to do the total package. I am most proud of the women I get to service. I have some awesome clients. What sets me apart is I continue to get educated on new trends. Most people stay in a box and get comfortable doing the same things.

So much of the media coverage is focused on the challenges facing women today, but what about the opportunities? Do you feel there are any opportunities that women are particularly well positioned for?
The opportunities for women are unlimited! We as black women are still making titles with “first” in it. The first to do this or that so the opportunities are unlimited, especially, since by the time we get recognized for something we are obviously the best.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.vagaro.com/aliciaigess
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/aliciaigess
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/aliciaigess
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/aliciaigess

Image Credit:
Chelsea Patricia Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.